Quite the journey: 'On Call' explores the morality of protecting and serving a community

It takes time for a project to come to fruition.

For executive producers Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, five years has passed since the seed for the TV series “On Call” was planted.

While it’s taken some time, it’s been quite the journey.

Quite the journey: 'On Call' explores the morality of protecting and serving a community

“At times, it felt very long,” said Wolf. “Now, seeing the key art at the trailer out in the world, it feels like everything has happened in the blink of an eye.”

“On Call” premiered on Prime Video on Jan. 9, and all of its episodes are currently available to stream.

The eight-episode series is a police drama that follows a rookie and veteran officer duo as they go on patrol in Long Beach, California.

Walsh and Wolf say the series is shot with a mixture of hand-held cameras, bodycam and dash-cam footage to create a cinéma vérité effect — as the series explores the morality of protecting and serving a community.

The series stars Troian Bellisario as hard-charging but protective veteran officer Traci Harmon, who struggles to find her place in the department while training the next generation of officers.

Brandon Larracuente stars as Alex Diaz, an ambitious rookie who grapples with holding onto his optimistic outlook as he realizes the challenges he’ll face in today’s climate.

Additional cast includes Lori Loughlin as Lieutenant Bishop, Rich Ting as Tyson Koyama and Eriq La Salle as Sergeant Lasman, who also serves as an executive producer on the series and directed multiple episodes. Walsh said over the course of production, there were many obstacles.

“Quite honestly, we kept continuously telling ourselves that we need to push it further and further and not play it safe,” Walsh said. “We didn’t know if we’re going to get another opportunity to do this. Writing for TV is a privilege. The biggest obstacle for us was getting out of our comfort zones and trying to make something special.”

Walsh and Wolf put years of work into “On Call.” When it came time to cast for the series, they were overwhelmed with the response from actors wanting to be a part of the series.

“As you can imagine, it was incredibly exciting,” Walsh said. “I don’t think Elliot or I take anything for granted. What we’re doing in this business and the fact that people wanted to be in the show was an honor. We lucked out. With Brandon and Troian, they are absolutely lightning in a bottle. We’re just so fortunate to land them.”

Wolf said it was an exhaustive casting process, but once Bellisario and Larracuente sat down together, it was immediately apparent.

“I looked at Tim on the first day, once we got some dailies, and said, ‘It feels like season two for these guys,’” Wolf said. “The two of them together, there’s so much chemistry. The best part is that they are also great leaders on set. I think that you see that across the entire ensemble.”

Wolf is looking forward to the world seeing it and connecting with the characters and their stories.

“We’re not trying to convey any one message,” Wolf said. “If anything, our fondest hope is that folks can watch this show and then have a conversation with different points of view about the same scenario or situation. It’s great if we’re able to spark conversation.”