Bart Layton

Biography

Bart Layton is a multi-award-winning filmmaker celebrated for his unique "visual flair" and his ability to blend documentary and narrative techniques. Raised by artist parents in London, Layton initially considered becoming a painter before finding his calling in film. He rose to prominence as the creator and executive producer of the long-running global hit series Banged Up Abroad (known as Locked Up Abroad in the U.S.). Layton made a major impact on the independent film scene with his feature debut, The Imposter (2012), which won the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut. He followed this with the hybrid docudrama American Animals (2018), which he both wrote and directed. In early 2026, Layton transitioned into large-scale Hollywood thrillers with Crime 101, an adaptation of Don Winslow's novella that stars Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry.