SUNDRE — While the final cut of Pipe Nation was done late this summer, the pilot episode’s post production finishing touches were only just recently completed.
Edmonton-based director and filmmaker Raoul Bhatt announced that the 52-minute pilot has been completed and is ready for viewing.
But it might yet be a little while before the public gets a chance to grab some soda and popcorn to watch the show.
“As I start to accumulate feedback and direction on the steps for public viewing, I’ll let you know,” he wrote in a public statement issued recently. “Right now, I want to make sure there are no issues with the first-right-of-release for whichever network we land on.”
With the episode now completely finished — meaning all of the post production and editing work such as visual and sound effects are wrapped up — Bhatt said he has begun submitting the final product to a number of networks, including the CBC and Netflix Canada.
“The sales process is a journey into the unknown,” he said. “Our goal is to get us a deal because that’ll mean sustainable production and income for our art.”
The fictional tale about the trials and tribulations faced by an oil and gas community called Hardwell — portrayed by Sundre — was largely shot in the area and involved many local extras following a casting call in July 2020 that drew out an enthusiastic crowd numbering in the hundreds.
Calling the pilot’s completion a major milestone that was achieved despite the hurdles and delays caused by COVID-19, Bhatt praised the dedication and commitment of his team and expressed gratitude for people’s support and patience throughout the process.