BALLER
BALLER
A Short Film
Scroll to explore
THE CAST
A former pro footballer sees his unfinished dreams in his daughter — until he’s forced to choose between his legacy and her happiness.
ERIN O’DWYER is ‘SAM’.
Erin is a talented young performer with experience across both stage and screen, bringing a natural emotional depth and confidence to her work. Her ability to deliver honest expressive performances through monologues, poetry or character work, makes her a perfect addition to the project. Regardless of her age, she brings a high level of maturity and skill to the role and we’re extremely excited to have her on board.
ERIN O’DWYER is ‘SAM’.
Erin is a talented young performer with experience across both stage and screen, bringing a natural emotional depth and confidence to her work. Her ability to deliver honest expressive performances through monologues, poetry or character work, makes her a perfect addition to the project. Regardless of her age, she brings a high level of maturity and skill to the role and we’re extremely excited to have her on board.
ELIAS WILLIAMS is ‘TOM’
Elias recently trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2025. He has worked across both stage and screen, and his credits include feature film, Reel Talk (2024). Later this year he will appear in upcoming indie feature film, Kalocsa, directed by his brother Timon Williams. Elias has also written and directed short films for the BBC and Channel 4, of which Voodoo in My Heart received official selection at LSFF. We are extremely excited to work with Elias, who had incredibly strong auditions the whole way through the casting process and was always a top contender to play ‘Tom’.
ELIAS WILLIAMS is ‘TOM’
Elias recently trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2025. He has worked across both stage and screen, and his credits include feature film, Reel Talk (2024). Later this year he will appear in upcoming indie feature film, Kalocsa, directed by his brother Timon Williams. Elias has also written and directed short films for the BBC and Channel 4, of which Voodoo in My Heart received official selection at LSFF. We are extremely excited to work with Elias, who had incredibly strong auditions the whole way through the casting process and was always a top contender to play ‘Tom’.
THE CREW
Created by an experienced and respected team dedicated to honest, uncompromising storytelling.
Director
CHARLIE LOCKLEY
Produer
OLIVER HILLS
Director of Photography
JACOB TURTON
Production Designer
ELIN CHICHESTER
Editor
MINKE CLARK-PHILIPS
Sound Designer
JOSH SYKES
DONATIONS
We are still in the process of making this film and with your help, we can do this at the highest level. If this story resonates with you, please consider supporting our GoFundMe and becoming part of the journey from first kick to final frame.
FAQ
Your questions, answered
What is the context of the film?
'Baller' follows former professional footballer 'Tom Dane', who is projecting his unfulfilled dreams on to his young daughter 'Sam Dane'- until he realises her happiness means more than his legacy. Tom Dane was a talented, young centre-halt, registering 13 caps for the England squad. After getting a call up to the 2018 World Cup squad, Tom helped the team to the semi-finals of the competition, where they would meet Croatia. After taking an early lead, Croatia would later pull it back to make it 1-1. Extra time. The Croatian striker goes past Tom as he lunges in. 2-1. Tom is left on the ground holding his knee, before getting stretchered off. This was the last game of football he will ever play. Since her parent's parted ways, Sam has been visiting her father every weekend to play for U13's Orla Athletic. She is widely recognised as the team's star player and has registered a record breaking 32 goals and 21 assists so far, leading the team to a title race. In a game against their rivals, Sam is awarded player of the match after scoring a hattrick. It's in this moment that Sam realises football is not fun anymore and the pressure from Tom is draining her.
How will it be made?
What is the objective?
When will it be released?
What is the context of the film?
'Baller' follows former professional footballer 'Tom Dane', who is projecting his unfulfilled dreams on to his young daughter 'Sam Dane'- until he realises her happiness means more than his legacy. Tom Dane was a talented, young centre-halt, registering 13 caps for the England squad. After getting a call up to the 2018 World Cup squad, Tom helped the team to the semi-finals of the competition, where they would meet Croatia. After taking an early lead, Croatia would later pull it back to make it 1-1. Extra time. The Croatian striker goes past Tom as he lunges in. 2-1. Tom is left on the ground holding his knee, before getting stretchered off. This was the last game of football he will ever play. Since her parent's parted ways, Sam has been visiting her father every weekend to play for U13's Orla Athletic. She is widely recognised as the team's star player and has registered a record breaking 32 goals and 21 assists so far, leading the team to a title race. In a game against their rivals, Sam is awarded player of the match after scoring a hattrick. It's in this moment that Sam realises football is not fun anymore and the pressure from Tom is draining her.
How will it be made?
What is the objective?
When will it be released?