Copyright Variety
Sales veteran Pia Patatian has used this year’s American Film Market to launch production and sales banner Noora Films. Alongside unveiling her new company, Patatian has come onboard to handle international rights on alternative period drama “Madfabulous” from BAFTA Cymru winner Celyn Jones (“The Almond and the Seahorse”). Jones directs from the debut feature script by Welsh writer Lisa Baker. Inspired by the life of the fifth Marquess of Anglesey, “Madfabulous” stars Callum Scott Howells (“It’s A Sin,” “The Beautiful Game”), Ruby Stokes (“Lockwood & Co,” “Rocks”), and Rupert Everett (“Napoleon,” “The Serpent Queen”). “Madfabulous is a fun, yet inspiring ensemble cast film with a meaningful message,” said Patatian. “Along with our superb partners at Mad as Birds Films and the director Celyn Jones, we look forward to introducing this incredible film to international distributors at AFM. They will love it,” said Patatian, who serves as Noora CEO. From Jones’ Mad as Birds production company, the film is produced by Nadia Jaynes (“Marcella,” “The Responder”) and Sean Marley (“Poms,” “Six Minutes to Midnight”). Nicola Pearcey (“Military Wives,” “The Almond and the Seahorse”) executive produces for Picnik Entertainment, alongside Paul Baker. Jay Cohen at Gersh will handle U.S. rights. “With its humour, heart, and sense of irreverence, Madfabulous is a rare gem,” said Cohen. “It’s a film brimming with personality and anchored by exceptional performances. We’re proud to bring it to U.S. buyers.” Patatian was recently president of Cloud 9 Studios (formerly Concord Studios), which she launched last year, and led sales on titles including Paul Schrader’s Cannes competition title “Oh, Canada,” Renny Harlin’s “Deep Water” and the romantic comedy “Under the Stars” starring Toni Collette and Andy Garcia, which she also produced. Prior to that, she served as senior vice president of sales for Capstone Pictures, running the company’s operations in London, and previously served as director, international sales at Blue Box International (a label of Red Granite International). She began her career at Universal Pictures in Madrid, where she worked on “Mamma Mia” and “Inglorious Basterds.” Noora Films, which has offices in Europe and the U.S., aims to develop, produce and finance content for film and TV.
