Under The Radar

Raised on the mean streets of Jamaica Queens, New York, Francis G. always knew he would one-day make it to Hollywood. Like so many directors before him, he learned to put hustle behind his artistic talents, paying no mind to all the naysayers who told him he’d never make it in the film industry. It was that stubbornness which propelled him through NYU’s graduate film program where he received his degree in 1992, and where, that same summer, he packed his bags and moved to Los Angeles.

Armed with little more than a still camera and the pulse of a New Yorker, it was not long before Francis found himself on sets working as the unit still photographer. But, it was at Roger Corman’s, Concorde New Horizon Studios, that he recognized his taste for directing, while working as an Assistant Director.

Later on, Francis went to work for PM Entertainment where he made a name for himself as the east coast no-nonsense AD. But, years of struggle would pass before he was given the opportunity he sought so long ago. In the cool part of February, 2000, Rudy Ray Moore hired Francis to helm “Return of Dolemite.” The film would introduce the 70’s comic icon to a whole new audience, effectively revitalizing his career. In 2002, Francis went on to direct the groundbreaking feature, "Blues Journey", an unofficial homage to blues recording legend Robert Johnson. Never one to sit still, Francis also co-produced the highly anticipated comedy “Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles” starring Glen Plummer (South Central, Speed), and A.J. Johnson (Friday, Players Club), which was based on the true story behind the world famous soul-food franchise. Proving to live up to the one of the oldest work-ethic cliché’s, "if you want something done, just ask someone who's busy", Frank went on to not only direct and produce the series “Sangre Negra” (Starring Erik Estrada and Eric Roberts), he simultaneously directed and co-produced “UTR”, which proved to be a nice one-two punch for Francis.

Francis also directed films in the state of Louisiana, which ranged in a variety of genres, including horror, urban comedies, and drama. In this relatively brief career, Francis has worked with the likes of Michael Cain, Sylvester Stallone, Martin Sheen, Erik Estrada, Eric Roberts, Billy Dee Williams, Cleo King, and John Wesley, to name a few. Considering this lengthy list of credits, his humble beginnings, coupled with an undeniable passion for making movies, Francis G. Pinnock’s Hollywood-stock is most certainly on the rise.