For anyone currently following the US Open—taking place until September 8—curiosity will arise about the people who help tennis players transition through each match by making sure the court is ready before each serve. NY-based filmmaker Scott Lazer provides a charming window into who these highly motivated ball crew members are, where they come from, and what their tryout experience is like. 

Every year, hundreds of hopefuls from all over the United States are afforded the unique opportunity to try out for a handful of spots on the ball crew at the US Open. Lazer became interested in this try-out process when he found out there was no upper-age limit in the selection, meaning anyone above the age of 14 can apply. For example, Andrew Norman, who was a first-time ball person as a young man in 1978, is seen trying out again in 2022.

“Through exploring the fascinating journey of becoming a ball person and the profound reflections it evokes on inclusivity, aging, and the evolving culture of tennis, this film offers a glimpse into the future of the sport and the aspirations of its enthusiasts.” SCOTT LAZER

 

Ball People reveals a quintessentially American narrative about opportunity and inclusion in a judgment-free manner, with slick editing and well-framed compositions. Lazer favors the natural intentionality found in meticulous framing over spontaneity, lending Ball People an assuredly stylish quality.

In addition to being a tennis enthusiast, Scott Lazer is a filmmaker and creative director. His short fiction film West by God premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2022 and won the Special Jury Recognition Prize for Outstanding Performances at SXSW the same year. Lazer has also directed videos for various hip hop artists including J. Cole, Tierra Whack, and J.I.D.

Text written by Katarina Docalovich.