02/23/2026
Ranch The Ranch Bowl Documentary!
We are excited to announce that we are partnering with acclaimed producer/director Dan Napoli (50 Summers, Best Kids In Texas) and his documentary production company Cinema Hero Films to help us take The Ranch Bowl over the finish line.
Dan didn’t just say yes because it’s a cool title. He said yes because he lived it.
“I’m so psyched about this. I spent so much time in college with friends driving up to see shows at The Ranch Bowl,” Dan said.
For Dan, this film isn’t just a nostalgia trip, it’s a look at what we’ve been losing in real time: the places that gathered people up and gave them something to belong to.
“I really love Jeff and Austin’s vision for the film,” Dan said. “As society becomes more digital and more isolated, I think there’s so much value in looking back at not only the physical spaces that use to bring people together, but the people… who made those spaces happen like Matt Markel.”
And that’s the heartbeat of it. This story isn’t just about a building, it’s about the characters, the risk-takers, the believers, and the weird little magic that happens when a room full of strangers turns into a community for one loud, sweaty night.
Dan is officially joining the team as a producer, music supervisor, and editor, and his involvement is set to start March 1st.
Dan is also currently wrapping up post-production on the action sports documentary We Could Be A Dynasty: The Story of The Iron Kids, expected later this spring. Even with that on his plate, he’s jumping into Ranch Bowl with both feet, because he knows what it takes to get an indie doc across the finish line.
“I’m just grateful to jump on board and help elevate and contribute energy to the project,” Dan said. “A lot of folks aren’t aware, but indie doc production is a really daunting task. 3-7 years on a film is pretty typical. Art is unpredictable. It’s like making good BBQ, it’s ready when it’s ready.”
More soon. But for now: the story’s alive, the team’s growing, and we are excited to finish this thing for YOU.
You can check Dan out at:
Dan Napoli
Instagram:
www.dannapolifilms.com (http://www.dannapolifilms.com/)
www.cinemaherofilms.com (http://www.cinemaherofilms.com/)
