Elliot Wolf & Tim Walsh Discuss Exciting Crossovers for the Dick Wolf Universe

Exploring the Dynamic Duo Behind On Call

Elliot Wolf and Tim Walsh have joined forces to create the intriguing new series On Call, marking a significant milestone in Wolf’s career. For the first time, he takes the helm of a live-action show, previously having focused solely on serialized podcasts. The world of crime dramas is woven into his family fabric; his father, Dick Wolf, renowned for spearheading iconic series such as Law & Order and the Chicago franchise, serves as an executive producer on this project. Tim Walsh brings his valuable expertise from his time producing Chicago P.D., contributing to 69 episodes from 2014 to 2017.

On Call: A Fresh Take on Crime Drama

The series embodies the essence of classic Dick Wolf narratives while striving to establish its unique identity. Set in Long Beach, California, On Call follows Officer Harmon (played by Troian Bellisario), a seasoned cop facing the realities of law enforcement, as she partners with rookie officer Diaz (Brandon Larracuente) to navigate the complexities of patrolling the city.

Behind the Scenes with Wolf and Walsh

In anticipation of the series premiere on Prime Video, ScreenRant had an in-depth conversation with both Wolf and Walsh. They discussed the profound influence of Dick Wolf on their project, how they sought to distinguish On Call from Chicago P.D., and the exciting potential for crossovers within the expansive Dick Wolf universe.

A Family Affair

ScreenRant: Elliot, stepping into the family business with your father as executive producer must be an incredible experience. How would you describe the dynamic and creative freedom you had while working together?

Elliot Wolf: All of the above, if that’s an answer. It was a remarkable experience with substantial creative freedom. We’ve collaborated before, but this was truly special. My father’s insights provided guidance without overshadowing our vision, allowing us to fully realize our creative ambitions.

Innovative Storytelling and Cinematic Ambitions

Breaking New Ground

Cinematic visuals from On Call — Custom Image by Ana Nieves

Tim, with your background in Chicago P.D., how did that shape your approach for On Call?

Tim Walsh: My time on P.D. taught me the art of writing under pressure. Those earlier experiences felt like stepping into professional theatre, but P.D. was an exhilarating leap into the industry. Each network show works like a machine; you must think and write quickly. For On Call, I aimed to do everything differently. If any old methods came up in discussions, I vetoed them. We aimed for a distinct style, favoring long takes and steady camera work right from the start.

Elliot Wolf: Absolutely, our goal was to diverge significantly from the conventional TV narrative, evident in our visual storytelling, character development, and the overall dynamics.

Tim Walsh: We sought to create something fresh and distinctive. While P.D. is a fantastic series, we envisioned On Call as more akin to an eight-part cinematic journey.

Future Crossover Potential with the Dick Wolf Universe

Ideas in Development

With such a vast Dick Wolf universe, are there plans for crossover episodes, or is On Call designed to stand alone?

Elliot Wolf: Only time will reveal that. Nothing is set in stone.

Tim Walsh: We’re actively brainstorming crossover ideas.

About On Call

On Call is a captivating half-hour drama from Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, spotlighting a rookie and a seasoned officer who face the challenges of patrolling the streets of Long Beach, California. Using a blend of body cameras, dash cams, and mobile footage, the series adopts a cinema verité style that delves into the ethical complexities of community policing.

Watch the trailer here