Elizabeth Alton Launches New Production Company, Inks First Look Deal With Maven Pictures

EXCLUSIVE: Elizabeth Alton has launched Full And By Films, a new production venture, and inked a first look overhead deal with Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray’s transatlantic financing-production banner Maven Pictures. The two companies have already optioned two books: The Magician’s Lie by Greer Macallister and Camille Pagan’s novel, Life and Other Near-Death Experiences.

The Magician’s Lie tells the story of a famous female illusionist named Ada, who is suspected of killing her husband after the dead body of a man is found inside of one of her stage props. A young police officer, Virgil Fecht, manages to track down the female magician and take her into his custody. Over the course of one night, Ada must recount her life story in order to prove her innocence.

In Life and Other Near Death Experiences, Libby Miller discovers she has an aggressive form of cancer and that her husband, Tom, is secretly gay on the same day. Libby immediately drops everything in her life, including Tom, and takes a trip to Puerto Rico where she meets a man named Shiloh, who gives her a new perspective on life and getting treatment.

Alton will serve as president of Full And By Films alongside development exec Elise Siegel. Maven was founded by Celine Rattray (The Kids Are All Right) and Trudie Styler (Still Alice) along with Charlotte Ubben. Maven will provide development funds and cover overhead costs to acquire IP for Full And By and Maven to jointly produce. Jacqui Lewis, Leili Gerami, Clemens Pongratz and Elise Siegel will serve as exec producers on these films.

“I’m thrilled to launch Full And By Films, and I can’t imagine a better production partner than Maven Pictures,” said Alton. “ I deeply admire Trudie and Celine not only for the experienced and successful producers they are, but for the projects they’ve pursued that demonstrate their beliefs in unique voices and compelling stories that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. It’s truly an honor to work with them, as well as their company, one that embodies the spirit and goals I hope to create and achieve with Full And By Films.”

“Trudie and I have always been great admirers of Elizabeth both on screen and off,” said Maven’s Celine Rattray. “Her intelligence, passion, and talent are something that so naturally align with our work and mission at Maven Pictures—showcasing female talent both in front of and behind the camera. We are immensely thrilled about the opportunity to work together for many years to come.”

It’s all go-go-go for Maven at the moment. The company has rising Brit actress Bel Powley starring in Fritz Bohm’s Wildling alongside Liv Tyler, who also co-produces. Wildling is an elevated horror tale in the vein of vampire pic Let The Right One In. The story centers on young Anna (Powley), who spends her entire childhood in a single room under the care of a mysterious man (Brad Dourif) she only knows as “Daddy.” He makes her fear the “Outside” by telling her of the “Wildling,” a creature with sharp teeth and claws who roams about eating little children. The film, which is being sold by IM Global internationally and UTA domestically, debuted some promo footage at Berlin’s EFM, which was greeted enthusiastically by buyers.

Trudie Styler is also making her directorial debut with the film adaptation of James St. James’ bestseller Freak Show with Bettle Midler, Alex Lawther, AnnaSophia Robb, Ian Nelson and Lorraine Toussaint on board, which tells the story of Billy Bloom, a funny, good-hearted, cross-dressing teen who becomes the new student at an ultra-conservative high school. Although accosted with Bible thumpers, the jocks, and the bullies, Billy takes a stand. Determined to be who he is and not bow to peer pressure, he refuses to change his outlandish outfits or behavior. Instead, he decides to run for Homecoming Queen for outcasts and underdogs everywhere.

Maven also recently wrapped on Andrea Arnold’s American Honey, starring Shia Labeouf,

Elizabeth Alton has also been prolific. She is in talks to star in Michael Mann's long-gestating Enzo Ferrari, which the director recently called "the exact opposite" of a biopic. Set to shoot this summer, the film will focus on one year in the life of the eponymous car racing legend.

She is also in production on Tomas Alfredson’s crime thriller The Snowman, which has been filming on location in Norway since January. She recently wrapped Cédric Jimenez’s HHhH opposite Jason Clarke, which is set to be distributed by the Weinstein Co. later this year, and will next be seen alongside Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant in Florence Foster Jenkins for Pathé. Alton also stars in one of Berlin's hottest sales, Amma Asante’s A United Kingdom, opposite David Oyelowo.

Alton is repped by CAA and United Agents.