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Prime Video’s On Call is the latest addition to Wolf Entrainment’s long list of police procedural dramas, which includes shows like FBI: International, Chicago PD, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
However, there is a unique trait in the Prime Video series that sets it apart from other shows in the genre. Unlike conventional shows, On Call uses bodycam footage in several scenes, which gives it a realistic and authentic feel, and makes the audience a part of the officers’ high-stakes missions.
The series focuses on two patrolling officers of the Long Beach Police Department: training officer Traci Harmon and rookie Alex Diaz, who team up to respond to emergency calls and immediately report to crime scenes.
On Call’s body cam footage sets it apart from other procedural dramas
As explained by Prime Video in its official synopsis, On Call is ‘shot with a mixture of hand-held cameras, bodycam, and dash-cam footage to create a cinema verité effect.’ Cinema verité is a filming style that translates to ‘true cinema.’
Its goal is to make the narrative as realistic and natural as possible, which gives the audience a rich experience. On Call uses this technique to pull viewers into the high-octane and unpredictable world of on-duty officers.
The bodycam footage, mostly from officers Traci Harmon and Alex Diaz, gives the audience a first-person view of the action. Instead of showing the crime scene after the crime has taken place, the show takes the audience right into the moment along with the officers.
For example, when Alex searches an abandoned house for a suspect, the bodycam footage makes the watcher feel like they are right there with him. This creates tension and makes the viewers wonder how they would react in the same situation.
This filmmaking style mimics a first-person video game, where players see things from the main character’s eyes. Using bodycam footage also makes the show feel raw and real. The shaking camera and awkward angles capture the chaos of police work.
The shift further adds to the drama when the show switches between regular shots and bodycam views. However, some viewers can also find the sudden switches or motions hard to follow, which is the only drawback of using bodycam footage.
At the same time, being a streaming show, On Call can explore mature themes unsuitable for TV network dramas. From domestic arguments to violent crimes, the show does not hold back from using bodycam footage to show intense moments up close.
What is On Call About?
The series takes place in Long Beach, California, where Traci Harmon and Alex Diaz are on duty to patrol the streets and respond to the citizens in need. Traci is a veteran officer who deals with an internal struggle as she is not able to figure out her place in the team.
On the other hand, Alex is a newly recruited officer who has an optimistic approach toward life. However, even he had not thought how demanding and challenging his job would be. As the two go about their daily duties, they also have to deal with the death of a fellow officer.
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On Call stars Troian Bellisario as Traci Harmon and Brandon Larracuente as Alex Diaz, along with Rich Ting as Detective Sergeant Tyson Koyama, Lori Loughlin as Lieutenant Bishop, Monica Raymund as Officer Maria Delgado, and Eriq LaSalle as Sergeant Lasman.
All eight episodes of On Call premiered on Prime Video on January 9, 2025.
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