Bart Layton

Bartholomew Nicholas Layton (born 1975) is an English filmmaker. He rose to prominence as a documentarian, winning a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut and a nomination for Best Documentary for The Imposter. He then directed the 2018 film American Animals, a hybrid documentary/docudrama film based on the Transylvania University book heist.

Early life and education Layton was born in the Hammersmith district of London. Both of his parents were artists, one a sculptor and the other a painter and theatre director.

He both wrote and directed American Animals. It depicts a 2004 book heist, with fictionalized versions and interviews with real people. Among the interviewees are the original criminals behind the heist. He had initially discovered the story in a magazine. The film was picked up by MoviePass.

In May 2018, he signed with the Creative Artists Agency.

As of 2018, Layton is the creative director of RAW, a British production company.

Personal life Layton lives with his family in London.

Filmography Banged Up Abroad (2006–2022) The Imposter (2012) American Animals (2018) Crime 101 (2026)