Emelia Hartford's 'Streets' in Development with ESX and Warner Bros

Emelia Hartford Launches Filming of 'Streets'

Race car driver, auto enthusiast, and actress Emelia Hartford has officially commenced filming her new project, 'Streets', in collaboration with Ali Afshar's ESX Entertainment and Warner Bros' CrewHQ. This announcement was made on September 3, 2026, via a report from Deadline.

Hartford not only stars in the film but also co-created the script, detailing a dramatic narrative inspired by the real-life mystery surrounding the 1939 disappearance of Jean Bugatti’s personal Type 57S Atlantic. Valued at over $100 million, the car is often regarded as the "Holy Grail" of classic automobiles, making it a compelling backdrop for the story.

The Role of ESX Entertainment and CrewHQ in 'Streets'

The film is directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, marking his tenth collaboration with ESX Entertainment. The production is set to complete filming by the end of September at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, which has been made possible in part due to receiving a California Film & Television Tax Credit. Hartford's commitment goes further as she will produce the film under her production company, Running Lean Productions.

This project represents more than just a film; it's also a significant development initiative. 'Streets' is helping to support the CrewHQ program, a workforce initiative dedicated to training and mentoring the next generation of film and television professionals in California. This focus on local workforce development suggests a dual benefit of fostering talent while producing a high-quality film.

Hartford's Background and Vision for 'Streets'

Hartford has established herself in both the automotive and entertainment realms, having previously garnered a substantial following on YouTube with over 600 million views. Her background as a world-record-holding driver adds authenticity to her vision for 'Streets'. Commenting on the project, Hartford expressed her excitement about blending her passion for cars and storytelling.

Producer Ali Afshar echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of returning filming to California, citing the tax incentive as a major milestone after many projects were shot out of state. Both Afshar and Hartford share a history rooted in the automotive industry, which they aim to showcase through this narrative.

Emelia Hartfords Streets in Development with: Film's Narrative and Director's Experience

The storyline follows an East LA street racing crew embroiled in a high-stakes treasure hunt, where each twist and turn reveals new clues and dangers. Piccinino, a seasoned director known for films like 'Lady Driver', is expected to craft a thrilling experience that resonates with both car enthusiasts and general audiences alike.

The collaborative effort emphasizes a genuine enthusiasm for automotive culture, with all principal players deeply connected to the racing world. This is likely to create a filmmaking atmosphere charged with authenticity and engaging storytelling.

What this means

The development and imminent filming of 'Streets' mark an exciting intersection of cinema, automotive culture, and local workforce development. As post-production moves forward, the filmmaking community will be watching closely to see how this unique blend unfolds both behind the scenes and on screen. With Hartford’s dual role as star and producer, combined with the backing of established companies like ESX and Warner Bros., 'Streets' has the potential to appeal to a broad audience while fostering the next generation of filmmaking talent in California.

For readers interested in further developments in the entertainment industry, check out our articles on the Scorpions Biopic Wind Of Change and B.B. King Documentary.

Emelia Hartfords Streets in Development with: Related EpisodeBreakdown guides

• Warner Bros. Discovery Partners with Doğuş Media for Turkish Scripted Content
• Rosie O’Donnell Sings ‘I Am Woman’ with Epstein Survivors