A Penalty Original is content that showcases the unique voices of the American West, produced and distributed in-house.
STORIES WITH IMPACT.
independent to the core.
We don’t make movies to play it safe , and we definitely don’t wait for permission. As independent filmmakers, we build from the ground up, driven by vision, not by trends. Every project is a risk. Every story is personal. Every frame is ours.
From raw indie dramas to boundary-pushing documentaries and experimental narratives, our films are made with heart, grit, and total creative freedom.
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Narrative Films
We’ve produced and distributed over 15 narrative titles — including several award-winning films recognized on the indie festival circuit. Our work is rooted in character, tension, and place — often drawing from the stark beauty and complexity of the American West. From Contingency (2021), a prison drama that earned international acclaim, to At Noon (2020), a modern reimagining of the American Western, our films explore the spaces between silence and conflict. These are stories that don’t resolve easily, that linger in the mind, and that prioritize truth over trend. -
Our documentaries bring real, urgent stories to life with honesty and heart. Titles like A Brave Heart and To See and To Be Seen explore themes of resilience, identity, and human connection — shining a light on voices often unheard. Through intimate storytelling and bold perspectives, these films embody our commitment to independent, socially conscious cinema.
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At Penalty Productions, storytelling doesn’t stop at the screen. We also develop and publish original literary works that embody our independent spirit and bold narratives.
One standout project is Michael Bannon: A Novel — a gripping Western saga co-authored by Logan Mansberger. The book captures the same raw, frontier grit and emotional depth found in our films, bringing to life a story of resilience, justice, and unexpected alliances in the untamed American West.
Publishing original books like Michael Bannon allows us to extend our storytelling beyond film, creating new pathways to explore the themes and worlds that define Penalty Productions.