Female Basketball Drama in the Works at Ascendant Entertainment From Melanie Page, Kellie R. Griffin (EXCLUSIVE)

As a passionate supporter of empowering stories that resonate with young women, I am thrilled about the upcoming drama series “On the Line.” Having been a basketball dad myself, I can attest to the captivating tales and shared viewing experiences this genre offers.


Rob Friedman’s company, Ascendant Entertainment, is working on a dramatic high school basketball series featuring women’s teams, in collaboration with former player Melanie Page and Kellie R. Griffin. This project has been secured exclusively by EbMaster.

The television series, named “On the Line,” focuses on the ups and downs of high school female basketball players, both on and off the court. The project is being developed by Page, with Griffin taking the role of showrunner. Alison Lani Genest, Vice President of Development at Ascendant, will represent the company during this process. This series announcement arrives amidst a surge in popularity for women’s basketball.

“Being a father to four daughters and a basketball enthusiast myself, I understand that this is a space teeming with compelling narratives and shared viewing experiences,” Friedman stated. “Our intention isn’t centered on the coaches, but rather on the players – the young women who navigate numerous challenges and emotional turmoil in their daily lives, juggling academics, sports, and personal relationships.”

Maryland once boasted Page as one of its top athletes, with aspirations to shine in the WNBA. Unfortunately, a string of injuries halted her court career prematurely. However, instead of giving up on her dreams, she transitioned into filmmaking and climbed the ranks from being a production assistant for ESPN projects to producing Spike Lee’s “Lil’ Joints.” Lately, she has been directing content for Microsoft’s WNBA partnerships and is currently working on a docuseries centered around promising basketball talent Juju Watkins.

“Page shared that this story was crucial for her during her youthful days as a rising basketball player,” she said. “It’s a profound privilege for me to portray a reflection of what young ladies like myself require to witness. This series encapsulates the thrilling, dramatic realm of girls’ basketball, where both on-court and off-court pressures can shape or reshape you.”

Previously, Griffin developed and served as co-executive producer for the BET show “Reed Between the Lines”, featuring Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross. Other projects she has worked on include “Crowded” at NBC and “Fuller House” on Netflix. Additionally, she has experience in children’s animation, receiving a Humanitas Prize nomination for her work on the Netflix series “Karma’s World”. Some of her other animation credits include “The Loud House” and “Rubble and Crew.”

“Being the bonus mom of an incredibly athletic girl who’s about to turn 15, I can’t contain my excitement for this project,” said Griffin. “Not only does it shine a light on female basketball players, but it also delves into the complex and transformative years of high school, offering a healing and enlightening experience for both teens and their parents.” (Movie buff: As a bonus mom to a soon-to-be 15-year-old athletic girl, I’m thrilled to be involved in this project. It not only showcases female basketball players but also explores the challenging yet transformative high school years, providing healing and insight for both teens and their parents.)

Griffin is repped by Heroes and Villains Entertainment.

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2024-08-16 01:17