The title "Ristretto" refers to a drink of very strong, concentrated espresso. When asked during a Q&A session following the premiere screening why they chose this for the title of the film, director Buddy Candela responded "I have no idea."
Ristretto was the first production from "Evil Pony Pictures." EPP is a production company based out of Kent, Ohio founded by current and former members of Kent State University Independent Films.
In Ristretto, Chase Bannon refers to his secretary Anna and even speaks with her on the phone. This character was meant to appear on screen in a scene that took place right before Chase enters Stephanie's destroyed apartment. However, complications arose where the actress decided to leave the production only a few hours before her scene was scheduled to be shot. Before she even chose to no longer be a part of the production, this actress was giving many of the crew members difficulties. It has been reported that she was "barking" and "snarling" like an animal to some of the crew members, as well as locking herself in the bathroom, refusing to come out. She proceeded to take a bath and emerged from the bathroom several hours later only speaking in grunts. After this, she packed her things and departed from the "Evil Pony Pictures" production house. Her whereabouts are still unknown.
Director Andrew Albaugh has cited the works of David Fincher as being a strong influence on this film. Cinematographer Matt Petrunak also states Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive as being a strong point of reference for the film.
Both Phillip Dennis and Jesse DiFranco urged director Buddy Candela to add a post credit scene in which the car moves but the audience remains unaware of who is driving. He refused.