In a rapidly changing entertainment landscape, creators are finding innovative ways to maintain control and integrity over their work. Enter Rich Ronat and Laura Vale, the dynamic duo behind Good Rebel Pictures. Together, they are challenging the status quo and championing the cause of indie filmmaking with their latest venture.
Rich Ronat, an established Hollywood screenwriter known for works such as Grand Isle (starring Nicolas Cage and Kelsey Grammer), American Sicario (starring Danny Trejo), and the upcoming Crescent Hawk (featuring Alec Baldwin and Terrence Howard), brings a wealth of industry experience. Laura Vale, a talented actress recognized for her roles in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Charmed, Desperate Housewives, and Seventh Heaven, adds her rich acting pedigree to their projects. Together, they are not just partners in their production company but also in life.
Good Rebel Pictures was born out of their shared love for storytelling and a desire to reclaim creative control. In an industry increasingly driven by commercial viability and the financial bottom line, Ronat and Vale believe the essence of filmmaking—story, creativity, performance, and writing—has been compromised. By forming their own production company, they aim to provide opportunities for actors who fit the role perfectly, irrespective of their marketability.
Their first project under Good Rebel Pictures, CULPRIT, is a psychological thriller set to premiere this June in Los Angeles, with plans for both national and international festival circuits. The film marks Ronat’s directorial debut, which he also co-wrote. Starring Jamie Donavan, Laura Vale, Ron Orbach, Carolyn Mignini, and Michael Dempsey, CULPRIT exemplifies the duo’s commitment to “creative purity.” According to Ronat, big studio films often morph through different stages—from the script to the screen—resulting in a final product that may stray far from the original vision. Indie filmmaking, in contrast, allows for a more authentic realization of the creator’s intent.
Rich and Laura met many years ago in an acting class with the renowned Larry Moss, and their paths have intertwined ever since. Their journey from Hollywood insiders to independent creators underscores a broader trend in the industry: the need for artists to build their own platforms rather than waiting for a place at someone else’s table.
Through Good Rebel Pictures, Rich Ronat and Laura Vale are not just producing films—they are nurturing a movement. Their work is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the importance of maintaining artistic integrity in an ever-evolving industry. As they prepare for the premiere of CULPRIT, the duo is excited to share their vision with the world and inspire other creators to take control of their creative destinies.
