Danny Ramirez and Tom Culliver have emerged onto the film scene with their production company, Pinstripes, aiming to tell captivating stories that often go untold. Their journey from college freshmen at NYU to industry disruptors is marked by a shared passion for filmmaking and a desire to push the envelope in storytelling.
The duo initially bonded over a comical experiences with a failed multi-level marketing pitch, which quickly transitioned to a mutual love for cinema. This unlikely friendship laid the groundwork for their partnership, leading to the establishment of Pinstripes earlier this year. It serves as a vehicle for their creative aspirations, allowing them to produce films that resonate deeply with diverse audiences.
Danny Ramirez, who has gained recognition for his roles in series like On My Block and films such as Top Gun: Maverick, alongside Tom Culliver, who has honed his skills as a producer and executive with Elevated Films, both bring a wealth of experience and ambition to Pinstripes. Their first project is the Gus Van Sant-directed film Dead Man’s Wire, a gripping true-crime drama set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The film follows the true story of Tony Kiritsis, known for a bizarre hostage situation in 1977 Indianapolis, showcasing both the darkly humorous and deeply human aspects of the story.
As they navigate their initial steps in producing, Ramirez and Culliver have their eyes set on several upcoming projects, including the soccer drama Baton and Pursuit of Touch, showcasing their commitment to genres that have traditionally been sidelined in Hollywood. Their ambition to modernize stories like Scarface reflects their desire to engage with culturally relevant narratives that spark conversations.
In our interview with them, the filmmakers discussed their creative vision and the thematic elements that resonate with them, drawing inspiration from notable films and directors. Titles like Catch Me If You Can and the works of directors such as Bong Joon Ho and Park Chan-wook highlight their aspirations to create films that blend unique stories with an engaging cinematic style.
Central to their mission is a commitment to increasing representation in cinema, especially for Latin American and Latino stories. With Latinos playing prominent roles in the U.S., yet often relegated to supporting positions in films, Ramirez and Culliver are determined to change the narrative by putting Latino protagonists at the forefront. They envision telling rich, textured stories that reflect the complexities of their identities and experiences.
The idea of leadership in storytelling is crucial to their ethos. Ramirez emphasizes the importance of creating “prestige film” that goes beyond mere finance, aiming to elevate stories that haven’t yet received the spotlight they deserve. This belief is bedrock to their vision for Pinstripes—a company rooted in quality storytelling, which they perceive as crucial in making a lasting impact within the industry.
As they move forward, they are engaged in multiple projects, including The Juice, a tragicomedy inspired by Ramirez’s experience in a multi-level marketing scheme, and Baton, which they hope to start shooting soon, particularly in light of the upcoming World Cup in 2026, which they view as an opportune moment for a soccer-centric narrative.
Moreover, their approach demonstrates the marriage of ambition and collaboration. Being able to leverage their networks and existing relationships with experienced producers and directors enables them to build a strong foundation for Pinstripes, enhancing the creative potential of their projects.
As the release date approaches for Dead Man’s Wire, Ramirez and Culliver eagerly anticipate audiences’ reactions, hoping to reaffirm their commitment to authentic storytelling. They recognize that their journey is just beginning, and there’s a depth of stories waiting to be told.
While there are challenges in financing and getting projects off the ground, their experiences have taught them valuable lessons. They embrace the flexibility of independent filmmaking, allowing them to pivot and explore innovative ways to tell their stories, whether through original scripts or adaptations of existing intellectual properties like Scarface.
In summary, Danny Ramirez and Tom Culliver exemplify a new generation of filmmakers who are not only pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling but also striving to make cinema more inclusive and representative. Their journey is testament to the power of friendship, the pursuit of artistic integrity, and the unyielding belief that film can be a meaningful medium for underrepresented voices. With Pinstripes, they are poised to leave a significant mark on the film industry, one story at a time.
