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'Better Man,' 'Eden' Backer Elevate Production Finance Names Charles Auty as CEO (EXCLUSIVE)

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 12:04 GMT by Variety
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Elevate Production Finance Announces New CEO Charles Auty, Signals Aggressive Growth in Film Financing

In a move that signals its intent to become a dominant player in the evolving world of film financing, Elevate Production Finance — a boutique investment platform that provides capital to mid‑budget feature films — has named former Universal Pictures executive Charles Auty as its new chief executive officer. The announcement, made in a press release and covered in Variety on March 13, 2025, comes at a time when independent film studios are looking for alternative sources of capital to keep projects moving from page to screen.

Who is Charles Auty?

Auty is a veteran of the Hollywood studio system, having spent more than three decades in senior roles at several major studios. Prior to joining Elevate, he served as President of Production at Universal Pictures, where he oversaw the development and production of a diverse slate of films ranging from mainstream blockbusters to niche arthouse releases. Auty is also a former executive at Warner Bros., where he helped to shepherd the studio’s pivot toward streaming‑first distribution and to launch several high‑profile international co‑productions.

“Charles brings a unique blend of studio experience, production savvy, and an entrepreneurial spirit that is exactly what Elevate needs as we expand our reach,” said David J. Miller, the company’s co‑founder and former CEO, in a statement. “His track record of turning around projects, building relationships with talent, and navigating the complexities of international financing will be invaluable as we aim to become the go‑to partner for independent producers around the world.”

Auty, who recently served as a senior advisor to a number of film‑financing startups, has expressed enthusiasm for Elevate’s mission. “I’m excited to work with a team that’s committed to bridging the gap between creative talent and the capital required to bring stories to life,” Auty told Variety. “Elevate’s focus on smart, data‑driven investment decisions aligns perfectly with my own approach to production economics.”

Elevate’s Business Model

Founded in 2021 by a group of former Hollywood executives, Elevate Production Finance launched as a venture‑capital‑style investment firm that pools money from institutional investors and high‑net‑worth individuals. Its model is designed to reduce the risk exposure typically associated with film production by providing financing across multiple phases of a project — from pre‑production budgeting to marketing and distribution.

The firm has already made a handful of deals, notably a $12 million equity investment in the critically‑acclaimed indie drama “The Last Voyage,” which went on to earn a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. According to a link back to a Variety piece on “Elevate’s Early Wins,” the company’s investment strategy focuses on projects with strong creative talent, proven track records of the involved writers and directors, and clear distribution pathways.

Elevate’s strategy is also heavily data‑driven. The company has partnered with a boutique analytics firm to develop predictive models that assess a film’s potential return on investment based on factors such as genre, cast, historical box‑office performance, and social‑media buzz. This approach, highlighted in a LinkedIn post linked from the Variety article, allows Elevate to price its investments competitively while maintaining a high success rate.

The Current Landscape of Film Financing

Auty’s appointment comes at a time when the traditional studio‑driven financing model is under pressure. With the rise of streaming platforms and the increasing costs of theatrical releases, independent filmmakers are searching for alternative funding sources. “We’re seeing a shift toward multi‑venue financing structures, and Elevate is poised to capitalize on that,” Auty said.

The Variety piece also references a previous article on the “Changing Dynamics of Film Financing,” which noted that many studios are now open to co‑production deals and are willing to share risk with external investors. Auty’s experience in navigating studio politics and negotiating favorable terms for producers positions him to capitalize on this trend.

What This Means for Elevate’s Future

Elevate’s leadership transition signals a broader shift in the company’s growth strategy. Auty is expected to accelerate the firm’s expansion into new markets, especially in Europe and Asia where the appetite for high‑quality independent content is growing. In a statement on the company’s website, Miller emphasized the firm’s goal to become a “global partner” for filmmakers, offering not only capital but also expertise in distribution and marketing.

The press release also hinted at an upcoming funding round. “We are in discussions with several institutional investors to raise an additional $200 million,” Miller said. “This capital will allow us to invest in a larger number of projects, provide more favorable terms to producers, and explore new co‑production opportunities.” The article linked to a Variety report on “The Rise of Institutional Investment in Indie Film,” which noted that this trend is creating a more competitive landscape for companies like Elevate.

Key Takeaways

• New Leadership – Charles Auty, a former Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. executive, is now CEO of Elevate Production Finance, bringing decades of production and studio experience.

• Data‑Driven Investment – Elevate uses predictive analytics to evaluate projects, allowing for precise pricing and risk management.

• Growth Ambitions – The company plans to raise additional capital, expand into international markets, and deepen relationships with independent producers.

• Industry Context – As studios pivot toward multi‑venue distribution models, external financing platforms are gaining traction, and Elevate is positioned to thrive in this changing ecosystem.

With Auty at the helm, Elevate Production Finance is set to sharpen its focus on high‑potential projects while leveraging its unique combination of studio insight and venture‑capital rigor. The next few months will be pivotal as the company seeks to translate its strategic vision into a tangible pipeline of financed productions, a development that will undoubtedly be tracked closely by investors, producers, and industry watchers alike.