Check-Up (Short film) Fundraiser

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Check-Up is Writer/Director Daniel Rusiecki’s most ambitious project to date. Rusiecki hopes to tell a unique and personal story.

Logline

A rising basketball star on the verge of greatness

is trained by his abusive older brother, who is an ex-basketball player, and will stop at nothing to

unlock his brothers potential.

Overview

Check-Up is a story that follows Young Sterling Hart, who is not just a good basketball player. He is great. Sterling is ranked top ten in the country and is on the path to be in the NBA. The only thing in his way, or person, is his older brother Ta’Jay Hart. Ta ’Jay played basketball once at the collegiate level and he was also an extraordinary talent. After the mother of Sterling and Ta’Jay passed way, Ta’Jay was forced to make a tough decision. Ta’Jay decided to leave college and return home to take over as guardian for Sterling. Ta‘Jay is now using his knowledge of basketball and his skillset to help Sterling reach his greatest potential. The only problem is Ta’Jay blurs between using tough love and being verbally and physically abusive towards Sterling. The screenplay picks up during one of the most important decisions of Sterling’s life. Sterling is in the final stages of college recruitment and must pick a school. Ta’Jay adds to Sterling’s stressful situation by acting as a trainer before acting as an older brother. Faced with pressures from coaches, friends, and his brother, Sterling is forced to confront himself, but also his relationship with Ta’Jay. The challenges raised from Ta’Jay’s envy and animosity threaten to destroy his relationship with Sterling.

Check-Up draws influence from films such as He got game (1998), Whiplash (2014), and The Iron Claw (2023). The themes dive into brotherhood, obsession, and the idea of masculinity.

Currently, we are early in preproduction, we're still developing aspects of production such as finalizing locations, casting actors, and evaluating other finances.

This is a story that is very personal and deep to me. I have a younger brother, who also plays basketball like me. I pray that he can live his dreams out and grow in his craft through hard work and dedication. The idea of telling stories and sharing emotions on screen has always been a deep love of mine. From watching horror movies with my parents to going by myself to the movies, I have always loved watching films. The next step is for me to create films with the hope that I can create that profound love that I have for cinema, in others. With your help, I will be able to obtain the proper equipment and locations, crew, cast, and provide transportation and lodging for the people helping to create this picture. As well, as being able to provide a stable and comfortable set experience.

Director/Writer: Daniel Rusiecki

DOP: Christian Mena

I want to make mention we do not offer special perks/promotions or offers or any form of sweepstakes! This is for donations only!