SPAR is a modern comedy-drama series set around the world of amatuer boxing. A cross between Creed, The Bear with a dash of Cobra Kai SPAR offers a new experience when it comes to television. The obsession, the relationships, the comedy, and thrill of it all wrapped up in one story.

Why Fund this Pilot Episode?

My name is Anthony Vander and I am an director, writer, and producer living in Ealing, LDN. I created Spar not only because i love the sport of boxing but also because physical exercise has been a massive factor within the past 15 months for me in helping to overcome the loss of a loved one. I wanted to write a series which serves greater depth, human nuance, and sophisticated suspense than the genre has generally seen. 

But a little bit more about myself

This isn't my first rodeo. I created a short film in 2019 called ’Spar,’ The short was a snap shot into the lives of ensemble. It's now lives on Youtube on Million Youth Media Channel with over sixty thousand views. I decided to make Spar into a tv show to further extend themes which we minutely touched on in the short. Themes such as brotherhood, identity, gender inclusivity and more. 

Spar is my most personal project yet, an exploration on finding a gateway to mental health through sport. This pilot needs to be created now because mental health continues to be a taboo subject for many, especially young boys and men. The notion of gender conformity on men and boys to be ‘strong’ and ‘tough’ in moments whereby they are struggling with their mental health. 

Spar will celebrate the sport of boxing and the role it plays in transforming lives by increasing discipline and respect within communities

TEAM 

Join our team and support our Greenlit campaign

Edwin De La Renta can be currently seen as the recurring character Francis in TED LASSO (Apple TV). Credits include feature film THE INFORMER (Warner Bros), DECEIT (Channel 4) and has feature PRETTY RED DRESS (BBC Films) coming out later this year.

Nicola Roffe can be seen as the character Maria in SCALES (Distortion Entertainment). Credits include FAST GIRLS (Studio Canal), MI HIGH (Kudos Film and Television), EASTENDERS (BBC).

Jordan Pitt can be seen as the lead role in BANGED UP ABROAD (Disney +).Credits include feature film MONTANA (Entertainment One), STORMHOUSE (Prime Video), WHAT WOULD YOU DO (Prime Video).

Andre Fyffe can be seen as the lead role in upcoming short THE CADILLAC. Credits include CASUALTY (BBC), CAPTURE (Elicit Pictures), FOR FLUER (Fully Focused Productions)

Stephanie Siadatan can be seen in THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL (Netflix). Credits include SILENT WITNESS (BBC), HOLBY CITY (BBC), EMMERDALE (ITV). 

Gary Swan can be seen in 24 HOURS IN LONDON  (High Fliers). Credits include COUNTDOWN TO MURDER (Channel 5), THE ESSEX WARRIORS (ESG Media) SWEETBOY (Distortion Entertainment). 

Nathaniel Tan can be seen in Adieu Marx (Steven Cutts Productions), Todd Sloane (Get New Design), Love Online (Steven Cutts Productions), Go Back Home (ESEA HUB). 

Anthony Vander (Show-runner) is an award winning filmmaker and producer. Anthony’s directorial debut feature film, 'Sweetboy' had its North American première at the American Black Film Festival and aired on London Live television multiple times. His second short film 'Spar' screened at festivals including S.O.U.L Connect and The Miami Independent Film Festival. Anthony's fifth short film 'Finale' is currently playing at the BAFTA qualifying Aesthetica film festival. 

Mavin Rasheed (Producer) is an actor and producer. As an actor she can be currently seen in ‘The Power’ (Prime video) and ‘Professor’ (ITV). Mavin will be lead producer alongside show runner Anthony Vander.

Kate Napoli (writer) is a graduate of San Francisco State's Cinema Department with a focus on story construction and screenwriting.  She has worked in non-profit and public media since her graduation. These experiences have taught her how to create captivating stories.

Eduardo Jed Camara (cinematographer) is a story driven cinematographer working in narrative film, documentaries and branded content. He has been working in the industry for almost 10 years and have worked on a wide variety of projects for brands and companies such as Lamborghini, FIFA TV and Samaritans.

Visual references 

A recurring theme in my work is exploring the aesthetics of physical movement and the body.  In SPAR PILOT the gym scenes will operate a frantic pace. The shots will be close, intimate and natural to emphasise the characters feelings in their current situation. The sparring scenes will be full energy using medium POVs intertwined with handheld rough tracking shots, creating a relentlessly fast paced immersive style.   

This pilot episode can be made on a budget of around £7,000. Our budget will be used to finance quality equipment but also locations, talent, crew and post production. The team are well networked and therefore able to obtain these at a much lower cost base than normal. The script is catered to our budget (minimal locations and a minimal cast) to keep costs down.

How will this pilot be distributed?

We plan to shop this pilot to different TV channels and streaming platforms. We will also screen the pilot on the international festival circuit to create momentum and buzz around the world.

A HUGE thank you for supporting this project that is very close to my heart. 

You can help us by SPREADING THE WORD and SHARING on social media - to your friends, family and everyone you know. This will help us and we see this as a contribution in itself :) 

SPAR CAST AND CREW