Location Middletown, Ohio
Services Production, Casting Director, Pre-Production
Garnet Films, LLC is an independent film production company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 2006 by Lana Read, the company specializes in producing character-driven independent feature films. Frequently co-producing with Jessica Dunham at You Are Beautiful Artistry Productions. Company Mission & Philosophy: Garnet Films is built around the ethos of bringing "cinematic adventures" to life through strong narratives and compelling performances. Key Leadership: Lana Read (Founder / Director): Often referred to in the indie space as an "Actor's Director", Read studied under famed acting coach Silvana Gallardo. She routinely writes, directs, and produces for the company, frequently drawing inspiration from classic dramas, thrillers, and period pieces like Westerns. Notable Projects & Filmography Operating out of the growing Ohio film industry ecosystem, Garnet Films has built a diverse portfolio of indie projects that frequently attract notable Hollywood character actors. Key productions include: • Water's Edge (2026): A dramatic thriller starring Eric Roberts, Michael Paré, Bill Oberst Jr., and Erik Fellows. • Death 4 Dinner (2024): A gritty whodunnit mystery and detective noir thriller. The film achieved wide streaming distribution on platforms like Tubi, Roku, and Amazon Prime Video. • Wine Thief (2023): An acclaimed independent buddy film directed by Read and Produced by Jessica Dunham. • Christmas Collision (2021): A holiday feature co-produced in a collaborative indie collective (United Front Films) and filmed in the small picturesque Village of New Richmond, Ohio.