Actress Adriana DeMeo steps into the character of Gina Russo
Casting Lead Adrienne Stern, The Final Fight
Josh Davis and Tom Hair portray Scott Cohen and Martin Cohen, The Final Fight
Drawing inspiration from a New York Times journalist, actor Trini Alvarado assumes the role of Paige Carson
Post-production continues to move forward on The Final Fight.
Josh Davis brought incredible authenticity to the role, and I was deeply moved by his performance.”— Writer/Director Todd J. Stein, The Final FightNEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES, July 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The guardianship-centered dramatic short film helmed by writer/director Todd J. Stein is now being finished by a number of acclaimed post-production specialists who are bringing this deeply intimate project to its final stage.
Danger Pixel’s Scott Winston oversees the visual effects, Peter Waggoner manages the final audio mix, Mario Gutierrez supervises sound design, and Cameron Adams composes the score. Stein has additionally verified that Company 3, among Hollywood’s most distinguished post-production houses, will handle the film’s final color grading.
Company 3 has risen to become a top-tier post-production company in the entertainment sector, globally acknowledged for its color grading, finishing, and post-production services on major studio films, high-end television series, and award-winning advertisements. Operating studios in Los Angeles, New York, London, Toronto, Vancouver, and additional locations, Company 3 has worked alongside numerous celebrated Hollywood directors and is noted for its contributions to Academy Award-winning and Emmy Award-winning projects.
For Stein, bringing together a team of this high caliber has been among the most fulfilling aspects of completing his first directorial effort. “It’s exciting for a first-time director on a project that’s extremely personal to have such an incredible post-production team behind this film. Every artist who’s come aboard has elevated the project and embraced the emotional heart of the story.” Stein commended editor Morgan Alexandra Neville, whose contributions influenced the film’s form and assisted in assembling the award-worthy post-production crew. “Morgan was a tremendous asset throughout post-production. Her editing instincts and collaborative approach helped bring together the incredible team that’s now helping us finish the film.” Neville characterized the cooperative atmosphere that has marked the production. “The best way to describe the energy in post-production was something our composer, Cameron Adams, said: ‘The music writes itself to the edit.’ Our whole team has given 100 percent to a project that deserves 100 percent.”
The Final Fight functions as a standalone proof-of-concept derived from Stein’s award-winning screenplay bearing the same title, inspired by his actual battle to liberate his father from an unprecedented guardianship. Stein hopes the finished short will enable the feature-length screenplay to discover an appropriate home and ultimately become a major theatrical release. “I know this story is important, and I believe creative executives will recognize that its message reaches far beyond my own family. We’re all getting older, and one day we’ll all depend on loved ones to protect us when we become vulnerable. My relationship with my father had become strained, but when he was placed into guardianship, it unexpectedly brought us back together. The Final Fight is ultimately a father-and-son story, and that’s what allows it to resonate with so many people. How far will a family go to protect someone they love? That’s the question at the heart of this film.”
Co-producer Marlene Schneider stated she recognized the project’s promise from the outset. “We knew we had something special when Todd first brought me this project because it was already resonating with so many people throughout the creative community. The fact that actors wanted to take on these very real characters was a clear sign that we were bringing his family’s story to life in a meaningful way.”
Schneider came on board the production after Stein asked her to serve as co-producer. Their first collaboration occurred during Stein’s campaign for the Manhattan Upper East Side Democratic District Leader position, where Schneider acted as his campaign manager. Their mutual dedication to advocacy and community service laid the groundwork for their partnership. Prior to entering film production, Schneider spent over twenty years as a Vice President at the National Council on Aging, contributing extensive leadership and nonprofit expertise to The Final Fight.
Stein noted that the completed short aims to introduce audiences, along with the film industry, to the broader narrative. “We want this proof of concept to attract the attention of prestigious film festivals. We’ll begin festival submissions as early as August with the goal of premiering at a major festival, while also introducing the feature screenplay to the industry.”
Longtime voice actor Tom Hair, who plays Martin Cohen, instantly bonded with the story’s emotional depth after auditioning and meeting with Stein and Schneider. Hair entered the production through casting director Adrienne Stern, who examined scores of submissions before selecting him for the critical role. Hair expressed that portraying a real individual carried both honor and obligation. “I’ve opened my heart and striven for a truthful and empathetic portrayal of senior life searching for solid ground. I believe this project is not only worthwhile entertainment but valuable food for thought for anyone who experiences it.”
Casting director Adrienne Stern stated that authenticity drove every casting choice. “When Todd Stein reached out about casting The Final Fight, the story of his journey to free his father, Marvin Stein, from guardianship, I knew I had an important responsibility. We weren’t simply looking for physical resemblance. We searched for performers who shared an emotional understanding of these characters and genuinely cared about bringing this family’s story to life.”
Cast member Adriana DeMeo, who portrays Gina, said she instantly recognized her desire to join the production. “With an open heart, Todd is sharing intimate details of his family’s life while helping others avoid experiencing the devastating effects of an ill-intended guardianship. Gina is a challenging role because, even in her most difficult moments, I was always searching for the love underneath. By the end of the film, we’re all changed.”
Neville thinks viewers will respond to both the artistry and the message. “Our team has worked closely with Todd and Marlene to support the story. So much camaraderie and beauty have come out of post-production, and I think audiences will see a film that not only compels them emotionally but also inspires them to make a difference.”
Josh Davis takes on the part of Scott Cohen, first getting involved during a staged reading of the feature screenplay months prior to the short film’s production start. Stein recalled recognizing almost immediately that Davis had captured the character’s emotional essence.
“Josh was Scott from the moment he spoke the first lines of the script. It was surreal watching him embody the inner workings of Scott. He brought incredible authenticity to the role, and I was deeply moved by his performance. He ultimately earned the role over dozens of actors we considered.”
Davis remarked that the chance to portray a character inspired by a real person’s struggle lent the project special significance. “This is a real family, a real fight, and a real man who almost had his entire life taken from him. There’s nothing more meaningful as an actor than helping tell a story like this. Scott is flawed, but he keeps showing up and trying to do the right thing despite everything he’s facing. Bringing attention to the thousands of people trapped in guardianships with no one in their corner isn’t just powerful, it’s necessary.”
Stein’s family narrative first garnered nationwide attention when journalist John Leland chronicled their journey in a New York Times feature, “The Fight of This Old Boxer’s Life Was With His Own Family.” More recently, reporter Jack Ahern revisited the story in New York’s Our Town publication, highlighting the continued impact of the family’s fight and the upcoming film inspired by those events in his article; “The Final Fight” to Turn Real-Life East Side Guardianship Saga Into Potent Drama.
Neville added, “I have met so many talented film people who were so humble in the making of The Final Fight. I hope that viewers feel this when the watch the film too.” As post-production enters its final stages, The Final Fight continues building momentum toward its festival debut while seeking to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked realities of guardianship abuse through a deeply personal and emotionally resonant father-and-son story.
Colin Harp
Team Stein
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Behind The Scenes The Final Fight
