New drama series ‘On the Line’ explores the world of female high school basketball
A fresh perspective on the court
Ascendant Entertainment is set to bring a new drama series to life, focusing on the compelling world of female high school basketball. Titled “On the Line”, this series promises to delve into the intricate lives of young athletes, both on and off the court. The project is being developed by former basketball player Melanie Page and seasoned showrunner Kellie R. Griffin.
The essence of ‘On the Line’
The official description of “On the Line” highlights its focus on the day-to-day challenges faced by female high school basketball players. From balancing academics and sports to navigating personal relationships, the series aims to portray the multifaceted lives of these young women. Alison Lani Genest, Ascendant’s vice president of development, is overseeing the project, ensuring it aligns with the company’s vision.
A personal touch from the creators
Rob Friedman, a proud father of four daughters and a basketball enthusiast, expressed his excitement about the series. He emphasized that the show will center on the players rather than the coaches, capturing the pressure and drama these young women face. “Our focus is not on the coaches, but on the players — the young women and all the pressure and drama they face in their day-to-day lives, balancing schoolwork, gameplay, and relationships,” Friedman shared.
Melanie Page’s journey from player to filmmaker
Melanie Page’s transition from a star player in Maryland to a filmmaker is a story of resilience and passion. After injuries cut her basketball career short, she ventured into filmmaking, starting as a production assistant for sports projects. Her notable works include producing “Spike Lee’s Lil’ Joints” and directing branded content for Microsoft’s WNBA partnerships. Recently, she directed and produced a docuseries following rising basketball star Juju Watkins.
Reflecting on her journey, Page said, “I needed this story when I was younger, as I was going through the ranks as a basketball player. It is my deepest honor to create a reflection of what girls like me need to see. This series captures the dramatic, exciting world of girls basketball, where the stakes, both on and off the court, can make or break you.”
Kellie R. Griffin’s diverse experience
Kellie R. Griffin brings a wealth of experience to the project. She previously created and co-executive produced the BET series “Reed Between the Lines”, starring Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross. Her other credits include “Crowded” at NBC and “Fuller House” at Netflix. Griffin has also made significant contributions to children’s animation, earning a Humanitas Prize nomination for the Netflix series “Karma’s World” and working on shows like “The Loud House” and “Rubble and Crew”.
“As the bonus mom of a very athletic, soon-to-be-15-year-old girl, I’m so excited to be a part of this project,” Griffin said. “In addition to shedding light on female ballers, this series will dive deep into those awkward yet growth-filled high school years, making it both healing and revealing for teens and their parents.”
A rising trend in women’s basketball
The announcement of “On the Line” comes at a time when women’s basketball is experiencing a surge in popularity. The series aims to capitalize on this momentum, offering viewers a captivating and authentic portrayal of the sport. By focusing on the personal stories of the players, the show hopes to resonate with a broad audience, including teens and their parents.
A promising collaboration
The collaboration between Page and Griffin, supported by Ascendant Entertainment, promises to bring a unique and engaging series to the screen. With their combined expertise and personal connections to the world of basketball, “On the Line” is poised to become a must-watch for fans of the sport and drama enthusiasts alike.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit On the Line.
This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the upcoming series “On the Line,” highlighting the personal journeys of its creators and the broader context of women’s basketball. By offering a mix of analysis, personal reflections, and additional resources, it seeks to engage and inform readers who are passionate about cinema, TV series, and sports.