**EXCLUSIVE: Justin Steele and Micah Molinari Launch Indie Production Company Drama Free Films**
Up-and-coming producers Justin Steele and Micah Molinari have joined forces to launch Drama Free Films, a Los Angeles-based indie production company. The venture is backed by a private financing group helmed by executive producer Natalie Kline.
Drama Free Films is targeting genre pictures in the under-$10 million market, with a strong emphasis on keeping its productions within the U.S. The company’s leadership team will also include Amanda Konis, who serves as CFO.
“We at Drama Free are proud to be collaborating to develop high-quality, budget-friendly films with broad audience appeal,” said Steele. “Our goal has always been to establish the kind of environment where filmmakers are meaningfully supported from the ground up. We look forward to building a venture that is bold, adaptable, and deeply collaborative, while continuing to champion distinctive, unexpected stories.”
### Upcoming Slate
Drama Free Films is kicking off with three features slated for release in 2026.
**Miami Nights**
Their flagship release will be *Miami Nights*, an action thriller following two war heroes who are discharged without honor after saving a famed American journalist overseas. As they struggle to settle back into civilian life, they collide with local criminals in a deadly scheme to steal a priceless diamond. Directed by Steele, the film stars Terrence Howard, Jeremy Piven, Jeremy Sumpter, Sydelle Noel, Manu Bennett, and Thomas Jane.
**The Leader**
Currently in post-production is *The Leader*, a historical crime thriller inspired by the infamous cult Heaven’s Gate, responsible for the largest mass suicide in American history. Written and directed by Michael J. Gallagher (*Funny Story*), the film stars Vera Farmiga and Tim Blake Nelson as the cult leaders, with Jim Parsons and Simon Rex also featured.
**Cipher**
Also in post-production is *Cipher*, a thriller written and directed by Tony Giglio (*Doom: Annihilation*). The story centers on a renowned author who, after losing his wife and becoming a paraplegic, comes into possession of a supernatural typewriter with the power to fulfill his deepest desires. Terrence Howard leads the cast once again, co-starring Paula Patton, Britt Robertson, and Joel David Moore.
In addition, John Lewis—who currently has a first-look deal with Platinum Dunes—has partnered with Drama Free Films on this three-picture slate.
—
Drama Free Films aims to make a significant mark in the indie film space by combining compelling storytelling with strategic, cost-effective production practices. Stay tuned for more updates as these projects progress.
https://deadline.com/2025/10/justin-steele-micah-molinari-launch-drama-free-films-1236567736/
