Robert Townsend to Direct, Produce Basketball Rom-Com 'Playin' for Love'

Robert Townsend is set to direct and produce the basketball-themed romantic comedy Playin' for Love.

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The story revolves around the head coach of a high school hoops team and a single mother who turns the team upside down.

The film, which will shoot in Miami, brings together a unique consortium of investors that includes the City of Miami and the Miami Heat. Playin' for Love will utilize local talent, with auditions beginning Nov. 4, and employ 20 students from the Overtown community and 20 from the University of Miami.

Townsend (Meteor Man, The Five Heartbeats) recently finished In the Hive, which stars Michael Clarke Duncan in his final performance. The film will open Dec. 7.



“When Commissioner Jones approached me about creating a project here in Miami to give the local community and beyond a message of hope, I signed on immediately," said Townsend. "I was that kid from the ghetto. I know what we can do by reaching out to young people in Miami and showing them possibilities.”

Other investor and participants include Jamba Juice, Isiah Thomas, the University of Miami School of Communication Department of Cinema and Interactive Media, Miami Dade County Public Schools, Citi-Trends, South Florida Workforce, Connor Hardwood Floors, 
Aveda, Doubletree Hotels and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.