Shannon Furman, a veteran director and supervising producer at NFL Films, recently shared insights from her experience filming the latest season of Hard Knocks: In Season, which focused on the NFC East. The season concluded with disappointment as the Philadelphia Eagles, who had previously celebrated a Super Bowl victory, were eliminated from playoff contention by the San Francisco 49ers.
Furman has been a part of the HBO documentary series for nearly two decades, progressing from a segment producer to her current role. In addressing the initial concept for the current season, she noted that the goal was to showcase a division that typically features playoff contenders. “The hope is to get a team in the playoffs every year,” she stated, while acknowledging that this season, only one of the four NFC East teams made it.
Reflecting on the Eagles” journey, Furman expressed her team”s disappointment over the early playoff exit, stating that they were “kind of bummed” to see their team lose. Yet, she highlighted the excitement of documenting the Eagles” division title win after a long-awaited Super Bowl victory. “It was a dream project for us,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of their local ties as fans of the team.
As the filming season wrapped up, Furman mentioned that planning for future seasons of Hard Knocks: In Season is typically initiated around the time of the NFL owner”s meetings in March. She humorously noted that decisions about which teams to cover “happen way above my pay grade,” indicating her eagerness to work with her favorite teams in the future.
In her role, Furman directed the Eagles while ensuring that other teams received adequate representation. “The Eagles might”ve gotten more screen time in certain weeks, but we want to tell the stories of all players,” she explained. Communication among the production team was crucial to maintaining balance and efficiency throughout the season.
One unexpected highlight for Furman was the portrayal of Brian Schottenheimer from the Cowboys. She noted that fans initially questioned his hiring, but the show helped to showcase his character, ultimately generating excitement among the Cowboys” fanbase.
Building relationships of trust with players and coaches is essential for capturing authentic moments on camera. Furman described her approach as being genuine and sharing her passion for storytelling. “I try to be myself and get to know people on a personal level,” she explained, illustrating her method of establishing rapport with players like Zach Ertz.
Looking forward, Furman expressed her enthusiasm for working with teams like the Detroit Lions, with whom she has built a connection during previous projects. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, she remains optimistic about the future of Hard Knocks: In Season and the stories yet to be told.
