The Final Fight
New York City, New York | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
When a Hollywood producer returns home to rescue his ailing father from a corrupt guardianship, he discovers his charm and power can’t save him from a system that preys on the weak. The fight for justice becomes a reckoning with family, failure, and control.
The Final Fight
New York City, New York | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,180 for development. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
102 supporters | followers
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When a Hollywood producer returns home to rescue his ailing father from a corrupt guardianship, he discovers his charm and power can’t save him from a system that preys on the weak. The fight for justice becomes a reckoning with family, failure, and control.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
POSTER: THE FINAL FIGHT
Genre: Thriller, A feature film.
Inspired by real events surrounding guardianship corruption and elder exploitation as chronicled in a cover story in The New York Times. This film exposes a hidden legal underworld where power and greed prey on the vulnerable, and asks what justice really costs when family is on the line.
PROJECT: THE FINAL FIGHT
Based on the cover story in the New York Times. November, 2021 Written By John Leland.
Because it’s inspired by a true New York Times story, the film has a built-in authenticity and press relevance. When released with a campaign around elder justice and family autonomy, it will gain traction for human rights-focused festival awards, like those at Tribeca, Sundance, and South by South West.
SYNOPSIS:
When Hollywood producer Scott Cohen returns to Brooklyn on an unexpected trip, he’s shocked to find his father, Martin Cohen, a former Golden Gloves champ, living in squalor under the control of his manipulative second wife and her mob-connected relatives. The full horror comes into focus when Scott uncovers a secretly recorded video of Martin being ambushed in his own driveway by enforcer Ronnie “Hacks” Russo.
Determined to save his father, Scott teams up with a straight-shooting detective, a sharp lawyer, and the neighbor who filmed the attack. Together they take on a corrupt guardianship and the cop protecting it, battling a system designed to keep Martin silent. The Final Fight is a true story of a son fighting to restore his father’s dignity, and reclaim their bond, against impossible odds.
TODD J. STEIN, THE CREATOR:
WHY NOW:
Guardianship scandals dominate today’s headlines. Families are fighting the courts for their loved ones’ very lives. The Final Fight transforms this crisis into an intimate, universal story about love, control, and the hope for redemption.
GUARDIANSHIP STATISTICS:
THEMES:
HOW YOUR DONATIONS WILL HELP:
This film needs to be made now, the story carries a powerful, timely message that resonates with the current moment. Your donation will go to a first reading of the current draft script. This date is targeted for January/February 2026. Securing the venue is a priority. We want the polished script for the reading and complete the sizzle reel to help pitch the project as a feature-length film to those who might be attending the investor stage reading presentation.
BUDGET: THE FINAL FIGHT CAMPAIGN
Martin confronts his dying wife Annette. (Potential image below)
Scott takes his father Martin to his banks to withdraw all his cash assets. (Potential image below)
Scott with Martin Cohen and Daniel Cohen face the judge in Martin's guardianship case. The judge has the power to take away Martin's civil rights. The Final Fight (Potential image below)
Nadine Pearson wants in on guardianship abuse. She approaches the corrupt judge in The Final Fight.(Potential image below)
The Final Fight is a gripping, emotionally charged legal thriller based on true events. When a former boxing champion is declared incompetent, his son returns home to challenge a corrupt guardianship system and a deeply fractured family. Through courtroom battles, hidden abuse, and long-buried betrayals, a father and son confront what it means to fight for dignity, truth, and each other. The film will explore the human cost of systemic failure with empathy, urgency, and unforgettable performances.
Festivals: The Final Fight script has recently been submitted to numerous film festivals, competitions, and screenplay contests. It was just announced that the script advanced to the SEMIFINALS of the StoryPros International Contest. The Final Fight is among the top tier of submissions: only about 13% of entries advance to this round. After an extensive development process, with a final script polish to the current draft, already earning a “Recommend” rating from Screen Reader Pro and consistently positive feedback from multiple others, the script will be ready to present to investors, talent agencies, and management.
The project has also begun generating press attention. Creator Todd J. Stein was recently a guest on In Focus for Spectrum TV, where host Cheryl Wills interviewed him about the screenplay and the broader issues surrounding guardianship reform. Stein maintains a strong social media presence and has been actively promoting the project while developing marketing assets for potential investors.
PRESS:
There are several social media posts and press releases that have gained traction and attention online.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sizzle Reel
Costs $1,500
This will help attract investors to our project. Our Sizzle Reel
Investor Presentation, Including Space
Costs $2,000
Help cover the expenses associated with a Stage Reading Presentation to investors with actors.
Script Polish
Costs $1,500
Funds will be used to help with the cost of industry consulting for script polishing.
Casting and Production
Costs $2,500
Casting Director Strategy and Line Producer Cost Analysis
Camera Equipment
Costs $2,000
To bring this project to life, we need reliable, professional filming equipment.
Sound and Audio Equipment
Costs $1,000
Professional audio equipment ensures every word, emotion, and moment in our short is heard clearly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Todd J. Stein, Creator/Producer/Writer: The Final Fight isn’t just a film, it’s personal. It’s based on the true story of my father, a man who stood up for what was right when it wasn’t easy, and who paid a price for his integrity. Watching him fight against impossible odds shaped who I am, and inspired me to tell this story with honesty, heart, and respect. This project is my way of honoring his courage and resilience, and of exploring the larger question of what it really means to do the right thing when the world pushes back. My father’s story deserves to be seen and felt, not just as a courtroom drama, but as a testament to truth, loyalty, and legacy.
I approach storytelling the same way my father lived his life, through persistence, integrity, and connection. I’ve spent years researching, writing, and refining this script to capture the emotional truth of what happened, while also making it cinematic and accessible. Collaboration is key for me, I surround myself with people who care about story, character, and purpose as much as I do. Whether it’s working with actors to find emotional truth in a scene or aligning with producers who share the vision, I believe in leading with empathy and clarity. This story means too much to do it halfway, it’s been built from the ground up with care, accuracy, and heart.
About Me
I’m a writer and producer drawn to human stories, the kind that reveal both our strength and vulnerability. I’ve developed projects across film and TV, always grounded in character and truth. The Final Fight is the most personal project I’ve ever created, and it’s pushed me to grow not only as a filmmaker but as a son trying to understand the man who raised him.
Check out the article The Fight of This Old Boxers Life was With His Own Family, By John Leland. The New York Times, November, 2021.
Click Link to watch Todd J. Stein, the creator of the project speak about the dangers of guardianship on Spectrum's In Focus. https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/in-focus-shows/2025/02/15/community-advocate-todd-stein-on-the-dangers-of-guardianship
Jeremy Foley, Sizzle Producer. Foley is a Los Angeles based filmmaker with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry — first as a successful actor, then as a writer-director and producer. After appearing in films like Dante’s Peak and numerous television projects, Jeremy transitioned behind the camera, founding Adjective Pictures, where he’s directed acclaimed shorts such as FATED and The Faceless Man.
As a filmmaker, Jeremy combines an actor’s insight with a director’s eye for emotional and visual storytelling. His work is known for its cinematic polish, practical creativity, and grounded performances.
Jeremy is thrilled to be part of this project, having known writer-producer Todd J. Stein for over twenty years and collaborating with him professionally across multiple stages of their careers. Their long-standing creative trust and shared storytelling instincts make this partnership a natural next chapter in both of their artistic journeys.
Ronnie Q is a native New Yorker, filmmaker, and director who transitioned from neuroscience research into film, working as an actor, stunt performer, editor, and ultimately director. He has directed over a dozen short films, including a festival-winning project created remotely during Covid, and has nearly a decade of professional editing experience.
He founded Limit Break Media in 2021 and launched RQ FILMS in 2025, focusing on cinematic storytelling across narrative film and branded content. Ronnie also hosts the Limit Break Stories podcast and is currently developing a feature film and the documentary series Behind the Brands.
Barbie Block, Casting Director, CSA - Barbie Block, a key member of the casting team, brings both emotional investment and seasoned expertise to The Final Fight. With over twenty years in the entertainment industry, she is known for championing impactful, character-driven stories across both studio and independent projects. Her credits include Logan, Netflix collaborations with Adam Sandler, and the acclaimed indie feature Giant Void, which she also produced. Over the years, Block came to know Marvin Stein personally and was deeply moved by his journey. Her commitment to the project stems from a genuine desire to help ensure Marvin’s story is told with the honesty, dignity, and humanity it deserves.
Sara O'Reilly - Sizzle Producer. O'Reilly is a Writer/Producer with over 15 years experience in the entertainment industry, telling stories across a diverse set of mediums including documentary, behind-the-scenes, animation, short film, marketing, and social media. My recent documentary credits include Omnivore (AppleTV+), Working: What We Do All Day (Netflix), Victoria's Secret: Angels & Demons (Hulu), and HOME (AppleTV+).
Robin Lippin, CSA - Development Team Member. Lippin has over two decades honing the art of discovery and collaboration, Robin Lippin brings an invaluable indie-film sensibility to our team. Having launched her career casting shorts, web series and independent features before branching into high-profile work, Robin retains the passionate, hands-on mindset that makes grassroots filmmaking thrive.
Her resume includes major studio engagements, yet it’s her commitment to emerging voices and under-the-radar projects that sets her apart. Robin knows how to spot raw performance, nurture it, and build a team around it. Among her credits: the feature Fast Charlie (2023) and I’m Charlie Walker (2022). IMDb
At heart, Robin is a collaborator: she approaches each project—no matter size, with the curiosity, agility and authenticity of independent filmmaking. For our campaign, she’s focused on casting with integrity, building ensemble chemistry, and ensuring our story maintains the spirit of bold originality that brought us here.
When she’s not reading auditions or prepping callbacks, Robin still supports grassroots work, from shorts to festival darlings—and champions inclusivity, fresh talent, and the power of storytelling from the edge. We’re honored to have Robin Lippin on our team, contributing her seasoned eye, deep relationships, and indie-film heart to this project.
Marlene Schneider - Producer. Marlene Schneider brings decades of leadership, advocacy, and program strategy to The Final Fight. As a former Vice President at the National Council on Aging, she spent years championing equity, dignity, and access for vulnerable communities. Her work centered on building national partnerships, shaping policy initiatives, and elevating stories that often go unheard. Now stepping into film producing, Marlene is driven by a belief that storytelling can be a tool for justice. She brings her deep experience in community engagement, coalition building, and mission-driven project development to the film. The Final Fight aligns perfectly with her lifelong commitment to lifting up real people, real struggles, and real impact.
Will Lanoha - Production Assistant - Will Lanoha is a senior in the prestigious Undergraduate Film & Television program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where students are immersed in the art and craft of visual storytelling through both theory and hands-on production. Will serves as assistant to producer Todd J. Stein, bringing his academic training and production-mindset directly to the film’s development and production process. He has devoted his time to script development, and bridging creative vision with production logistics. With his grounding in a program that emphasizes “learning by doing” and the creation of student films each year, Will offers a fresh, dynamic perspective and a strong work ethic to the project. His dual passions for story and execution make him a key member of the team as we bring this true-story to life.
Abby Melbye - Production Assistant. Abby Melbye is an MFA graduate of Brooklyn College’s Feirstein School of Cinema, where she studied screenwriting with a focus on script analysis, development, and entertainment law. Graduating with a 3.97 GPA, Abby’s work has already gained recognition—her feature script Rosanna was a 2025 Austin Film Festival Semifinalist, placing in the top 2% of 11,000+ submissions. She has loved contributing to The Final Fight, supporting Todd J. Stein with script development, sizzle creation, and production prep. Abby brings craft, clarity, and a sharp story sense to the team.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
POSTER: THE FINAL FIGHT
Genre: Thriller, A feature film.
Inspired by real events surrounding guardianship corruption and elder exploitation as chronicled in a cover story in The New York Times. This film exposes a hidden legal underworld where power and greed prey on the vulnerable, and asks what justice really costs when family is on the line.
PROJECT: THE FINAL FIGHT
Based on the cover story in the New York Times. November, 2021 Written By John Leland.
Because it’s inspired by a true New York Times story, the film has a built-in authenticity and press relevance. When released with a campaign around elder justice and family autonomy, it will gain traction for human rights-focused festival awards, like those at Tribeca, Sundance, and South by South West.
SYNOPSIS:
When Hollywood producer Scott Cohen returns to Brooklyn on an unexpected trip, he’s shocked to find his father, Martin Cohen, a former Golden Gloves champ, living in squalor under the control of his manipulative second wife and her mob-connected relatives. The full horror comes into focus when Scott uncovers a secretly recorded video of Martin being ambushed in his own driveway by enforcer Ronnie “Hacks” Russo.
Determined to save his father, Scott teams up with a straight-shooting detective, a sharp lawyer, and the neighbor who filmed the attack. Together they take on a corrupt guardianship and the cop protecting it, battling a system designed to keep Martin silent. The Final Fight is a true story of a son fighting to restore his father’s dignity, and reclaim their bond, against impossible odds.
TODD J. STEIN, THE CREATOR:
WHY NOW:
Guardianship scandals dominate today’s headlines. Families are fighting the courts for their loved ones’ very lives. The Final Fight transforms this crisis into an intimate, universal story about love, control, and the hope for redemption.
GUARDIANSHIP STATISTICS:
THEMES:
HOW YOUR DONATIONS WILL HELP:
This film needs to be made now, the story carries a powerful, timely message that resonates with the current moment. Your donation will go to a first reading of the current draft script. This date is targeted for January/February 2026. Securing the venue is a priority. We want the polished script for the reading and complete the sizzle reel to help pitch the project as a feature-length film to those who might be attending the investor stage reading presentation.
BUDGET: THE FINAL FIGHT CAMPAIGN
Martin confronts his dying wife Annette. (Potential image below)
Scott takes his father Martin to his banks to withdraw all his cash assets. (Potential image below)
Scott with Martin Cohen and Daniel Cohen face the judge in Martin's guardianship case. The judge has the power to take away Martin's civil rights. The Final Fight (Potential image below)
Nadine Pearson wants in on guardianship abuse. She approaches the corrupt judge in The Final Fight.(Potential image below)
The Final Fight is a gripping, emotionally charged legal thriller based on true events. When a former boxing champion is declared incompetent, his son returns home to challenge a corrupt guardianship system and a deeply fractured family. Through courtroom battles, hidden abuse, and long-buried betrayals, a father and son confront what it means to fight for dignity, truth, and each other. The film will explore the human cost of systemic failure with empathy, urgency, and unforgettable performances.
Festivals: The Final Fight script has recently been submitted to numerous film festivals, competitions, and screenplay contests. It was just announced that the script advanced to the SEMIFINALS of the StoryPros International Contest. The Final Fight is among the top tier of submissions: only about 13% of entries advance to this round. After an extensive development process, with a final script polish to the current draft, already earning a “Recommend” rating from Screen Reader Pro and consistently positive feedback from multiple others, the script will be ready to present to investors, talent agencies, and management.
The project has also begun generating press attention. Creator Todd J. Stein was recently a guest on In Focus for Spectrum TV, where host Cheryl Wills interviewed him about the screenplay and the broader issues surrounding guardianship reform. Stein maintains a strong social media presence and has been actively promoting the project while developing marketing assets for potential investors.
PRESS:
There are several social media posts and press releases that have gained traction and attention online.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sizzle Reel
Costs $1,500
This will help attract investors to our project. Our Sizzle Reel
Investor Presentation, Including Space
Costs $2,000
Help cover the expenses associated with a Stage Reading Presentation to investors with actors.
Script Polish
Costs $1,500
Funds will be used to help with the cost of industry consulting for script polishing.
Casting and Production
Costs $2,500
Casting Director Strategy and Line Producer Cost Analysis
Camera Equipment
Costs $2,000
To bring this project to life, we need reliable, professional filming equipment.
Sound and Audio Equipment
Costs $1,000
Professional audio equipment ensures every word, emotion, and moment in our short is heard clearly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Todd J. Stein, Creator/Producer/Writer: The Final Fight isn’t just a film, it’s personal. It’s based on the true story of my father, a man who stood up for what was right when it wasn’t easy, and who paid a price for his integrity. Watching him fight against impossible odds shaped who I am, and inspired me to tell this story with honesty, heart, and respect. This project is my way of honoring his courage and resilience, and of exploring the larger question of what it really means to do the right thing when the world pushes back. My father’s story deserves to be seen and felt, not just as a courtroom drama, but as a testament to truth, loyalty, and legacy.
I approach storytelling the same way my father lived his life, through persistence, integrity, and connection. I’ve spent years researching, writing, and refining this script to capture the emotional truth of what happened, while also making it cinematic and accessible. Collaboration is key for me, I surround myself with people who care about story, character, and purpose as much as I do. Whether it’s working with actors to find emotional truth in a scene or aligning with producers who share the vision, I believe in leading with empathy and clarity. This story means too much to do it halfway, it’s been built from the ground up with care, accuracy, and heart.
About Me
I’m a writer and producer drawn to human stories, the kind that reveal both our strength and vulnerability. I’ve developed projects across film and TV, always grounded in character and truth. The Final Fight is the most personal project I’ve ever created, and it’s pushed me to grow not only as a filmmaker but as a son trying to understand the man who raised him.
Check out the article The Fight of This Old Boxers Life was With His Own Family, By John Leland. The New York Times, November, 2021.
Click Link to watch Todd J. Stein, the creator of the project speak about the dangers of guardianship on Spectrum's In Focus. https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/in-focus-shows/2025/02/15/community-advocate-todd-stein-on-the-dangers-of-guardianship
Jeremy Foley, Sizzle Producer. Foley is a Los Angeles based filmmaker with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry — first as a successful actor, then as a writer-director and producer. After appearing in films like Dante’s Peak and numerous television projects, Jeremy transitioned behind the camera, founding Adjective Pictures, where he’s directed acclaimed shorts such as FATED and The Faceless Man.
As a filmmaker, Jeremy combines an actor’s insight with a director’s eye for emotional and visual storytelling. His work is known for its cinematic polish, practical creativity, and grounded performances.
Jeremy is thrilled to be part of this project, having known writer-producer Todd J. Stein for over twenty years and collaborating with him professionally across multiple stages of their careers. Their long-standing creative trust and shared storytelling instincts make this partnership a natural next chapter in both of their artistic journeys.
Ronnie Q is a native New Yorker, filmmaker, and director who transitioned from neuroscience research into film, working as an actor, stunt performer, editor, and ultimately director. He has directed over a dozen short films, including a festival-winning project created remotely during Covid, and has nearly a decade of professional editing experience.
He founded Limit Break Media in 2021 and launched RQ FILMS in 2025, focusing on cinematic storytelling across narrative film and branded content. Ronnie also hosts the Limit Break Stories podcast and is currently developing a feature film and the documentary series Behind the Brands.
Barbie Block, Casting Director, CSA - Barbie Block, a key member of the casting team, brings both emotional investment and seasoned expertise to The Final Fight. With over twenty years in the entertainment industry, she is known for championing impactful, character-driven stories across both studio and independent projects. Her credits include Logan, Netflix collaborations with Adam Sandler, and the acclaimed indie feature Giant Void, which she also produced. Over the years, Block came to know Marvin Stein personally and was deeply moved by his journey. Her commitment to the project stems from a genuine desire to help ensure Marvin’s story is told with the honesty, dignity, and humanity it deserves.
Sara O'Reilly - Sizzle Producer. O'Reilly is a Writer/Producer with over 15 years experience in the entertainment industry, telling stories across a diverse set of mediums including documentary, behind-the-scenes, animation, short film, marketing, and social media. My recent documentary credits include Omnivore (AppleTV+), Working: What We Do All Day (Netflix), Victoria's Secret: Angels & Demons (Hulu), and HOME (AppleTV+).
Robin Lippin, CSA - Development Team Member. Lippin has over two decades honing the art of discovery and collaboration, Robin Lippin brings an invaluable indie-film sensibility to our team. Having launched her career casting shorts, web series and independent features before branching into high-profile work, Robin retains the passionate, hands-on mindset that makes grassroots filmmaking thrive.
Her resume includes major studio engagements, yet it’s her commitment to emerging voices and under-the-radar projects that sets her apart. Robin knows how to spot raw performance, nurture it, and build a team around it. Among her credits: the feature Fast Charlie (2023) and I’m Charlie Walker (2022). IMDb
At heart, Robin is a collaborator: she approaches each project—no matter size, with the curiosity, agility and authenticity of independent filmmaking. For our campaign, she’s focused on casting with integrity, building ensemble chemistry, and ensuring our story maintains the spirit of bold originality that brought us here.
When she’s not reading auditions or prepping callbacks, Robin still supports grassroots work, from shorts to festival darlings—and champions inclusivity, fresh talent, and the power of storytelling from the edge. We’re honored to have Robin Lippin on our team, contributing her seasoned eye, deep relationships, and indie-film heart to this project.
Marlene Schneider - Producer. Marlene Schneider brings decades of leadership, advocacy, and program strategy to The Final Fight. As a former Vice President at the National Council on Aging, she spent years championing equity, dignity, and access for vulnerable communities. Her work centered on building national partnerships, shaping policy initiatives, and elevating stories that often go unheard. Now stepping into film producing, Marlene is driven by a belief that storytelling can be a tool for justice. She brings her deep experience in community engagement, coalition building, and mission-driven project development to the film. The Final Fight aligns perfectly with her lifelong commitment to lifting up real people, real struggles, and real impact.
Will Lanoha - Production Assistant - Will Lanoha is a senior in the prestigious Undergraduate Film & Television program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where students are immersed in the art and craft of visual storytelling through both theory and hands-on production. Will serves as assistant to producer Todd J. Stein, bringing his academic training and production-mindset directly to the film’s development and production process. He has devoted his time to script development, and bridging creative vision with production logistics. With his grounding in a program that emphasizes “learning by doing” and the creation of student films each year, Will offers a fresh, dynamic perspective and a strong work ethic to the project. His dual passions for story and execution make him a key member of the team as we bring this true-story to life.
Abby Melbye - Production Assistant. Abby Melbye is an MFA graduate of Brooklyn College’s Feirstein School of Cinema, where she studied screenwriting with a focus on script analysis, development, and entertainment law. Graduating with a 3.97 GPA, Abby’s work has already gained recognition—her feature script Rosanna was a 2025 Austin Film Festival Semifinalist, placing in the top 2% of 11,000+ submissions. She has loved contributing to The Final Fight, supporting Todd J. Stein with script development, sizzle creation, and production prep. Abby brings craft, clarity, and a sharp story sense to the team.