About the Project

HOOPZTOWN is an original story developed as a television pilot episode, created, written and directed by Fleurette Fernando. Her concept won the runner-up prize at Austin’s ATX Pitch Competition in 2015.

In development over the last 10 years, the project has garnered support from the Houston Film Commission (Houston First), Houston Cinema Arts Society, Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP), Houston Media Source, University of Houston, and Houston Arts Alliance through Individual Artist Grants (2018 and 2025). 

When conceptualized a decade ago, women in sports were experiencing limited financial support and media exposure. Today, women's sports, particularly the WNBA, is seeing a surge in revenue and media attention due to stars like Caitlyn Clarke. It is now critically important for young fans to highlight the contributions of the pioneering women of the late 90s, most of whom were women of color (and many who were the original players of the famed Houston Comets) who did not achieve lucrative careers or have profitable endorsements. These women built the foundation of women's sports with the belief that future generations of women and young girls would profit from their efforts. As we see plans to form a new Houston WNBA team today, it’s important to recognize the contributions of the women who gave to the sport often at personal costs.

What makes HOOPZTOWN compelling is its focus on female characters of color, an exploration of Title IX laws, the struggles of student athletes and challenges of women in professional sports, all among the backdrop of a rapidly changing and diverse Houston, Texas. 

Explore the project’s concept further in the HOOPZTOWN One-Sheet

Find out how you can become an Associate Producer or play an Extra in the pilot at the HOOPZTOWN GoFundMe.

Visualize the feel of the show at this preliminary lookbook.