Sales veteran Pia Patatian used this year's American Film Market to launch production and sales banner Noora Films.
In addition to presenting her new company, Patatian has begun work on international rights to the alternative historical drama Frenzy from BAFTA Cymru winner Celyn Jones (Almond and the Seahorse). Jones is directing the film from the debut feature script by Welsh writer Lisa Baker.
Inspired by the life of the 5th Marquess of Anglesey, Follies stars Callum Scott Howells (It's a Sin, The Beautiful Game), Ruby Stokes (Lockwood & Co., Rocks) and Rupert Everett (Napoleon, The Serpent Queen).
“'Follies' is a fun yet inspiring actor's film with a meaningful message,” Patatian said. “Together with our excellent partners at Mad as Birds Films and director Celyn Jones, we look forward to bringing this incredible film to international distributors at AFM. They’ll love it,” said Patatian, who serves as Noora’s CEO.
The film was produced by Jones' Mad as Birds production company Nadia Jaynes (Marcella, The Defendant) and Sean Marley (Poms, Six Minutes to Midnight). Nicola Pearcy (Military Wives, Almond and the Seahorse) is executive producer for Picnik Entertainment along with Paul Baker. Gersh's Jay Cohen will handle US rights.
“With its humor, heart and sense of irreverence, Madfabulous is a rare gem,” Cohen said. “This is a film brimming with personality and driven by exceptional performances. We are proud to bring it to consumers in the United States.”
Patatian was most recently president of Cloud 9 Studios (formerly Concord Studios), which she launched last year, and has spearheaded sales for films such as Paul Schrader's Cannes competition “Oh Canada,” Renny Harlin's “Deep Water” and the romantic comedy “Under the Stars,” starring Toni Collette and Andy Garcia, which she also produced. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Sales at Capstone Pictures, overseeing the company's London operations, and previously served as Director of International Sales at Blue Box International (a Red Granite International label). She began her career at Universal Pictures in Madrid, where she worked on the films Mamma Mia and Inglourious Basterds.
With offices in Europe and the US, Noora Films is committed to developing, producing and financing content for film and television.
