Death, rebirth, healing, and retribution: the final episode of the Blackstone series had all the makings of a brilliant finale. It challenged us, it shocked us, it made us feel things. It also left us wanting more. But with the series taking its final bow after a successful 5-season run, Blackstone fans will be feeling the void. Here’s a deeper look at the Blackstone series with Creator, Director and Executive Producer, Ron E. Scott:
HOW DID BLACKSTONE COME TO LIFE?
Originally Gil Cardinal brought me a script for a 2-hour movie of the week. Eight drafts later, the project had morphed into the pilot of Blackstone. Gil then moved on to other projects, so I was able to take it and really make it my own and into something that could live in the television world as a dramatic series.
WHAT WAS THE WRITING PROCESS FOR BLACKSTONE?
The storylines were all ‘ripped from the headlines’, so the writing process started there – scouring the news for current events and relevant, up-to-date issues facing First Nations communities. Then it was a matter of figuring out how to integrate those issues into our story world.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
There’s nothing better than having people come up to me and say, “this show helped me heal,” or “I identify with that character.” I was also told that the subject matter on Blackstone influenced one community to change their bylaws. That is what Blackstone was intended to do, so when I get feedback like that, the show has been successful in my eyes.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SAYING GOODBYE TO BLACKSTONE?
It’s been a dream to work with APTN to write, produce and direct this series. I’m so proud of where the show has gone, and of the cast and crew. It’s very hard to say goodbye to a show that has had such an impact on the community.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We have a few really exciting projects in development at Prairie Dog Film + Television that will really resonate with Blackstone fans. Like Blackstone, the shows are designed to be engaging and entertaining, while also challenging the viewer with some hard questions and stark realities.
