The Final Fight
New York City, New York | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
After receiving a cryptic plea for help, a disgraced film producer returns to New York to find his aging father, once a champion boxer, trapped in a scheme to strip him of his independence. With time running out, he must fight both his family and the system to save the man he barely knows.
The Final Fight
New York City, New York | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
34 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$3,911
Goal: $8,000 for post-production
After receiving a cryptic plea for help, a disgraced film producer returns to New York to find his aging father, once a champion boxer, trapped in a scheme to strip him of his independence. With time running out, he must fight both his family and the system to save the man he barely knows.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Inspired by true events surrounding guardianship corruption and elder exploitation as chronicled in a cover story in The New York Times, "The Fight of This Old Boxer's Life Was With His Own Family." This film exposes a hidden legal underworld where power and greed prey on the vulnerable. It asks what justice costs when family is on the line.
This is our second campaign. Our first campaign we were able to raise over the goal and hope that with our new assets that include an incredible cast and our crew we will have the same success!
PROJECT: THE FINAL FIGHT - THE NEW YORK TIMES
Based on the cover story in the New York Times. November, 2021 Written By John Leland.
The Final Fight Short film project is inspired by a true New York Times story, and 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:
Scott Cohen (portrayed by Josh Davis, FBI: Most Wanted, Blue Bloods, Broadway Beautiful) has spent years avoiding his father. But when a frantic call pulls him back to New York, he finds Martin, (played by actor Tom Hair, Placebo Heart, Red Dead Redemption II) once a proud Golden Gloves champion, frail, isolated, and being manipulated into a guardianship that could cost him everything. As old wounds resurface, Scott is forced to choose between walking away again or stepping into the fight of his father’s life. Together, they confront betrayal, reclaim agency, and rediscover what it means to be family.The Final Fight is a true story of a son fighting to restore his father’s dignity, and reclaim their bond, against impossible odds.
WHY WE’RE MAKING THIS FILM:
This isn’t just a story about boxing or family, it’s about dignity, control, and what happens when the system meant to protect people is used against them. Stories like this are happening every day, often in silence. We’re making The Final Fight to shine a light on that reality and to give a voice to families who find themselves in similar battles. This story is deeply personal. It’s about second chances, unresolved relationships, and the courage it takes to step back in when it matters most.
THE CAST OF THE FINAL FIGHT FILM
COMPARABLE FILMS:
CAMERA: SONY VENICE EQUIPMENT:
We chose the Sony VENICE to film The Final Fight because it gives the movie a natural, cinematic look while capturing performances with honesty and depth. Its rich color, beautiful skin tones, and ability to handle both bright and low-light settings help us tell this true story in a way that feels grounded, intimate, and emotionally real. The camera lets us stay close to the characters and preserve the subtle emotional details that matter most. For a film like this, that realism and cinematic quality are essential to bringing the story to life.
PRESS:
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:
YOUR SUPPORT DIRECTLY FUELS MAKING THIS FILM!
Every dollar raised goes straight into production, helping us bring this story to life the right way. Funds will be allocated to essential elements like editing, securing locations, and obtaining permits. These aren’t extras, they’re the backbone of any professional production. Editing is where the story truly comes together. It’s where performances are shaped, pacing is refined, and the emotional impact is built. Locations and permits ensure we can film safely, legally, and in environments that elevate the authenticity of the story. This campaign isn’t about excess, it’s about making sure we have what we need to do this properly. With your support, we can create a film that looks, feels, and resonates the way it’s meant to. (AI was used to generate the below image).
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
The Final Fight Editing
Costs $2,500
Editing is where a film truly comes to life. It’s the stage where performances are shaped, tension is built, and the story finds its rhythm.
Locations & Permits
Costs $5,500
Location fees and permits help us secure filming spaces and obtain approval for street use, including parking for our crew and equipment.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Leland Krane, Director of Photography
Leland Krane is a New York-based Director of Photography with over 100 credits in TV and film. His work has been featured in American Cinematographer, Indiewire, and The Wall Street Journal. Leland is a member of ICG Local 600 and serves on its AI Committee. Leland is the founder of ShotKraft, the premier AI-powered shotlisting app designed to help directors and directors of photography work more efficiently, eliminate busywork, and focus on creativity. He has spoken on panels about cinematography and AI at NAB New York and at AI & Media Townhall meetings hosted by ShotKraft.
Some of Leland's more notable projects include "Chappelle’s Show," the theatrically released film"Under Hellgate Bridge," "Tunnelvison" and both shooting and Directing the top rated show "REDRUM," for ID. TV Camera operating credits include, Love LIfe, NSFW, Madam Secretary, Limitless, The Americans, The Get Down, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, SNL, The Deuce and others. He also serves as a 2nd unit Dp on some of these projects. Leland has taught cinematography workshops at The New School, SUNY Purchase, Maine Media, and AbelCine. Specialties: Director/ Director of Photography/Camera operator Film and Video production. Member IATSE local 600
Adrienne Stern, Casting Director
Adrienne Stern is a seasoned Casting Director and ARTIOS WINNER whose films have premiered at Sundance, TIFF, Cannes, Tribeca, Berlin, SXSW, HIFF, Woodstock, Seattle, Venice and many other prominent film festivals, taking home first place prestigious awards that have led to distribution deals and launched actor’s careers. Some of her well known films include The Believer starring Ryan Gosling, ”Thirteen Conversations About One Thing” starring Matthew McConaughey, “Broken English” starring Parker Posey and Justin Theroux, “Joseph Pulitzer” starring Liev Schreiber, Sebastian Stan, Billy Magnussen, Lauren Ambrose, Rachel Brosnahan and Adam Driver as the Narrator.
Bruce Hall, Assistant Director
Bruce Edward Hall is a New York City-based 1st Assistant Director and Producer with more than 20 years of experience across films, TV, commercials, and music videos. His credits include Jackie, Mudbound, and The Wackness, with projects airing on CNN, History, Hallmark, AMC, Netflix, Hulu, and Discovery. Most recently, he completed Situation #64 with Hari Nef and Louisa Jacobson, and served as co-producer on Influenced, featuring Jill Kargman, David Krumholtz, Justin Bartha, Jason Biggs, and Jessica Capshaw.
Morgan Alexandra Neville is a New York City–based film editor known for her strong sense of story, rhythm, and performance. With a career spanning independent film and television, she has worked on projects including Blue Jasmine, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Half Magic, iGilbert, Genius: Aretha, and Oh. What. Fun. Grounded in decades of experience, Morgan brings empathy, nuance, and a deep respect for story to her work, with a particular sensitivity to the emotional complexity that lives between light and shadow.
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.
The Final Fight Cast
Josh Davis (Martin Cohen), Ellen B. Williams (Annette Russo), Margarett Reed (Phyllis Cohen), James Ciccone (Ronnie "Hacks" Russo), Tom Hair (Martin Cohen), Adriana DeMeo (Gina Russo), Trini Alvarado (Paige Carson), Matthew Cippaghila (Officer Richardson), Mario Polit (Eddie Morretti), and Ryan Spahn (Brad Kessler).
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Inspired by true events surrounding guardianship corruption and elder exploitation as chronicled in a cover story in The New York Times, "The Fight of This Old Boxer's Life Was With His Own Family." This film exposes a hidden legal underworld where power and greed prey on the vulnerable. It asks what justice costs when family is on the line.
This is our second campaign. Our first campaign we were able to raise over the goal and hope that with our new assets that include an incredible cast and our crew we will have the same success!
PROJECT: THE FINAL FIGHT - THE NEW YORK TIMES
Based on the cover story in the New York Times. November, 2021 Written By John Leland.
The Final Fight Short film project is inspired by a true New York Times story, and 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:
Scott Cohen (portrayed by Josh Davis, FBI: Most Wanted, Blue Bloods, Broadway Beautiful) has spent years avoiding his father. But when a frantic call pulls him back to New York, he finds Martin, (played by actor Tom Hair, Placebo Heart, Red Dead Redemption II) once a proud Golden Gloves champion, frail, isolated, and being manipulated into a guardianship that could cost him everything. As old wounds resurface, Scott is forced to choose between walking away again or stepping into the fight of his father’s life. Together, they confront betrayal, reclaim agency, and rediscover what it means to be family.The Final Fight is a true story of a son fighting to restore his father’s dignity, and reclaim their bond, against impossible odds.
WHY WE’RE MAKING THIS FILM:
This isn’t just a story about boxing or family, it’s about dignity, control, and what happens when the system meant to protect people is used against them. Stories like this are happening every day, often in silence. We’re making The Final Fight to shine a light on that reality and to give a voice to families who find themselves in similar battles. This story is deeply personal. It’s about second chances, unresolved relationships, and the courage it takes to step back in when it matters most.
THE CAST OF THE FINAL FIGHT FILM
COMPARABLE FILMS:
CAMERA: SONY VENICE EQUIPMENT:
We chose the Sony VENICE to film The Final Fight because it gives the movie a natural, cinematic look while capturing performances with honesty and depth. Its rich color, beautiful skin tones, and ability to handle both bright and low-light settings help us tell this true story in a way that feels grounded, intimate, and emotionally real. The camera lets us stay close to the characters and preserve the subtle emotional details that matter most. For a film like this, that realism and cinematic quality are essential to bringing the story to life.
PRESS:
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:
YOUR SUPPORT DIRECTLY FUELS MAKING THIS FILM!
Every dollar raised goes straight into production, helping us bring this story to life the right way. Funds will be allocated to essential elements like editing, securing locations, and obtaining permits. These aren’t extras, they’re the backbone of any professional production. Editing is where the story truly comes together. It’s where performances are shaped, pacing is refined, and the emotional impact is built. Locations and permits ensure we can film safely, legally, and in environments that elevate the authenticity of the story. This campaign isn’t about excess, it’s about making sure we have what we need to do this properly. With your support, we can create a film that looks, feels, and resonates the way it’s meant to. (AI was used to generate the below image).
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
The Final Fight Editing
Costs $2,500
Editing is where a film truly comes to life. It’s the stage where performances are shaped, tension is built, and the story finds its rhythm.
Locations & Permits
Costs $5,500
Location fees and permits help us secure filming spaces and obtain approval for street use, including parking for our crew and equipment.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Leland Krane, Director of Photography
Leland Krane is a New York-based Director of Photography with over 100 credits in TV and film. His work has been featured in American Cinematographer, Indiewire, and The Wall Street Journal. Leland is a member of ICG Local 600 and serves on its AI Committee. Leland is the founder of ShotKraft, the premier AI-powered shotlisting app designed to help directors and directors of photography work more efficiently, eliminate busywork, and focus on creativity. He has spoken on panels about cinematography and AI at NAB New York and at AI & Media Townhall meetings hosted by ShotKraft.
Some of Leland's more notable projects include "Chappelle’s Show," the theatrically released film"Under Hellgate Bridge," "Tunnelvison" and both shooting and Directing the top rated show "REDRUM," for ID. TV Camera operating credits include, Love LIfe, NSFW, Madam Secretary, Limitless, The Americans, The Get Down, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, SNL, The Deuce and others. He also serves as a 2nd unit Dp on some of these projects. Leland has taught cinematography workshops at The New School, SUNY Purchase, Maine Media, and AbelCine. Specialties: Director/ Director of Photography/Camera operator Film and Video production. Member IATSE local 600
Adrienne Stern, Casting Director
Adrienne Stern is a seasoned Casting Director and ARTIOS WINNER whose films have premiered at Sundance, TIFF, Cannes, Tribeca, Berlin, SXSW, HIFF, Woodstock, Seattle, Venice and many other prominent film festivals, taking home first place prestigious awards that have led to distribution deals and launched actor’s careers. Some of her well known films include The Believer starring Ryan Gosling, ”Thirteen Conversations About One Thing” starring Matthew McConaughey, “Broken English” starring Parker Posey and Justin Theroux, “Joseph Pulitzer” starring Liev Schreiber, Sebastian Stan, Billy Magnussen, Lauren Ambrose, Rachel Brosnahan and Adam Driver as the Narrator.
Bruce Hall, Assistant Director
Bruce Edward Hall is a New York City-based 1st Assistant Director and Producer with more than 20 years of experience across films, TV, commercials, and music videos. His credits include Jackie, Mudbound, and The Wackness, with projects airing on CNN, History, Hallmark, AMC, Netflix, Hulu, and Discovery. Most recently, he completed Situation #64 with Hari Nef and Louisa Jacobson, and served as co-producer on Influenced, featuring Jill Kargman, David Krumholtz, Justin Bartha, Jason Biggs, and Jessica Capshaw.
Morgan Alexandra Neville is a New York City–based film editor known for her strong sense of story, rhythm, and performance. With a career spanning independent film and television, she has worked on projects including Blue Jasmine, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Half Magic, iGilbert, Genius: Aretha, and Oh. What. Fun. Grounded in decades of experience, Morgan brings empathy, nuance, and a deep respect for story to her work, with a particular sensitivity to the emotional complexity that lives between light and shadow.
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.
The Final Fight Cast
Josh Davis (Martin Cohen), Ellen B. Williams (Annette Russo), Margarett Reed (Phyllis Cohen), James Ciccone (Ronnie "Hacks" Russo), Tom Hair (Martin Cohen), Adriana DeMeo (Gina Russo), Trini Alvarado (Paige Carson), Matthew Cippaghila (Officer Richardson), Mario Polit (Eddie Morretti), and Ryan Spahn (Brad Kessler).