Today we’re excited to be connecting with Diana Ramos-santiago Carter again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Diana, always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
I am Diana Ramos-Santiago Carter, and I am proud to stand as a testament to dedication, versatility, and excellence in the entertainment industry. As an Army Veteran, multi-award-winning Producer, and the visionary CEO of Panther Trail Films Production and Arykas & Ybots Public Relations Firm, my journey has been defined by an unwavering commitment to growth, creativity, and impact. Over the years, I’ve honed a diverse skill set—ranging from SEO and negotiation to product placement and strategic leadership—while earning accolades that reflect my passion and drive.
What sets me apart is my relentless pursuit of learning and innovation, with over 80 certifications spanning film production, financing, and distribution. This dedication, coupled with my active involvement in esteemed organizations like the American Film Institute, EMMYS Chapters, and the Sundance Institute, keeps me at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. Since 2021, I’ve been honored to serve as an EMMYS judge, and I was proud to be nominated for the Forbes inaugural Top Next 1000—milestones that symbolize my determination to excel in Hollywood’s competitive landscape.
Collaborating with award-winning talents like Daniel Baldwin , Robert LaSardo, Nick Turturro, Mike Ferguson and others has been a privilege, as I continue to bring together exceptional creatives to craft meaningful cinematic experiences. As I unveil ambitious projects for 2023 and 2024, both domestically and internationally, I remain committed to combining creative vision with business acumen, proving that with determination and an innovative spirit, the possibilities in the entertainment world are truly limitless.
Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
Things have been a whirlwind lately, filled with incredible milestones, challenges, and exciting ventures that keep pushing me to grow creatively and professionally. I’m thrilled to share that PTSD: A Soldier’s Revenge, starring Daniel Baldwin, Robert LaSardo, and Oksana Lada, is currently in post-production and shaping up beautifully. It’s a deeply emotional project that means a lot to me. Alongside that, Recipes for Love, the series starring Nick Turturro and Daniel Baldwin, is also in post-production, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience its heartwarming yet entertaining storyline. On the production front, I’m fully immersed in The Hayride and Monster On, both of which have been incredible to work on with such dynamic teams. Simultaneously, my TV series Don’t Look Back continues to develop, and the upcoming production of my first international Christmas film has been a dream collaboration.
On top of all that, I’m continuing to grow Arykas & Ybots, representing exceptional talent in the US, Spain, Korea, Dubai, and the UK. It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come in creating opportunities for our clients while navigating the complexities of production and talent management. The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles—late nights, tough decisions, and creative obstacles—but every challenge makes the successes that much sweeter. What excites me most is bringing these diverse projects to fruition and sharing them with the world. I’m looking forward to celebrating these milestones, exploring new collaborations, and continuing to tell stories that resonate and inspire.
We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?
- Favorite Book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- Favorite TV Show: Evil
- Favorite Band or Artist: Brett Young
- Sweet or Savory: Sweet
- Mountains or Beach: Mountains
- Favorite Sport (to watch): Basketball
- Favorite Sport (to play): Basketball
- Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Yes, basketball and Track
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Lawyer
- French Fries or Onion Rings: Onion Rings
- Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Chuck Rhodes
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: He- Man
- Favorite Childhood movie: ET
- Favorite Breakfast Food: Eggs, Turkey Bacon, Apple Juice, Toasts
Life is often about tough choices – can you talk to us about your thought process, strategy or philosophy when it comes to making difficult choices or tradeoffs.
Life is full of crossroads, and making tough choices has often shaped the direction of my journey. When faced with difficult decisions, I start by focusing on clarity—reminding myself of my core values, goals, and the bigger picture. I believe every choice, no matter how challenging, should align with my purpose and long-term vision. I approach these moments with a mix of strategy and intuition, carefully weighing how each decision will impact both my personal and professional growth. Tradeoffs are inevitable, but I see them as chances to prioritize what truly matters—whether it’s dedicating myself to meaningful projects, nurturing relationships, or seizing opportunities that can open new doors. My philosophy is simple: I embrace the discomfort of hard decisions because I’ve learned that growth and success often lie on the other side. By trusting my instincts, staying true to my values, and reflecting on lessons from the past, I’ve found the confidence to navigate even the toughest moments, knowing they can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realdiana87
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realdianacarter/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-r-carter/
