Run-A-Muck, the creator-led multi-platform company co-founded by Jennifer Beals, is developing Courtside, a romantic comedy set in the world of professional women’s basketball. The project was reported by Deadline.
Written by Brittani Nichols and directed by Carly Usdin, the film follows an injury-plagued women’s hoops superstar whose championship ambitions are upended when she falls for her teammate. WNBA players Gabby Williams, Theresa Plaisance and Syd Colson are all set to appear, with Colson also serving as executive producer. Run-A-Muck co-founder Jennifer Beals will also appear in the film.
Run-A-Muck co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Ilene Chaiken said the project reflects exactly the kind of storytelling the company was built for.
“Women’s sports are driving culture in a way that feels undeniable, and there’s a real appetite for character-driven queer stories that reflect that world authentically. With REIGN, we’re creating space to tell those stories across formats, grounded in the voices and experiences of the athletes themselves.”
Nichols, an executive producer on Abbott Elementary, described the project as something she has long wanted to make.
“It feels like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this kind of excitement to surround women’s basketball, and I’m excited to blend my love of sports, lesbian tension, and comedy into one project.”
Colson was equally enthusiastic about coming on board.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said yes to an opportunity faster than I did for Courtside. I respect Carly and Brittani’s sense of humor so much and being involved with this in any capacity sounded amazing. I can already feel how transformative this movie will be in terms of representation on screen for minorities, queer people, and women’s basketball players and fans alike.”
Courtside marks the second feature collaboration between Nichols and Usdin, whose debut film Suicide Kale took home Audience Awards at both Outfest and NewFest. Usdin also created The Syd and TP Show.
The project sits under Run-A-Muck’s REIGN banner, whose growing slate also includes the podcast Is She Game?, hosted by creator Coach Jackie J, set to debut later this summer on YouTube and podcast platforms.
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