Ritesh Sharma
In the Lifetime thriller ‘Taken at a Basketball Game,’ Wayne Edwards and his teenage daughter, Robyn, set out for a day of bonding over their shared love for basketball. The arena buzzes with energy, the game unfolding in thrilling fashion, and for a while, it feels like a perfect day. But at halftime, everything changes. Robyn steps away for a break and encounters two seemingly friendly strangers who, with unnerving precision, render her unconscious and smuggle her out of the arena without drawing attention. When Wayne realizes she’s missing, his instincts kick in. A former cop immediately suspects foul play, but the police remain unconvinced. They believe Robyn left of her own will, dismissing his fears as overreaction. But Wayne knows his daughter — she would never just disappear.
As he pushes past red tape and official skepticism, he begins to uncover a disturbing pattern, leading him to suspect that whoever took Robyn has done this before. With time running out and little help from authorities, Wayne takes matters into his own hands. Racing through snow-covered streets, retracing her last known steps, and following every lead, he finds himself in a dangerous game where every second counts. Directed by Ruba Nadda and inspired by true events, ‘Taken at a Basketball Game’ is a tense and compelling movie that explores a father’s relentless determination to save his child. The contrast between the electrifying basketball arena and the cold, unforgiving landscapes heightens the suspense, making this a must-watch for fans of true-crime thrillers and emotionally charged mysteries.
Taken at a Basketball Game Filming Locations
Much like many other Lifetime thrillers, ‘Taken at a Basketball Game’ was filmed in Calgary, Alberta, making full use of the region’s stunning and diverse landscapes. The cast not only brought intensity to their performances but also enjoyed the breathtaking scenery. Production likely took place in December 2024 and, in true Lifetime fashion, wrapped up within a few weeks. The efficiency of the shoot didn’t compromise the film’s visual appeal, and it remained engaging and immersive.
Calgary, Alberta
The filming of ‘Taken at a Basketball Game’ took place in Calgary, Alberta, a city that has become a sought-after filming location due to its diverse landscapes and film-friendly infrastructure. With a mix of modern urban settings, historic architecture, and vast natural beauty, Calgary provided the perfect backdrop for the story. The city’s ability to transition seamlessly between bustling streets and rugged landscapes allowed the filmmakers to create a visually dynamic world without the need for extensive set construction.
Several key locations across Calgary played a crucial role in bringing the series to life. A basketball court served as an important setting for some pivotal scenes, adding a layer of authenticity and grounding the story in a relatable, everyday environment. Additionally, a police station was utilized, helping to establish the stakes and tension in certain moments of the narrative. These real-world locations contributed to the immersive atmosphere, making the story feel tangible and lived-in.
Calgary has long been a favorite for filmmakers, not just for its scenic appeal but also for its well-established industry support. The city has played host to numerous well-known productions, including ‘The Revenant,’ ‘Interstellar,’ ‘The Last of Us,’ and ‘Fargo.’ Lifetime, in particular, has frequently chosen Calgary as a filming destination, with several of its projects, such as ‘My Husband’s Killer Girlfriend,’ ‘Candy Cane Candidate,’ and ‘Lonestar Christmas,’ also being shot in the city. These productions have benefited from Alberta’s generous tax incentives, experienced local crews, and state-of-the-art film studios, making Calgary an attractive and cost-effective location for television movies.
While Calgary offers many advantages, it also presents some challenges. The city’s unpredictable weather, known for its rapid temperature shifts and sudden snowfalls, can complicate outdoor shoots. However, this has also proven to be an asset for productions seeking realistic and dramatic natural backdrops. The city’s versatility, combined with its support for the film industry, ensures that despite any hurdles, Calgary remains a premier destination for filmmakers. Ultimately, Calgary’s blend of realistic urban settings, scenic landscapes, and film-friendly policies helped shape the world of the series, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling. With its growing reputation in the global film industry, the city continues to be a prime location for both television and cinematic productions.
Taken at a Basketball Game Cast Details
The film features a well-rounded cast with diverse experience and a strong screen presence. D.B. Woodside is a seasoned actor with a background in both television and film, known for portraying authoritative and emotionally complex characters. Claire Qute is an emerging talent with a fresh and engaging approach to acting, bringing a natural authenticity to her performances. Moni Ogunsuyi has a background in modeling and acting, seamlessly blending poise with emotional depth in her roles. Duff Zayonce comes from a varied entertainment background, with experience in both acting and stunt work, adding physical intensity to his performances. Their combined skills contribute to the gripping atmosphere of ‘Taken at a Basketball Game.’
D.B. Woodside as Wayne Edwards
D.B. Woodside is best known for his role as Amenadiel in ‘Lucifer,’ Wayne Palmer/President Wayne Palmer in ’24’, and Colin in ‘Romeo Must Die.’ He also appeared in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ ‘Suits,’ ‘Parenthood,’ and ‘Single Ladies.’ With a career spanning both television and film, Woodside has established himself as a versatile performer capable of delivering both commanding and emotionally layered roles.
Claire Qute as Robyn
Claire Qute is recognized for her roles as Frances in ‘Lady Ada’s Secret Society,’ Charlotte McAllister in ‘Stained,’ ‘Mayel in ‘Creeped Out,’ and Jessica in ‘Workin’ Moms.’ She has also appeared in ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ ‘The Death and Life of John F. Donovan,’ ‘The Detail,’ ‘A Song for Christmas,’ and ‘OddTube.’
Megan Hutchings as Donna
Megan Hutchings, born in Toronto, is known for her performances in ‘In Contempt’ as Tracy Campbell, ‘Reign’ as Jane, ‘The L.A. Complex’ as Laura Knight, and ‘Crawford’ as Veronica. She has also appeared in ‘Skymed,’ ‘The Family Secret,’ ‘Swindler Seduction,’ ‘Astrid and Lilly Save the World,’ ‘Love’s Sweet Recipe,’ and ‘Workin’ Moms.’
Duff Zayonce as Lucas
Duff Zayonce is recognized for his role as Sam in ‘Black Summer,’ Trash in ‘Penoza: The Final Chapter,’ and Farmer Barnes in ‘Global Meltdown.’ He has also appeared in ‘The Revenant’, ‘Wynonna Earp’, ‘The Detour’, ‘Charles Manson: The Final Words’, and ‘The Shocking Truth’. The cast of the movie also includes Moni Ogunsuyi as Splendid and L.A. Sweeney as Pam. The thriller also features Kurtis Sanheim as Detective Moore and Reamonn Joshee as Dante. Additionally, Laura-Claire English is credited as Security Guard #2, while Brent Gill plays Security Guard, and Domanic Chiu portrays Security Officer. The remaining cast members include Dallas Soonias as Hulking Drunk, Alex Finlay as Ashley, and Nathan Pronyshyn as Gopnik.
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