In the finale of HBO’s Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Buffalo Bills, producer Pat Harris shares exclusive insights on the season’s highlights and challenges.
‘Hard Knocks’ Finale: Insights from Producer Pat Harris
HBO‘s Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Buffalo Bills airs its finale Tuesday as the NFL team continues its quest toward a first-ever Super Bowl championship.
Spotlighting the Buffalo Bills
The sports documentary series’ 25th season featured the Bills for the first time, offering viewers a closer look at the league’s reigning MVP Josh Allen, coach Sean McDermott, and standout players like Dion Dawkins and James Cook. The NFL season kicks off Thursday.
Producer’s Dream Wedding Coverage
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Pat Harris, producer and lead director of Hard Knocks and a lifelong Bills fan from Rochester, New York, discussed his unrealized dream of filming at Allen and Hailee Steinfeld‘s recent wedding. He also explained how the team selects which players to spotlight.
Painful Cuts and Unfulfilled Dreams
Were there any Bills cuts this season that were the most painful for you to see?
Cut day is always a challenge, especially when it involves players we’ve built personal relationships with. Players like Zach Davidson, Casey Rodgers, and K.J. Hamler were tough to see go, but we hope they find new teams soon.
Filming at Josh’s Wedding: A Pipe Dream
Was there any chance of filming at Josh’s wedding?
No, it was a pipe dream. We’ve tried with other players but never had any luck. I would have loved to cover it, but I understand why it didn’t happen.
Musical Connections: The Killers’ Missed Opportunity
Was there talk of the Killers making an appearance this season?
We tried. They were in Rochester, but due to their schedule, they couldn’t make it work. We were hopeful, knowing the iconic connection within the NFL.
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Fan Reactions: “Mr. Brightside” vs. “Shout”
Was there a licensing reason why “Shout” wasn’t included?
It wasn’t intentional. As a lifelong Bills fan, I was aware of the significance of “Shout.” Licensing issues made it difficult to clear, especially since it’s an older song.
Spotlighting Players: A Balancing Act
Is it tricky to know when to spotlight a certain player?
Yes, it’s one of the hardest parts of the job. Predicting which players will shine is nearly impossible, and we often adjust on the fly based on their performance and personalities.
Future Aspirations: More Teams, More Stories
Which team would you love to spotlight in a future season?
If there was still a team training in Napa, I’d say them! I enjoy going with the flow and look forward to new experiences with different teams.
