Elinor “Nell” Keyes’ story doesn’t follow the typical Hollywood script. At just 13 years old, she was accepted into Mary Baldwin College’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted, skipping high school entirely. By 17, she had earned her degree in theatre. Driven by a passion for storytelling, she pursued a master’s degree at Bath Spa University in the UK, completing it by 19.
From College to California
Returning to the U.S. in 2020, Elinor moved to Los Angeles with her sights set on the film industry. Determined to create her own opportunities, she launched Cotton Candy Flavor Media, LLC., a production company dedicated to original, independent work.
Breaking In With ‘Olympic Proportions’
Her debut project, Olympic Proportions, was a seven-episode web series she wrote, produced, and starred in—strategically designed to earn her and fellow cast members eligibility for SAG-AFTRA. In the process, Elinor found her calling behind the scenes as a producer and creative leader.
Award-Winning Storytelling
One of Cotton Candy Flavor Media’s standout productions is Getting Hit On, a darkly comedic short about an awkward hitman who falls in love with his target. The film swept the festival circuit, winning over 25 international awards and premiering at the legendary TCL Chinese Theatres in 2024.
Venturing Into Animation
Elinor’s creative reach has since expanded into animation. Her upcoming adult animated comedy Get Yeast To It is a wildly original tale set in an afterlife judged by yeast cells. She’s also developing The Nikolaevs, a sci-fi dramedy about a family of mutants trying to fit into a very normal town, blending nostalgic animation with modern humor.
On the Horizon
Currently, Elinor is in pre-production for two exciting new projects: Adam and Evie, a live-action feature film launching a crowdfunding campaign in June, and a documentary on the intriguing concept of twin flames. Both are set for release in 2026.
A Voice for the Future
At just 24, Elinor Keyes has built a remarkable resume—but she’s only getting started. With boundless creativity and a fearless approach to storytelling, she’s not just thriving—she’s paving the way for a new generation of creators in film and animation.
