Elevate Production Finance has promoted London-based Charles Auty to CEO, effective immediately.
Oti, who previously served as chief commercial officer, will succeed Craig McMahon, who will continue as executive chairman and CEO of parent company Forte Corp Holdings.
With 20 years of experience structuring and closing independent film and television deals in international markets, Mr. Oti will lead Elevate Production Finance’s strategy and operations, driving the company’s next phase of growth and enhancing its position as a trusted financing partner for producers and investors.
Oti has successfully financed hundreds of films, including the Aquarius Film/Subotica series Mix Tape, Jeffrey Walker’s Fing!, War with Grandpa with Robert De Niro, The Terminal with Margot Robbie, High Rise with Tom Hiddleston, and the Oscar-nominated Carol and Brooklyn.
Oti qualified as a solicitor early in his career and worked as an attorney before moving into fund management and dealmaking at Ingenious Media, where he worked for 10 years, including five years as managing director of a $500 million independent film fund.
Since its inception in 2017, Elevate Production Finance has funded $427 million in production finance against a total budget of $870 million.
Auty will remain in London, while the rest of the Elevate Production Finance team is based in Melbourne.
“Charles has been instrumental in building EPF into the global financial partner it is today,” said McMahon.
“His keen commercial instincts, deep relationships across the industry, and passion for storytelling make him the right leader to lead the company into its next phase of growth. I am confident EPF will continue to grow under his leadership.”
Oti added, “EPF has built a reputation for agility, creativity, and providing innovative financing solutions that enable filmmakers to bring compelling stories to life. We are grateful for Craig’s leadership and the continued support of Forte Corp. Holdings, which provides a strong foundation from which to enter our next phase of growth. I look forward to leading the team as we strengthen our international presence and deepen our partnerships with producers and investors around the world.”
