Michael Bannon: The Novel

Written By Logan Mansberger

Upon the release of my new book, Michael Bannon, a good friend stopped me and asked a simple question: “Why should I buy this book? I paused for a moment and replied: “Not only is it a compelling story, but it represents something bigger — a path forward for creatives in a time when the Los Angeles film industry is in limbo.” This book represents a necessary pivot — the kind every creative must consider when funding dries up or opportunities stall. Tell your story anyway. In any medium.

Michael Bannon was born during the stillness of 2020. Like many, I was stuck at home, restless, and eager to create something with meaning. That’s when the idea came to me: a story about a family migrating from Virginia to Oregon after the Civil War, set in 1910. But originally, it wasn’t a novel — it was a television series.

As time passed, I hired a writing team through Penalty Productions. Together, we developed six episodes. After months of work, discussion, and revisions, we had a full season of television ready for production — but no immediate funding.

And that’s where the reality of the current industry hit hard.

The State of the Film & TV Industry in Los Angeles:

  • Production in Greater L.A. dropped by 19.7% in 2023, with 45 fewer scripted projects compared to 2022.

  • L.A.’s market share for scripted content fell from 23% (2021) to 18% (2023).

  • On-location shoot days fell by 22.4% in Q1 of 2025 vs. Q1 of 2024.

  • TV production alone dropped by over 30%.

  • Compared to its 2021 peak, TV shoot days dropped from 18,560 to just 7,716 in 2024 — a 58% decline.

  • Sound stage occupancy fell from 90%+ to 63% between 2022 and 2024.

  • California lost over 40,000 film/TV jobs in 2023, largely due to strikes and production freezes.

  • L.A. continues to lose projects to regions offering stronger incentives — like Georgia, Ontario, and the UK.

The industry isn’t just slowing — it’s shifting. Faced with this reality, we made a decision: We wouldn't wait.

We adapted the series into a novel and moved forward. At Penalty Productions, we’re not holding back for the perfect moment, the green light, or permission. Because powerful stories don’t need industry approval — they just need to be told.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the remarkable co-authors who helped bring Michael Bannon to life: Deborah West, Christopher Marchesano, and Nathan Ellis.

This project began as a spark — a story I knew needed to be told — but it evolved into something much greater thanks to your talent, commitment, and belief in the vision. Each of you brought a distinct voice, discipline, and perspective to the process, and it’s because of that collaborative energy that Michael Bannon became more than just a story — it became one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever done.

Together, we built something enduring in a time when the creative world felt uncertain. I’m proud to have shared this journey with you — and prouder still of what we’ve created.

Thank you for believing in this story, in its message, and in the mission of Penalty Productions.

This is just the beginning.

Please enjoy Michael Bannon: The Novel.

Logan Mansberger

Logan Mansberger is an American film director, producer, writer, and the Founder & CEO of Penalty Productions®, an independent film and media studio based in Los Angeles known for its bold visual style and fearless storytelling.

Born in Truckee, California, and raised in the mountains of Oregon, Mansberger’s passion for filmmaking began early. At twelve, he picked up a camera for the first time and never looked back — directing his first short and setting the course for a career defined by relentless creativity and independence.

He made his formal debut with My Brother (2011), a World War II thriller that explored family, loyalty, and survival. His breakout short Charlotte — made on a shoestring budget — caught attention across U.S. film festivals for its emotional precision and striking cinematography, earning Mansberger early recognition as a distinct voice in modern indie cinema.

In 2018, he founded Penalty Productions®, officially launching the studio with John, Do Your Will, a short film later acquired by Amazon Prime. The project marked the beginning of a brand dedicated to authenticity, grit, and the power of independent storytelling. He followed with At Noon (2020), a contemporary reimagining of the American Western, and Contingency (2021), a taut prison drama that earned multiple awards and critical acclaim across U.S. and European festivals.

Expanding beyond film, Mansberger has produced documentaries and authored the book Michael Bannon, extending Penalty Productions® into literary and branded content.

As Founder & CEO, Mansberger leads every creative and strategic aspect of Penalty Productions®, from development through distribution. Under his leadership, the studio has evolved into a home for risk-taking artists, unconventional voices, and stories that blend cinematic craft with cultural relevance.

Driven by a collective of filmmakers, rebels, and dreamers, Penalty Productions® stands as a testament to Mansberger’s belief that great stories — like the American West that inspires him — are forged through resilience, individuality, and an unflinching pursuit of truth.

https://penaltyproductions.co
Previous

A Brief Reflection on Creativity.
Next

Wrapped: The Alibi