Does time heal all wounds? Inspired by writer/director Kayla Robinson’s life experience, 'Ball is Ball' is an honest story about dreams and betrayal, assault and confrontation. It’s a story that sadly many can relate to, but we all can heal from. Join to be a part of this purpose-driven piece.

THANK YOU for your support!!! It means the world to us that we not only have the opportunity to bring this timely, powerful narrative to life, but we can also pay each individual involved for their hardwork and talent. In an effort to continue manifesting the best possible version of the 'Ball is Ball' project, we have set up some dream milestones to raise here on Seed&Spark.

 

If we raise $29,724, that will cover the full cost of production.

If we raise $35,724, that will cover the cost of post-production.

If we raise $36,224, that will cover the cost of entering into top-tier film festivals including Sundance and SXSW.

If we raise anything more, that will go toward the cost of funding a multi-city screening tour with guided conversations on the topic of trauma.

 

Every dollar earned will help us tell this story and create a community around healing.

 

We are proud to be fiscally sponsored by BraveMaker, a (501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to elevate brave voices for justice, diversity and inclusion. This means that all contributions are tax-deducible!

If applicable, you can also make use of your company’s corporate match program and find us on Benevity by searching ‘BraveMaker’.

 

'Ball is Ball' follows the story of Robin Coleman, a high school basketball star who’s caught the attention of her dream college — and her crush. While sharing the excitement, she misplaces her trust in a friend and soon learns the ill-intention of another unsuspected admirer.

The tone of Ball is Ball will feel like the light-hearted love story of Love and Basketball while incorporating the grit, angst and artistry of Euphoria.

We made several conscious decisions in our filmmaking including shooting on film and digital. The film portion creates a nostalgic feeling for the memory that’s taking place. We furthered this distinction through our wardrobe and set design, placing older technology throughout. The change to digital and tighter aspect ratio at the end was to emphasize the confinement our character Robin is feeling in the present. 

‘Ball is Ball’ was inspired by events that have lived in my journals and been discussed in therapy for years. The first time I got drunk with friends, I blacked out. When I came back into consciousness I was being sexually assaulted by another friend in a house I’d never been in. I was in high school and didn’t know how to handle the situation, so I didn’t tell my parents and no report was ever filed. With the rise of the #MeToo movement in recent years and the criticism against survivors that came with it, asking “why now” or “that was so long ago”, I wanted to shed light on how present trauma can feel no matter how much time has passed. For fellow survivors, I wanted to create a film that felt honest without glorifying the horror, but also encouraged them to show themselves empathy if their instinctual reaction to a situation isn’t what they’d always planned. Creating this project has been therapeutic in many ways and my hope is that it can be a stop on someone else’s healing journey as well.

 

Follow Kayla on Instagram: @kaylorray

See more of her work: kayla-robinson.com

 

'Ball is Ball' is a 13min narrative short film, shot over 3 jam-packed days in 3 locations across the San Francisco Bay Area. It was shot in both film and digital formats to create contrast between past and present. We’re first looking to raise $15,000 to cover the cost of paying our amazing crew and have included stretch goals to cover the full cost of production, post-production, a strategic festival-run and impact goals. Here is the cost breakdown:

Crew - $15,000

Talent - $975

Meals - $1,200

Camera & Lens rentals - $4,514

Kodak Film - $988

Film Development - $1,205

Lighting Department - $3,158

Locations - $2,184

Rental Insurance - $500

 

A REMINDER OF OUR STRETCH GOALS

If we raise $29,724, that will cover the full cost of production.

If we raise $35,724, that will cover the cost of post-production.

If we raise $36,224, that will cover the cost of entering into top-tier film festivals including Sundance and SXSW.

If we raise anything more, that will cover the cost of funding a multi-city screening tour. More on that below!

OUR DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY is two-fold:

1. Submit to the wonderful world of film festivals before sharing our film with the world online.
2. Given the important social issues explored in this project, we are developing an impact campaign for Ball is Ball. Our plan includes screenings (virtual if need be) accompanied by guided discussions about the film, themes of sexual assault and its lasting impact, specifically on women of color. More information to come!

 

1. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT BALL IS BALL

Tell your friends, family and colleagues about us. There's no better way to make an impact than to become an advocate. Share our social media posts, our campaign page, and our backer updates!

Here are some examples. Feel free to copy and paste!

 

Help filmmaker @kaylorray by supporting her purpose-driven film BALL IS BALL about a star basketball player’s night out that takes an unforgettable detour. Join them on @seedandspark: bit.ly/BallisBall

 

I just watched the BALL IS BALL trailer directed by filmmaker @kaylorray and WOW, you've got to support this purpose-driven short film! Join them on @seedandspark: bit.ly/BallisBall

 

2. FOLLOW @BALLISBALLFILM ON INSTAGRAM

Stay up to date on the latest news by following us on Instagram. And ask all your friends to follow us too!

 

3. KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!

We'll be posting updates on our campaign progress and a few glimpses behind the scenes!

 

4. SIGN-UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Interested in staying up to date with this project and more to come from Kayla, sign-up!