"50/50 BALL" Proof of Concept
Oakland, California | Film Short
Sport, Drama
"50/50 BALL" is a prestige drama that treats Oakland as a living character. This campaign funds the Proof of Concept—a cinematic calling card to prove that authentic, high-stakes stories about The Town belong on the global stage. We are bringing the camera home.
"50/50 BALL" Proof of Concept
Oakland, California | Film Short
Sport, Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
18 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$3,090
Goal: $82,000 for production
"50/50 BALL" is a prestige drama that treats Oakland as a living character. This campaign funds the Proof of Concept—a cinematic calling card to prove that authentic, high-stakes stories about The Town belong on the global stage. We are bringing the camera home.
Participating In
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"50/50 BALL"
is a prestige drama that treats Oakland as a living, breathing character. This isn't just a sports story; it’s a high-stakes look at redemption, sisterhood, and the "moral turning point"—the literal loose ball on the court where failure to commit could mean losing everything.
This campaign funds our Proof of Concept, a cinematic calling card designed to prove that authentic, gritty stories about "The Town" belong on the global stage.
WHERE THE MONEY GOES: THE MAY SHOOT
We are raising funds specifically to execute our 50/50 BALL Proof of Concept (POC). This is a 5-day high-intensity shoot scheduled for May 2026 on location in Oakland. Your contributions will be allocated as follows:
Local Crew & Talent (40%): We are committed to hiring veteran Bay Area crew and local Oakland talent, ensuring our production stays true to "The Town."
Authentic Locations & Permits (25%): Securing the gyms, street corners, and landmarks that make Oakland a character in this series.
Production Quality (20%): Camera rentals, lighting packages (to achieve our "Gritty/Night" prestige look), and insurance.
On-Set Safety & Logistics (15%): Catering for our crew, transportation, and COVID-safety protocols.
TIMELINE:
April 2026: Finalize Casting and Location Scouts.
May 2026: Principal Photography (5-Day Shoot).
June - July 2026: Post-Production & Editorial.
August 2026: Private Screening of the POC for our Founders & Partners.
THIS STORY? WHY NOW?
The world sees Oakland through a lens of headlines, but we see it through the lens of heart. With 20 years of industry experience, I am returning to my roots to bridge the gap between high-end prestige storytelling and local community narratives.
We are bringing the "Make It Rain" fire back to Oakland. By supporting this Proof of Concept, you are helping us hire local crew, scout authentic locations, and build a production that looks as elevated as the stories we tell.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
We are currently 156 Founders strong and moving at a high velocity. Our team, including Director Ted Leonard and our core production huddle, is already deep in pre-production for our May 2026 shoot. Our Green Light is set at 80%—help us get there by following the page and sharing our mission with 'The Town'!"
A Note on our Visual Style
To bring the world of 50/50 BALL to life before we roll cameras in May, we have utilized AI-assisted conceptual imagery within our pitch deck.
These visuals serve as a "Digital Mood-Book" to establish the high-contrast, prestige lighting and atmospheric tone of the series. While these images help communicate our vision, the heart of this project remains 100% human—from our Oakland-born narrative to our veteran DGA crew and local cast. All production footage for the Proof of Concept will be captured traditionally on location in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
A & B Sony Venice 2 Camera Pkg
Costs $15,000
Providing our Cinematographer, Steve Condiotti, with the high-caliber anamorphic glass needed to capture Oakland with "Prestige Noir" cinema
G&E (Lighting) Package
Costs $12,000
Essential lighting and grip equipment to illuminate diverse Oakland locations, from night-exterior street courts to campus interiors.
DIT & Media Management
Costs $8,000
On-set digital imaging technician to secure, back up, and manage our high-resolution RAW footage daily.
Location Permits & Site Fees
Costs $12,000
Securing legal access and municipal permits for our primary filming locations, including the Oakland Hills campus.
Production Design Materials
Costs $12,000
Funding for Susie Alegria to build the authentic visual world of the show, focusing on Oakland’s specific textures and murals.
Wardrobe & Props
Costs $4,000
Character-specific athletic wear and specialized props, including the custom "50/50 BALL" basketballs.
Production Insurance & Bond
Costs $7,000
Comprehensive insurance coverage required to protect our professional cast, crew, and high-end equipment rentals.
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $8,000
Sustaining a professional crew of 20+ people with high-quality meals and hydration over a high-intensity 5-day shoot.
On-Set Safety & Security
Costs $4,000
Dedicated personnel to ensure the safety of our team and the security of equipment at every Oakland location.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Project Leads
- L. La Mar Stewart (Creator / Executive Producer): The founder of Oceanland Entertainment LLC, La Mar brings over 20 years of production expertise and a deep commitment to Oakland-rooted narratives to his role as the visionary behind 50/50 BALL.
- Ted Leonard (Co-Producer): an award-winning director, producer, with over 20 years of experience, known for his work on high-profile projects like Blue Jasmine, 13 Reasons Why, and over 70 episodes of nationally airing dramatic programming.
- Liisa Cohen (Co-Producer): A veteran with over 25 years of industry experience, Liisa’s portfolio includes landmark Bay Area productions such as Fruitvale Station, The Matrix Resurrections, and 13 Reasons Why.
- Rashod Edwards (Associate Producer): a professional Location Manager and member of the Location Managers Guild International .
- Debbie Brubaker (Line Producer): a seasoned San Francisco Bay Area film producer, line producer, and unit production manager with over thirty years of experience and numerous Sundance premieres, known for her work on projects like Blue Jasmine, Sorry to Bother You, and 13 Reasons Why.
The Writing Team
- Tessie McCoy (Lead Writer): An award-winning storyteller and celebrated spoken word artist, Tessie provides the project’s narrative heartbeat. Her deep-rooted connection to Oakland and her mastery of rhythmic, evocative language ensure the script captures the city’s unique soul and complexity.
- Tajianna Okechukwu (Co-writer / Researcher): Bringing a sophisticated background in cinematic arts, Tajianna specializes in activist-informed narrative crafting. Her research-heavy approach ensures the series remains socially relevant while maintaining a high level of artistic integrity.
- Dae Philpot (Co-writer / Dialogue): With a dedicated focus on diverse representation and social change, Dae crafts dialogue that is both authentic and impactful. Her work ensures that the various subcultures of Oakland are represented with nuance and precision.
Key Creative Attachments
- Steve Condiotti (Director of Photography): A veteran cinematographer with decades of experience across narrative features, documentaries, and high-end commercials. Steve’s expertise ensures the "50/50 BALL" Proof of Concept carries a powerful "emotional punch" and a visual quality that rivals major studio productions.
- Susie Alegria (Production Designer): Susie brings an intimate understanding of Oakland’s visual landscape—from the specific textures of historic Victorian architecture to the vibrant energy of its murals and street courts. Her design ensures the world of the series feels grounded, lived-in, and undeniably real.
- Faatimah A (Basketball Coordinator): is the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Premier Basketball Association (WPBA), a premier development league she launched in 2022 during her fifth professional season overseas. Her hands-on leadership across operations and marketing has earned her the 2022 Woman of Courage Award and recognition from major outlets like FIBA, the SF Chronicle, and Google Pixel. Through the WPBA, she is driving a global movement for empowerment, breaking barriers to create lasting innovation and career opportunities for women in basketball.
Casting Attachments
- Nina Henninger, CSA (Casting Director) An industry veteran known for her masterful eye for talent, Nina Henninger has cast many of the most iconic Bay Area films of the modern era. From the raw authenticity of "Fruitvale Station" to the stylistic brilliance of "Blindspotting" and "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," Nina specializes in building ensembles that resonate globally. Her attachment to 50/50 BALL ensures a casting process rooted in prestige, professional discipline, and Oakland pride.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
"50/50 BALL"
is a prestige drama that treats Oakland as a living, breathing character. This isn't just a sports story; it’s a high-stakes look at redemption, sisterhood, and the "moral turning point"—the literal loose ball on the court where failure to commit could mean losing everything.
This campaign funds our Proof of Concept, a cinematic calling card designed to prove that authentic, gritty stories about "The Town" belong on the global stage.
WHERE THE MONEY GOES: THE MAY SHOOT
We are raising funds specifically to execute our 50/50 BALL Proof of Concept (POC). This is a 5-day high-intensity shoot scheduled for May 2026 on location in Oakland. Your contributions will be allocated as follows:
Local Crew & Talent (40%): We are committed to hiring veteran Bay Area crew and local Oakland talent, ensuring our production stays true to "The Town."
Authentic Locations & Permits (25%): Securing the gyms, street corners, and landmarks that make Oakland a character in this series.
Production Quality (20%): Camera rentals, lighting packages (to achieve our "Gritty/Night" prestige look), and insurance.
On-Set Safety & Logistics (15%): Catering for our crew, transportation, and COVID-safety protocols.
TIMELINE:
April 2026: Finalize Casting and Location Scouts.
May 2026: Principal Photography (5-Day Shoot).
June - July 2026: Post-Production & Editorial.
August 2026: Private Screening of the POC for our Founders & Partners.
THIS STORY? WHY NOW?
The world sees Oakland through a lens of headlines, but we see it through the lens of heart. With 20 years of industry experience, I am returning to my roots to bridge the gap between high-end prestige storytelling and local community narratives.
We are bringing the "Make It Rain" fire back to Oakland. By supporting this Proof of Concept, you are helping us hire local crew, scout authentic locations, and build a production that looks as elevated as the stories we tell.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
We are currently 156 Founders strong and moving at a high velocity. Our team, including Director Ted Leonard and our core production huddle, is already deep in pre-production for our May 2026 shoot. Our Green Light is set at 80%—help us get there by following the page and sharing our mission with 'The Town'!"
A Note on our Visual Style
To bring the world of 50/50 BALL to life before we roll cameras in May, we have utilized AI-assisted conceptual imagery within our pitch deck.
These visuals serve as a "Digital Mood-Book" to establish the high-contrast, prestige lighting and atmospheric tone of the series. While these images help communicate our vision, the heart of this project remains 100% human—from our Oakland-born narrative to our veteran DGA crew and local cast. All production footage for the Proof of Concept will be captured traditionally on location in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
A & B Sony Venice 2 Camera Pkg
Costs $15,000
Providing our Cinematographer, Steve Condiotti, with the high-caliber anamorphic glass needed to capture Oakland with "Prestige Noir" cinema
G&E (Lighting) Package
Costs $12,000
Essential lighting and grip equipment to illuminate diverse Oakland locations, from night-exterior street courts to campus interiors.
DIT & Media Management
Costs $8,000
On-set digital imaging technician to secure, back up, and manage our high-resolution RAW footage daily.
Location Permits & Site Fees
Costs $12,000
Securing legal access and municipal permits for our primary filming locations, including the Oakland Hills campus.
Production Design Materials
Costs $12,000
Funding for Susie Alegria to build the authentic visual world of the show, focusing on Oakland’s specific textures and murals.
Wardrobe & Props
Costs $4,000
Character-specific athletic wear and specialized props, including the custom "50/50 BALL" basketballs.
Production Insurance & Bond
Costs $7,000
Comprehensive insurance coverage required to protect our professional cast, crew, and high-end equipment rentals.
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $8,000
Sustaining a professional crew of 20+ people with high-quality meals and hydration over a high-intensity 5-day shoot.
On-Set Safety & Security
Costs $4,000
Dedicated personnel to ensure the safety of our team and the security of equipment at every Oakland location.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Project Leads
- L. La Mar Stewart (Creator / Executive Producer): The founder of Oceanland Entertainment LLC, La Mar brings over 20 years of production expertise and a deep commitment to Oakland-rooted narratives to his role as the visionary behind 50/50 BALL.
- Ted Leonard (Co-Producer): an award-winning director, producer, with over 20 years of experience, known for his work on high-profile projects like Blue Jasmine, 13 Reasons Why, and over 70 episodes of nationally airing dramatic programming.
- Liisa Cohen (Co-Producer): A veteran with over 25 years of industry experience, Liisa’s portfolio includes landmark Bay Area productions such as Fruitvale Station, The Matrix Resurrections, and 13 Reasons Why.
- Rashod Edwards (Associate Producer): a professional Location Manager and member of the Location Managers Guild International .
- Debbie Brubaker (Line Producer): a seasoned San Francisco Bay Area film producer, line producer, and unit production manager with over thirty years of experience and numerous Sundance premieres, known for her work on projects like Blue Jasmine, Sorry to Bother You, and 13 Reasons Why.
The Writing Team
- Tessie McCoy (Lead Writer): An award-winning storyteller and celebrated spoken word artist, Tessie provides the project’s narrative heartbeat. Her deep-rooted connection to Oakland and her mastery of rhythmic, evocative language ensure the script captures the city’s unique soul and complexity.
- Tajianna Okechukwu (Co-writer / Researcher): Bringing a sophisticated background in cinematic arts, Tajianna specializes in activist-informed narrative crafting. Her research-heavy approach ensures the series remains socially relevant while maintaining a high level of artistic integrity.
- Dae Philpot (Co-writer / Dialogue): With a dedicated focus on diverse representation and social change, Dae crafts dialogue that is both authentic and impactful. Her work ensures that the various subcultures of Oakland are represented with nuance and precision.
Key Creative Attachments
- Steve Condiotti (Director of Photography): A veteran cinematographer with decades of experience across narrative features, documentaries, and high-end commercials. Steve’s expertise ensures the "50/50 BALL" Proof of Concept carries a powerful "emotional punch" and a visual quality that rivals major studio productions.
- Susie Alegria (Production Designer): Susie brings an intimate understanding of Oakland’s visual landscape—from the specific textures of historic Victorian architecture to the vibrant energy of its murals and street courts. Her design ensures the world of the series feels grounded, lived-in, and undeniably real.
- Faatimah A (Basketball Coordinator): is the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Premier Basketball Association (WPBA), a premier development league she launched in 2022 during her fifth professional season overseas. Her hands-on leadership across operations and marketing has earned her the 2022 Woman of Courage Award and recognition from major outlets like FIBA, the SF Chronicle, and Google Pixel. Through the WPBA, she is driving a global movement for empowerment, breaking barriers to create lasting innovation and career opportunities for women in basketball.
Casting Attachments
- Nina Henninger, CSA (Casting Director) An industry veteran known for her masterful eye for talent, Nina Henninger has cast many of the most iconic Bay Area films of the modern era. From the raw authenticity of "Fruitvale Station" to the stylistic brilliance of "Blindspotting" and "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," Nina specializes in building ensembles that resonate globally. Her attachment to 50/50 BALL ensures a casting process rooted in prestige, professional discipline, and Oakland pride.