Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Expats, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans and Griselda.
Expats premiere
Nicole Kidman joined creator Lulu Wang and co-stars Sarayu Blue and Jack Huston at the New York premiere of their Prime Video series on Sunday.
Amazon’s Albert Cheng, Lulu Wang, Nicole Kidman and Amazon’s Jennifer Salke
Feud: Capote vs. the Swans premiere
Naomi Watts, Tom Hollander, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore and Molly Ringwald walked the carpet alongside EP Ryan Murphy on Tuesday at the NYC premiere of their new Feud installment.
Jon Robin Baitz, Diane Lane, Chloe Sevigny, Ryan Murphy, Naomi Watts, Tom Hollander, Molly Ringwald, Demi Moore and Calista Flockhart Billy Crudup and Naomi Watts
Griselda premiere
Netflix hosted the U.S. premiere of its new limited series in Miami on Tuesday,...
Expats premiere
Nicole Kidman joined creator Lulu Wang and co-stars Sarayu Blue and Jack Huston at the New York premiere of their Prime Video series on Sunday.
Amazon’s Albert Cheng, Lulu Wang, Nicole Kidman and Amazon’s Jennifer Salke
Feud: Capote vs. the Swans premiere
Naomi Watts, Tom Hollander, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore and Molly Ringwald walked the carpet alongside EP Ryan Murphy on Tuesday at the NYC premiere of their new Feud installment.
Jon Robin Baitz, Diane Lane, Chloe Sevigny, Ryan Murphy, Naomi Watts, Tom Hollander, Molly Ringwald, Demi Moore and Calista Flockhart Billy Crudup and Naomi Watts
Griselda premiere
Netflix hosted the U.S. premiere of its new limited series in Miami on Tuesday,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A lack of industry connections and mentorship are the biggest roadblocks for Asian creatives seeking to enter the entertainment industry. And after they’re established, cultural differences — perceived or real — can limit their advancement. Those are the findings of a joint study by Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and Taaf (The Asian American Foundation) released Wednesday.
For the study, titled “Red Light, Green Light: Overcoming Roadblocks to Asian American Creative Executive Success in the Entertainment Industry,” 86 Aapi-identifying industry creatives across entry-, mid- and senior-level roles were surveyed.
An overwhelming majority of those surveyed — 92% of entry-level respondents, 90% of mid-level respondents and 80% of senior-level respondents — said having no connections was a barrier to entering the industry. A lack of mentorship was also another barrier to entry.
Even after landing roles in the creative field, many respondents said they experienced different treatment on a day-to-day basis due to their cultural background...
For the study, titled “Red Light, Green Light: Overcoming Roadblocks to Asian American Creative Executive Success in the Entertainment Industry,” 86 Aapi-identifying industry creatives across entry-, mid- and senior-level roles were surveyed.
An overwhelming majority of those surveyed — 92% of entry-level respondents, 90% of mid-level respondents and 80% of senior-level respondents — said having no connections was a barrier to entering the industry. A lack of mentorship was also another barrier to entry.
Even after landing roles in the creative field, many respondents said they experienced different treatment on a day-to-day basis due to their cultural background...
- 10/18/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
The Hollywood Radio and Television Society has elected 12 new board members and six new advisory council members, and extended CEO Melissa Grego’s contract through 2025, the organization announced Wednesday.
Newly elected to the Hrts Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning in July 2023 are: Kathryn Busby; Ben Davis; Jaime Feld; David Eilenberg (Head of Content – Roku Media); Frank Jung (Co-Founder/Co-head of Digital Media – CAA); Lisa Katz (President, Scripted Content – NBCUniversal); Tim McNeal (Senior Vice President, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Disney Television Studios – Disney Entertainment); DJ Nurre (Executive Vice President – Unscripted, Endemol Shine North America); Brett Paul (President, Warner Bros Television – Warner Bros Discovery); Rhonda Price (Managing Partner – The Gersh Agency); Lauren Stein (EVP Drama Development – Sony Pictures Television) and Erin Underhill (President, Universal Television).
Existing board members elected to a new three-year term beginning July 2023 are Kate Adler (EVP,...
Newly elected to the Hrts Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning in July 2023 are: Kathryn Busby; Ben Davis; Jaime Feld; David Eilenberg (Head of Content – Roku Media); Frank Jung (Co-Founder/Co-head of Digital Media – CAA); Lisa Katz (President, Scripted Content – NBCUniversal); Tim McNeal (Senior Vice President, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Disney Television Studios – Disney Entertainment); DJ Nurre (Executive Vice President – Unscripted, Endemol Shine North America); Brett Paul (President, Warner Bros Television – Warner Bros Discovery); Rhonda Price (Managing Partner – The Gersh Agency); Lauren Stein (EVP Drama Development – Sony Pictures Television) and Erin Underhill (President, Universal Television).
Existing board members elected to a new three-year term beginning July 2023 are Kate Adler (EVP,...
- 7/19/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Reese Witherspoon played it cool when asked by THR at the Daisy Jones & The Six premiere to reveal what kind of creative notes she offered to the team behind her company Hello Sunshine’s high-profile adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s best-selling novel.
“I had some notes,” she said with a smile at the show’s premiere on Feb. 23, before reluctantly revealing a few tidbits, specifically about the show’s faux documentary scenes that feature the performers sitting down for their first interviews 20 years after the band’s final performance. “But they were the same notes as the rest of the creative team — about wanting to make sure that the documentary scenes felt as potent as the live footage.”
That’s all Witherspoon was willing to divulge. Instead, she turned her attention to compliments. “These people know exactly what they’re doing, they really didn’t need anything from me.
“I had some notes,” she said with a smile at the show’s premiere on Feb. 23, before reluctantly revealing a few tidbits, specifically about the show’s faux documentary scenes that feature the performers sitting down for their first interviews 20 years after the band’s final performance. “But they were the same notes as the rest of the creative team — about wanting to make sure that the documentary scenes felt as potent as the live footage.”
That’s all Witherspoon was willing to divulge. Instead, she turned her attention to compliments. “These people know exactly what they’re doing, they really didn’t need anything from me.
- 3/10/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Daisy Jones and the Six, Cocaine Bear, Party Down and Bel-Air.
Cocaine Bear premiere
Elizabeth Banks debuted her latest project on Tuesday in L.A., alongside producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller and stars Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Margo Martindale and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Aditya Sood, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Miller and Phil Lord Keri Russell and Jesse Tyler Ferguson Alden Ehrenreich
Party Down premiere
Thirteen years after the workplace comedy came to a close, Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Jane Lynch, Megan Mullally and Ryan Hansen attended the premiere for the show’s third season in L.A. on Wednesday, with new castmembers Jennifer Garner, James Marsden, Zoë Chao and Tyrel Jackson Williams.
Executive vp of original programming at Starz Karen Bailey, Martin Starr, president...
Cocaine Bear premiere
Elizabeth Banks debuted her latest project on Tuesday in L.A., alongside producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller and stars Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Margo Martindale and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Aditya Sood, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Miller and Phil Lord Keri Russell and Jesse Tyler Ferguson Alden Ehrenreich
Party Down premiere
Thirteen years after the workplace comedy came to a close, Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Jane Lynch, Megan Mullally and Ryan Hansen attended the premiere for the show’s third season in L.A. on Wednesday, with new castmembers Jennifer Garner, James Marsden, Zoë Chao and Tyrel Jackson Williams.
Executive vp of original programming at Starz Karen Bailey, Martin Starr, president...
- 2/24/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon’s future in streaming video has come into greater focus in 2022 with the acquisitions of Thursday Night Football and MGM and the debut of Lotr: The Rings Of Power. Now, the onetime bookseller is headed into 2023 without the original architect of its expansion into TV and film via Prime Video, Jeff Blackburn.
His retirement, announced on Friday, capped a month of a series of executive moves that laid out Amazon’s plans for the next stage of its evolution as an entertainment brand.
Blackburn, a 25-year Amazon veteran, most recently had served as SVP of Global Media & Entertainment, overseeing all entertainment businesses, including Prime Video and Amazon Studios, Music, Podcasts/Wondery, Audible, Games and Twitch, for the past 18 months. Blackburn, a well-liked executive within Amazon and in the Hollywood community, originally took what was supposed to be a one-year sabbatical in mid-2019. Some of his plans for travel...
His retirement, announced on Friday, capped a month of a series of executive moves that laid out Amazon’s plans for the next stage of its evolution as an entertainment brand.
Blackburn, a 25-year Amazon veteran, most recently had served as SVP of Global Media & Entertainment, overseeing all entertainment businesses, including Prime Video and Amazon Studios, Music, Podcasts/Wondery, Audible, Games and Twitch, for the past 18 months. Blackburn, a well-liked executive within Amazon and in the Hollywood community, originally took what was supposed to be a one-year sabbatical in mid-2019. Some of his plans for travel...
- 12/5/2022
- by Dade Hayes, Nellie Andreeva, Peter White and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Despite his outsize reputation as a prolific unscripted hitmaker — and the mythmaker who created Donald Trump’s image as a successful businessman — Mark Burnett’s departure as chairman of MGM’s Worldwide TV Group reads more like a footnote than a headline in a dramatic (and, so far, confusing to some in the creative community) ongoing executive shuffle in Amazon’s entertainment operations.
Burnett is the latest top exec to leave MGM since Amazon acquired the studio for 8.5 billion in February. Motion picture group chairman Michael De Luca and motion picture group president Pam Abdy exited in April to run Warner Bros. Discovery’s film studio. A search for a new film studio head has been underway for some time — hampered, some sources say, by internal wrangling over who would oversee that division. But Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke emerged the winner in...
Despite his outsize reputation as a prolific unscripted hitmaker — and the mythmaker who created Donald Trump’s image as a successful businessman — Mark Burnett’s departure as chairman of MGM’s Worldwide TV Group reads more like a footnote than a headline in a dramatic (and, so far, confusing to some in the creative community) ongoing executive shuffle in Amazon’s entertainment operations.
Burnett is the latest top exec to leave MGM since Amazon acquired the studio for 8.5 billion in February. Motion picture group chairman Michael De Luca and motion picture group president Pam Abdy exited in April to run Warner Bros. Discovery’s film studio. A search for a new film studio head has been underway for some time — hampered, some sources say, by internal wrangling over who would oversee that division. But Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke emerged the winner in...
- 11/30/2022
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Development has been realigned under SVoD, AVoD and Fast pillars.
Amazon Studios has restructured its US and global content operations under SVoD and AVoD / Fast development pillars.
Led by head of television Vernon Sanders, the creative development teams for the services will be steered by Laura Lancaster and Nick Pepper, with Lauren Anderson.
Lancaster has been made head of US SVoD TV development and series – co-productions, with oversight of all original series produced with third-party produces. Previously, she was head of series.
Most recently head of creative content, Pepper will be head of US SVoD TV development and series – steering in-house Amazon Studios projects.
Amazon Studios has restructured its US and global content operations under SVoD and AVoD / Fast development pillars.
Led by head of television Vernon Sanders, the creative development teams for the services will be steered by Laura Lancaster and Nick Pepper, with Lauren Anderson.
Lancaster has been made head of US SVoD TV development and series – co-productions, with oversight of all original series produced with third-party produces. Previously, she was head of series.
Most recently head of creative content, Pepper will be head of US SVoD TV development and series – steering in-house Amazon Studios projects.
- 11/8/2022
- by John Elmes Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Streamer re-aligns development under SVoD, AVoD and Fast pillars.
Amazon Studios has restructured its US and global content operations under SVoD and AVoD / Fast development pillars.
Led by head of television Vernon Sanders, the creative development teams for the services will be steered by Laura Lancaster and Nick Pepper, with Lauren Anderson.
Lancaster has been made head of US SVoD TV development and series – co-productions, with oversight of all original series produced with third-party indies. Previously, she was head of series.
Most recently head of creative content, Pepper will be head of US SVoD TV development and series – steering in-house Amazon Studios projects.
Amazon Studios has restructured its US and global content operations under SVoD and AVoD / Fast development pillars.
Led by head of television Vernon Sanders, the creative development teams for the services will be steered by Laura Lancaster and Nick Pepper, with Lauren Anderson.
Lancaster has been made head of US SVoD TV development and series – co-productions, with oversight of all original series produced with third-party indies. Previously, she was head of series.
Most recently head of creative content, Pepper will be head of US SVoD TV development and series – steering in-house Amazon Studios projects.
- 11/8/2022
- by John Elmes Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The new structure of Amazon Studios’ US/Global content operations under Head of Television Vernon Sanders is coming into focus. It involves the creation of three creative development teams shepherding programming across SVOD, AVOD and Fast channels. They will be led by Laura Lancaster, Nick Pepper and Lauren Anderson who all are adding new responsibilities while reporting to Sanders, as well as the split of developing scripted content for Prime Video into projects produced solely by Amazon Studios and those coming from outside studios as co-productions.
Lancaster, most recently Head Of Series, will take on an expanded role as Head of US SVOD TV Development and Series – Co-Productions. She will oversee all co-production original content in partnership with outside studios and will continue to lead the series team that oversees the streamer’s current shows through their life cycle.
Pepper, most recently head of Creative Content, will take on...
Lancaster, most recently Head Of Series, will take on an expanded role as Head of US SVOD TV Development and Series – Co-Productions. She will oversee all co-production original content in partnership with outside studios and will continue to lead the series team that oversees the streamer’s current shows through their life cycle.
Pepper, most recently head of Creative Content, will take on...
- 11/7/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, My Policeman, Mammals and The Good Fight.
My Policeman L.A. premiere
Harry Styles and David Dawson brought their Amazon film to Westwood on Tuesday for its L.A. premiere, along with producers Robbie Rogers and Sarah Schechter.
Vp of Amazon Video Albert Cheng, vp of media and entertainment Cory Shields, head of marketing of Amazon Studios Sue Kroll, head of movies Julie Rapaport, Sarah Schechter, David Dawson, head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke, Harry Styles, Robbie Rogers and Bethan Roberts David Dawson and Harry Styles
Glamour Women of the Year
Glamour hosted its annual Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday in NYC, celebrating this year’s distinguished honorees including Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson,...
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, My Policeman, Mammals and The Good Fight.
My Policeman L.A. premiere
Harry Styles and David Dawson brought their Amazon film to Westwood on Tuesday for its L.A. premiere, along with producers Robbie Rogers and Sarah Schechter.
Vp of Amazon Video Albert Cheng, vp of media and entertainment Cory Shields, head of marketing of Amazon Studios Sue Kroll, head of movies Julie Rapaport, Sarah Schechter, David Dawson, head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke, Harry Styles, Robbie Rogers and Bethan Roberts David Dawson and Harry Styles
Glamour Women of the Year
Glamour hosted its annual Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday in NYC, celebrating this year’s distinguished honorees including Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson,...
- 11/4/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke is making one more structural tweak to her team. Salke announced Thursday that Dan Scharf, VP and head of global business affairs, will now also oversee production, studio operations, casting, and studios music.
Scharf, who had already reported to Salke, will continue to do so. The production, studio operations, casting and studios music had previously reported to Amazon Studios’ Albert Cheng. But Cheng, who previously was COO of Amazon Studios, was promoted to Vice President of Amazon Prime Video U.S. in September, and now reports to Mike Hopkins, senior vice president of Prime Video and Amazon Studios.
Scharf has been with Amazon Studios in 2013, negotiating deals including “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” “Coming 2 America” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” His oversight has included business affairs for both TV and film.
Also under Scharf...
Scharf, who had already reported to Salke, will continue to do so. The production, studio operations, casting and studios music had previously reported to Amazon Studios’ Albert Cheng. But Cheng, who previously was COO of Amazon Studios, was promoted to Vice President of Amazon Prime Video U.S. in September, and now reports to Mike Hopkins, senior vice president of Prime Video and Amazon Studios.
Scharf has been with Amazon Studios in 2013, negotiating deals including “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” “Coming 2 America” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” His oversight has included business affairs for both TV and film.
Also under Scharf...
- 11/3/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Dan Scharf — the VP and global head of business affairs at Amazon Studios — will now oversee production, studio operations, casting, and studios music. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, made the internal announcement Wednesday.
This change is effective immediately. Scharf will continue to report to Salke. He is taking on areas that were previously under Albert Cheng in his role as Amazon Studios COO. Cheng was recently promoted to VP, Prime Video U.S.
Since joining Amazon Studios in 2013, Scharf has spearheaded negotiations for Amazon Studios’ biggest deals, including Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Boys, Coming 2 America, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Scharf also helped land key deals with talent, including Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Donald Glover, and Michael B. Jordan. Over the past several years, Scharf has built a global business affairs team, helped plan...
This change is effective immediately. Scharf will continue to report to Salke. He is taking on areas that were previously under Albert Cheng in his role as Amazon Studios COO. Cheng was recently promoted to VP, Prime Video U.S.
Since joining Amazon Studios in 2013, Scharf has spearheaded negotiations for Amazon Studios’ biggest deals, including Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Boys, Coming 2 America, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Scharf also helped land key deals with talent, including Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Donald Glover, and Michael B. Jordan. Over the past several years, Scharf has built a global business affairs team, helped plan...
- 11/3/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Marc Resteghini, the head of series development at Amazon Studios, is exiting the company amid management restructuring, Variety has confirmed with sources.
Resteghini is said to be currently negotiating at producing deal with Amazon that will keep him in the company fold and allow him to develop new projects their in the future. Sources say that the duties of Resteghini’s job will be split up between Nick Pepper, Amazon’s head of creative content, and Laura Lancaster, its head of series. They will both report to Vernon Sanders, Amazon’s head of U.S./Global Television.
Amazon declined to comment.
This marks the biggest restructuring of Amazon’s TV ranks since Sanders was named the sole head of TV in October 2021, with his former co-head, Albert Cheng, focusing more on his chief operating officer duties. Cheng was then promoted to vice president of Prime Video U.S. in September...
Resteghini is said to be currently negotiating at producing deal with Amazon that will keep him in the company fold and allow him to develop new projects their in the future. Sources say that the duties of Resteghini’s job will be split up between Nick Pepper, Amazon’s head of creative content, and Laura Lancaster, its head of series. They will both report to Vernon Sanders, Amazon’s head of U.S./Global Television.
Amazon declined to comment.
This marks the biggest restructuring of Amazon’s TV ranks since Sanders was named the sole head of TV in October 2021, with his former co-head, Albert Cheng, focusing more on his chief operating officer duties. Cheng was then promoted to vice president of Prime Video U.S. in September...
- 10/25/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Marc Resteghini, head of series development at Amazon, is exiting the streaming giant amid a corporate restructuring of the TV production team. Head of studio creative Nick Pepper and head of series Laura Lancaster are expected to divide up Resteghini’s responsibilities and co-run the development and production of TV content, reporting to TV head Vernon Sanders.
The e-commerce giant’s acquisition of MGM and its television production studio do not factor into these changes. Additionally, Resteghini is currently negotiating a producing deal at Amazon.
Prior to assuming the top position in February 2021, Resteghini served in various capacities at Amazon Studios, including head of drama series, head of current drama programming and senior executive in the drama department.
Also Read:
With James Gunn Hire, David Zaslav Promises to ‘Preserve and Expand’ DC Universe
During his eight-year tenure, the executive has overseen the development and production of such shows like the Emmy-winning “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,...
The e-commerce giant’s acquisition of MGM and its television production studio do not factor into these changes. Additionally, Resteghini is currently negotiating a producing deal at Amazon.
Prior to assuming the top position in February 2021, Resteghini served in various capacities at Amazon Studios, including head of drama series, head of current drama programming and senior executive in the drama department.
Also Read:
With James Gunn Hire, David Zaslav Promises to ‘Preserve and Expand’ DC Universe
During his eight-year tenure, the executive has overseen the development and production of such shows like the Emmy-winning “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Amazon Studios is making a big change in its TV executive ranks.
Marc Resteghini, the head of series development and an eight-year veteran at Amazon, is leaving at e-commerce giant/streamer.
The executive who first joined Amazon’s drama team in 2014 when the streamer’s entertainment offerings were overseen by former head Roy Price, has played a major role in the company’s original, having developed and overseen production on such series as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Jack Ryan, Patriot, The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Terminal List, Underground Railroad and Them, among others.
Sources say head of TV Vernon Sanders is restructuring his ranks after being tapped last year as the lone exec overseeing the TV team. With the restructuring, Resteghini’s job was eliminated and his duties will be doled out between the studio’s head of creative content Nick Pepper...
Amazon Studios is making a big change in its TV executive ranks.
Marc Resteghini, the head of series development and an eight-year veteran at Amazon, is leaving at e-commerce giant/streamer.
The executive who first joined Amazon’s drama team in 2014 when the streamer’s entertainment offerings were overseen by former head Roy Price, has played a major role in the company’s original, having developed and overseen production on such series as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Jack Ryan, Patriot, The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Terminal List, Underground Railroad and Them, among others.
Sources say head of TV Vernon Sanders is restructuring his ranks after being tapped last year as the lone exec overseeing the TV team. With the restructuring, Resteghini’s job was eliminated and his duties will be doled out between the studio’s head of creative content Nick Pepper...
- 10/25/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon Studios is shaking up the leadership of its TV programming operations under Head of Television Vernon Sanders, I have learned. Marc Resteghini is stepping down as US/Global Head of Development, sources said. He is negotiating a producing deal with Amazon Studios. Nick Pepper, Head of Studio Creative Content, and Laura Lancaster, Head of Series, are expected to divvy up Resteghini’s responsibilities and co-run development and production of TV content, reporting to Sanders. MGM TV’s operations remain separate and do not factor into the current executive changes.
A rep for Amazon Studios declined comment.
Resteghini, Pepper and Lancaster were named to their most recent roles in early 2021 as part of an Amazon Studios TV restructuring that created the layer of three top programming positions reporting to then-Amazon Studios co-heads of TV Sanders and Albert Cheng (who also was COO).
Today’s realignment marks Sanders’ biggest executive move...
A rep for Amazon Studios declined comment.
Resteghini, Pepper and Lancaster were named to their most recent roles in early 2021 as part of an Amazon Studios TV restructuring that created the layer of three top programming positions reporting to then-Amazon Studios co-heads of TV Sanders and Albert Cheng (who also was COO).
Today’s realignment marks Sanders’ biggest executive move...
- 10/25/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
“This is where everything happens,” says showrunner Patrick McKay. “The War Room.”
The large, windowless room’s centerpiece is a lengthy conference table, but your eyes are immediately transfixed by what’s covering the walls. You’re surrounded by concept art laying out major set pieces for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season two. Showrunners McKay and J.D. Payne give a walk-through of the sequences. They plan to introduce more iconic locations, familiar Middle-earth characters and a massive two-episode battle. This is, obviously, top-secret stuff — no media has been allowed on the fantasy drama’s set, let alone this room. But the showrunners wanted to give the world a peek behind the curtain to reveal what it’s like to manage the biggest TV series ever produced.
Since Amazon’s billion-dollar high fantasy launched Sept. 2, The Rings of Power...
“This is where everything happens,” says showrunner Patrick McKay. “The War Room.”
The large, windowless room’s centerpiece is a lengthy conference table, but your eyes are immediately transfixed by what’s covering the walls. You’re surrounded by concept art laying out major set pieces for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season two. Showrunners McKay and J.D. Payne give a walk-through of the sequences. They plan to introduce more iconic locations, familiar Middle-earth characters and a massive two-episode battle. This is, obviously, top-secret stuff — no media has been allowed on the fantasy drama’s set, let alone this room. But the showrunners wanted to give the world a peek behind the curtain to reveal what it’s like to manage the biggest TV series ever produced.
Since Amazon’s billion-dollar high fantasy launched Sept. 2, The Rings of Power...
- 10/5/2022
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon has promoted Albert Cheng from COO and co-head of Television at Amazon Studios, to the newly created role of vice president of Prime Video, US.
Prime Video & Amazon Studios senior vice president Mike Hopkins SVP, Prime Video & Amazon Studios announced the news in an email sent to staffers.
“Albert will become the single-threaded leader overseeing our Prime Video business in the United States, with responsibility for the P&l and revenue growth, and for driving and improving performance. He will continue his leadership of US and Global tentpole programming strategy and consumer insights,” Hopkins wrote.
Also Read:
Amazon’s ‘Rings of Power’ Debuts at No. 3 on Most In-Demand New Shows List | Chart
Cheng will also oversee Prime Video brand strategy, brand social, influencer marketing, marketing operations, media and audience insights, and will be responsible for customer acquisition, retention, and engagement with Prime Video’s entertainment hub across SVOD, AVOD,...
Prime Video & Amazon Studios senior vice president Mike Hopkins SVP, Prime Video & Amazon Studios announced the news in an email sent to staffers.
“Albert will become the single-threaded leader overseeing our Prime Video business in the United States, with responsibility for the P&l and revenue growth, and for driving and improving performance. He will continue his leadership of US and Global tentpole programming strategy and consumer insights,” Hopkins wrote.
Also Read:
Amazon’s ‘Rings of Power’ Debuts at No. 3 on Most In-Demand New Shows List | Chart
Cheng will also oversee Prime Video brand strategy, brand social, influencer marketing, marketing operations, media and audience insights, and will be responsible for customer acquisition, retention, and engagement with Prime Video’s entertainment hub across SVOD, AVOD,...
- 9/21/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Albert Cheng is moving up at Amazon.
Cheng, who had been Chief Operating Officer at Amazon Studios, has been promoted to Vice President, Prime Video U.S., a new role under Prime Video chief Mike Hopkins.
Cheng previously reported to Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios, and will now report to Hopkins, who is SVP Prime Video & Amazon Studios.
The move means that Cheng will oversee the U.S. business side of the entertainment operations, with Salke overseeing content. It is a similar structure to that of Disney, where Dana Walden oversees the content, after her recent promotion, with Kareem Daniels overseeing distribution.
Salke continues to report to former Sony Pictures TV chairman Hopkins.
The move comes after a big six months for Amazon in the entertainment space, acquiring MGM, launching The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and kicking off Thursday Night Football.
Cheng will become the...
Cheng, who had been Chief Operating Officer at Amazon Studios, has been promoted to Vice President, Prime Video U.S., a new role under Prime Video chief Mike Hopkins.
Cheng previously reported to Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios, and will now report to Hopkins, who is SVP Prime Video & Amazon Studios.
The move means that Cheng will oversee the U.S. business side of the entertainment operations, with Salke overseeing content. It is a similar structure to that of Disney, where Dana Walden oversees the content, after her recent promotion, with Kareem Daniels overseeing distribution.
Salke continues to report to former Sony Pictures TV chairman Hopkins.
The move comes after a big six months for Amazon in the entertainment space, acquiring MGM, launching The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and kicking off Thursday Night Football.
Cheng will become the...
- 9/21/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Albert Cheng has been promoted to vice president of Amazon Prime Video U.S. He most recently served as chief operating officer of Amazon Studios.
The news came Wednesday in a staff memo written by Mike Hopkins, senior vice president of Prime Video and Amazon Studios. Cheng enters the newly created position effective immediately and will report to Hopkins.
2022 has been a banner year for Amazon’s studio and streaming service, especially with the launch of “The Rings of Power,” the latest entry into the “Lord of the Rings” franchise. According to Hopkins, responsibilities under Cheng’s purview will include revenue growth, brand strategy, marketing operations and customer acquisition.
Cheng joined Amazon in 2018. Previously, he has held positions at BMI, Disney, Lifetime and Fox.
See Hopkins’ full memo below.
Team,
2022 has been a very strong year marked by tremendous growth and success for Prime Video. From acquiring MGM to the...
The news came Wednesday in a staff memo written by Mike Hopkins, senior vice president of Prime Video and Amazon Studios. Cheng enters the newly created position effective immediately and will report to Hopkins.
2022 has been a banner year for Amazon’s studio and streaming service, especially with the launch of “The Rings of Power,” the latest entry into the “Lord of the Rings” franchise. According to Hopkins, responsibilities under Cheng’s purview will include revenue growth, brand strategy, marketing operations and customer acquisition.
Cheng joined Amazon in 2018. Previously, he has held positions at BMI, Disney, Lifetime and Fox.
See Hopkins’ full memo below.
Team,
2022 has been a very strong year marked by tremendous growth and success for Prime Video. From acquiring MGM to the...
- 9/21/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) has selected its 2022 class of executives for the sixth annual Cape Leaders Fellowship, a program that equips rising senior creative executives with the skills and professional network to break into the VP ranks and beyond.
The Fellowship is co-chaired by Cape Board Members Albert Cheng, Naia Cucukov, and Peter McHugh.
“With the continued awareness and popularity of the Cape Leaders Fellowship, we were honored to consider and meet so many impressive candidates,” said Peter McHugh, Cape Leaders Fellowship Co-chair and Board Member. “We congratulate this exceptional class of executives and welcome them to this fellowship for today and tomorrow’s leaders. We look forward to their continued ascent in the industry and we hope the conversations and connections over the last few weeks have just begun and will...
The Fellowship is co-chaired by Cape Board Members Albert Cheng, Naia Cucukov, and Peter McHugh.
“With the continued awareness and popularity of the Cape Leaders Fellowship, we were honored to consider and meet so many impressive candidates,” said Peter McHugh, Cape Leaders Fellowship Co-chair and Board Member. “We congratulate this exceptional class of executives and welcome them to this fellowship for today and tomorrow’s leaders. We look forward to their continued ascent in the industry and we hope the conversations and connections over the last few weeks have just begun and will...
- 9/15/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
On a picturesque evening in Culver City, California, as the sun began to set and temperatures settled on the perfect side of warm, the cast of “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” stepped through golden framed archways and a small forest of wondrous ancient-looking trees of amber for the premiere of Amazon Prime Video’s big-budget gamble in the fantasy drama world.
But the big stars at the event were really Amazon’s top brass: executive chairman Jeff Bezos; president and CEO Andy Jassy; Jeff Blackburn, the senior vice president of media and entertainment; and SVP of Prime Video, MGM and Amazon Studios Mike Hopkins.
The presence of the the company’s biggest leaders joining Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke, chief executive officer Albert Cheng and Vernon Sanders, the head of global TV for Amazon Studios, was a key indicator that Amazon is going “full guns blazing, all...
But the big stars at the event were really Amazon’s top brass: executive chairman Jeff Bezos; president and CEO Andy Jassy; Jeff Blackburn, the senior vice president of media and entertainment; and SVP of Prime Video, MGM and Amazon Studios Mike Hopkins.
The presence of the the company’s biggest leaders joining Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke, chief executive officer Albert Cheng and Vernon Sanders, the head of global TV for Amazon Studios, was a key indicator that Amazon is going “full guns blazing, all...
- 8/30/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has revealed a direct link between “The Lord of the Rings” and his sci-fi franchise “Krrish.”
Roshan was one of the guests at Amazon Prime Video’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” Asia-Pacific premiere in Mumbai on Thursday. The actor revealed that his father Rakesh Roshan, who directed “Koi… Mil Gaya” binge-watched Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy in 2004.
“He was talking about the way they’ve used this one great incredible idea and then had this progression which was so incredible and [asked] ‘why can’t we do that?,’ said Roshan.
“He said ‘why can’t we take ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’ — which is one of our previous films — ‘and have a progression and build on that’ — and that was the birth of ‘Krrish,’ ” Roshan revealed. “If there was no ‘Lord of the Rings,’ there’d be no ‘Krrish.’ ”
“Krrish...
Roshan was one of the guests at Amazon Prime Video’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” Asia-Pacific premiere in Mumbai on Thursday. The actor revealed that his father Rakesh Roshan, who directed “Koi… Mil Gaya” binge-watched Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy in 2004.
“He was talking about the way they’ve used this one great incredible idea and then had this progression which was so incredible and [asked] ‘why can’t we do that?,’ said Roshan.
“He said ‘why can’t we take ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’ — which is one of our previous films — ‘and have a progression and build on that’ — and that was the birth of ‘Krrish,’ ” Roshan revealed. “If there was no ‘Lord of the Rings,’ there’d be no ‘Krrish.’ ”
“Krrish...
- 8/18/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Bullet Train, Easter Sunday, Prey and A League of Their Own.
Bullet Train Los Angeles premiere
Sony’s Bullet Train stopped in Los Angeles on Monday, where stars Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Joey King, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (Bad Bunny), Zazie Beetz and Logan Lerman walked the red carpet.
Logan Lerman, Masi Oka, Hiroyuki Sanada, Brian Tyree Henry, Bad Bunny, Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Zazie Beetz, David Leitch, Kelly McCormick and Andrea Muñoz Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Tony Vinciquerra and Brad Pitt
Easter Sunday premiere
Jo Koy debuted his family comedy Easter Sunday on Tuesday at the Tcl Chinese Theatre alongside costars Jimmy O. Yang and Tiffany Haddish, producer Dan Lin and director Jay Chandrasekhar.
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Bullet Train, Easter Sunday, Prey and A League of Their Own.
Bullet Train Los Angeles premiere
Sony’s Bullet Train stopped in Los Angeles on Monday, where stars Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Joey King, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (Bad Bunny), Zazie Beetz and Logan Lerman walked the red carpet.
Logan Lerman, Masi Oka, Hiroyuki Sanada, Brian Tyree Henry, Bad Bunny, Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Zazie Beetz, David Leitch, Kelly McCormick and Andrea Muñoz Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Tony Vinciquerra and Brad Pitt
Easter Sunday premiere
Jo Koy debuted his family comedy Easter Sunday on Tuesday at the Tcl Chinese Theatre alongside costars Jimmy O. Yang and Tiffany Haddish, producer Dan Lin and director Jay Chandrasekhar.
- 8/5/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Outer Range,” the new Josh Brolin-led Western series from Prime Video, aims to twist the well-worn genre at its very roots. To showcase the land of the West in a never-before-seen fashion, the eight-episode series mixes in an element of the supernatural, with mind-bending results.
“It took a very simple, straight-forward genre and then it took extraordinary twists, whether it be metaphysical or whatever you want to call it,” Brolin told Variety at the show’s premiere at Hollywood’s Harmony Gold theater on Thursday night. “It’s uncertain because there are so many directions it can go, and a lot of them can feel really cliché. But I feel like we kept it grounded.”
Brolin serves as an executive producer and leads the cast, playing Wyoming ranger Royal Abbott. When Royal finds a mysterious black hole in his pasture, he and his whole family are sent spiraling. The...
“It took a very simple, straight-forward genre and then it took extraordinary twists, whether it be metaphysical or whatever you want to call it,” Brolin told Variety at the show’s premiere at Hollywood’s Harmony Gold theater on Thursday night. “It’s uncertain because there are so many directions it can go, and a lot of them can feel really cliché. But I feel like we kept it grounded.”
Brolin serves as an executive producer and leads the cast, playing Wyoming ranger Royal Abbott. When Royal finds a mysterious black hole in his pasture, he and his whole family are sent spiraling. The...
- 4/8/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
Following the $8.5 billion sale of MGM to Amazon, two town hall meetings were held today, the first with MGM employees and the second with Amazon Studios and Prime Video staffers. Both led by Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP Mike Hopkins detailed a new organization structure: MGM Motion Picture Group Chairman Michael De Luca, Worldwide TV Group Chairman Mark Burnett and the studio’s COO Christopher Brearton will report into Hopkins. Amazon Studios chief Jen Salke will continue to report into Hopkins separately. Overall, there was no indication of any potential layoffs, including MGM’s sister distribution/marketing arm United Artists Releasing, and there was no option for employees of either company to ask questions. There is s also a question of whether current staffers want to continue working with the new regime. While autonomous is a big word to use in regards to MGM’s addition to Amazon, we...
- 3/18/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
A few key details were revealed about what life will be like at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer now that its $8.5 billion sale to Amazon has closed.
In a town hall at Amazon’s Culver City lot, Mike Hopkins, Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP, unveiled an interim leadership structure. He told staffers that for the time being, MGM’s Chief Operating Officer Christopher Brearton, Motion Picture Group Chairman Michael De Luca and Worldwide Television Group Chairman Mark Burnett have “joined my leadership team.” That signals that all three men will report directly to Hopkins. Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke will continue to report to Hopkins.
De Luca, Brearton, and Burnett joined Hopkins and Amazon Studios Chief Operating Officer Albert Cheng in Los Angeles while Salke beamed in from London. Many staffers watched the town hall via live stream.
Hopkins said that he was hoping to “start the process” of looking under the hood...
In a town hall at Amazon’s Culver City lot, Mike Hopkins, Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP, unveiled an interim leadership structure. He told staffers that for the time being, MGM’s Chief Operating Officer Christopher Brearton, Motion Picture Group Chairman Michael De Luca and Worldwide Television Group Chairman Mark Burnett have “joined my leadership team.” That signals that all three men will report directly to Hopkins. Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke will continue to report to Hopkins.
De Luca, Brearton, and Burnett joined Hopkins and Amazon Studios Chief Operating Officer Albert Cheng in Los Angeles while Salke beamed in from London. Many staffers watched the town hall via live stream.
Hopkins said that he was hoping to “start the process” of looking under the hood...
- 3/18/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The Fallout universe will expand on Prime Video.
That much we've known for a long time now, and now we know who will be the face of the TV adaptation.
Deadline is reporting that Walton Goggins has landed the lead role on the highly-anticipated project.
Unfortunately, details are scarce about who Goggins will be playing, but due to the nature of the videogame series, anything is possible.
The series entered development in 2020 with Westworld creators Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan set to oversee the project.
The series takes place in a wasteland set against the previous generation’s utopian idea of a better world through nuclear energy.
"Fallout is one of the greatest game series of all time," Joy and Nolan said in a joint statement when development kicked off.
"Each chapter of this insanely imaginative story has cost us countless hours we could have spent with family and friends.
That much we've known for a long time now, and now we know who will be the face of the TV adaptation.
Deadline is reporting that Walton Goggins has landed the lead role on the highly-anticipated project.
Unfortunately, details are scarce about who Goggins will be playing, but due to the nature of the videogame series, anything is possible.
The series entered development in 2020 with Westworld creators Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan set to oversee the project.
The series takes place in a wasteland set against the previous generation’s utopian idea of a better world through nuclear energy.
"Fallout is one of the greatest game series of all time," Joy and Nolan said in a joint statement when development kicked off.
"Each chapter of this insanely imaginative story has cost us countless hours we could have spent with family and friends.
- 2/18/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Amazon Studios Reorg: Albert Cheng Becomes Full-Time COO, Vernon Sanders Now Solo Head Of Television
Exclusive: Amazon Studios’ longtime Chief Operating Officer Albert Cheng, who also has served as Co-Head of Television for the last three and a half years, will focus solely on his duties as COO going forward, with Co-Head of Television Vernon Sanders becoming Head of US/Global Television at Amazon Studios. The announcement was made this morning by Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios, in a companywide memo obtained by Deadline.
In the note Salke, stressing Amazon Studios’ commitment to being “inclusive home for talent”, revealed that the company’s content in 2022 is targeted to grow more than 70% year over year, with more than twice as many local Originals in 2022 vs 2021, and spoke of Amazon Studios’ planned expansion into new countries in Europe, Africa and South East Asia.
“With our next phase of growth ahead, it’s time for us to have a dedicated Chief Operating Officer, focusing completely on all...
In the note Salke, stressing Amazon Studios’ commitment to being “inclusive home for talent”, revealed that the company’s content in 2022 is targeted to grow more than 70% year over year, with more than twice as many local Originals in 2022 vs 2021, and spoke of Amazon Studios’ planned expansion into new countries in Europe, Africa and South East Asia.
“With our next phase of growth ahead, it’s time for us to have a dedicated Chief Operating Officer, focusing completely on all...
- 10/11/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Chicago Med‘s Brian Tee plays a lead opposite Nicole Kidman in Expats, Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming drama series based on Janice Y.K. Lee’s novel The Expatriates, from Lee, director-showrunner Lulu Wang, Kidman and Per Saari’s Blossom Films and Amazon Studios.
Wang revealed Tee’s casting on social media, which features a photo of Kidman and Tee. It’s captioned “Meet Margaret & Clarke. College sweethearts! (She brought the flowers. He brings the dad jokes…” (See below).
Added Wang in a statement to Deadline, “Brian is a deeply compassionate actor with undeniable screen presence – an irresistible pairing with Nicole. We are unbelievably fortunate to have him on board.”
The photo is not current. Kidman recently wrapped filming the first part of her role in Hong Kong to segue to the Aquaman sequel as scheduled. She will return to the show at a later date. Tee also has obligations...
Wang revealed Tee’s casting on social media, which features a photo of Kidman and Tee. It’s captioned “Meet Margaret & Clarke. College sweethearts! (She brought the flowers. He brings the dad jokes…” (See below).
Added Wang in a statement to Deadline, “Brian is a deeply compassionate actor with undeniable screen presence – an irresistible pairing with Nicole. We are unbelievably fortunate to have him on board.”
The photo is not current. Kidman recently wrapped filming the first part of her role in Hong Kong to segue to the Aquaman sequel as scheduled. She will return to the show at a later date. Tee also has obligations...
- 9/9/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
New Zealand Film Commission (Nzfc) CEO David Strong has expressed regret that Amazon Studios’ untitled The Lord of the Rings series will not return to the country to film season two, but remains confident of attracting other international productions.
Amazon announced today that it would relocate filming on the project to the UK as part of a strategy to expand its production footprint and invest in studio space there.
Post-production on season one will continue in Nz through to June 2022, and pre-production on season two will begin concurrently in the UK after January 1.
Strong said while the production would have been welcomed back for season two, its departure opened the door wider to others to come in.
“We’re an easy country to do business in and New Zealanders have a reputation for being highly skilled, innovative and creative,” he said.
“In a year of Covid, they brought in around...
Amazon announced today that it would relocate filming on the project to the UK as part of a strategy to expand its production footprint and invest in studio space there.
Post-production on season one will continue in Nz through to June 2022, and pre-production on season two will begin concurrently in the UK after January 1.
Strong said while the production would have been welcomed back for season two, its departure opened the door wider to others to come in.
“We’re an easy country to do business in and New Zealanders have a reputation for being highly skilled, innovative and creative,” he said.
“In a year of Covid, they brought in around...
- 8/13/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Pre-production will start in 2022 concurrent with final months of post on Season 1 in New Zealand.
Amazon Studios will shoot season two of its untitled The Lord Of The Rings original series in the UK.
The studio said on Thursday (August 12) the move was in line with its strategy of expanding the production footprint and investing in studio spaces in the UK, where it is shooting season two of Good Omens, as well as The Power.
Pre-production on season two of the J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy adaptation will start in the UK in 2022 concurrent with post-production on the first season in New Zealand,...
Amazon Studios will shoot season two of its untitled The Lord Of The Rings original series in the UK.
The studio said on Thursday (August 12) the move was in line with its strategy of expanding the production footprint and investing in studio spaces in the UK, where it is shooting season two of Good Omens, as well as The Power.
Pre-production on season two of the J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy adaptation will start in the UK in 2022 concurrent with post-production on the first season in New Zealand,...
- 8/12/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Amazon Studios confirms its still-untitled “Lord of the Rings” series will leave New Zealand for the production of its second season. The filming of Season 2 will instead take place in the United Kingdom. A statement from Amazon said “the shift from New Zealand to the U.K. aligns with the studio’s strategy of expanding its production footprint and investing in studio space across the U.K., with many of Amazon Studios’ tentpole series and films already calling the U.K. home.”
“We want to thank the people and the government of New Zealand for their hospitality and dedication and for providing ‘The Lord of the Rings’ series with an incredible place to begin this epic journey,” Vernon Sanders, VP and Co-Head of TV at Amazon Studios said in a statement. “We are grateful to the New Zealand Film Commission, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Tourism New Zealand,...
“We want to thank the people and the government of New Zealand for their hospitality and dedication and for providing ‘The Lord of the Rings’ series with an incredible place to begin this epic journey,” Vernon Sanders, VP and Co-Head of TV at Amazon Studios said in a statement. “We are grateful to the New Zealand Film Commission, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Tourism New Zealand,...
- 8/12/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Amazon Studios’ big-budget The Lord of the Rings TV series is leaving the franchise’s longtime home in New Zealand and moving production to the UK starting with the upcoming second season.
The so-far untitled The Lord of the Rings series, which recently wrapped principal photography on Season 1, is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video Sept. 2, 2022. Season 1 post production will continue in New Zealand through June 2022, and pre-production on Season Two will begin concurrently in the UK right after Jan. 1, 2022.
The elaborate sets built for the show will be shipped to the UK. It is unclear where exactly in the UK The Lord Of the Rings will shoot as part of the streaming studio’s efforts to expand its footprint in the country. Amazon, which has multiple series filming in the UK, is currently in the process of booking stages to house the sets.
While J. R. R. Tolkien, on...
The so-far untitled The Lord of the Rings series, which recently wrapped principal photography on Season 1, is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video Sept. 2, 2022. Season 1 post production will continue in New Zealand through June 2022, and pre-production on Season Two will begin concurrently in the UK right after Jan. 1, 2022.
The elaborate sets built for the show will be shipped to the UK. It is unclear where exactly in the UK The Lord Of the Rings will shoot as part of the streaming studio’s efforts to expand its footprint in the country. Amazon, which has multiple series filming in the UK, is currently in the process of booking stages to house the sets.
While J. R. R. Tolkien, on...
- 8/12/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon’s upcoming “Lord of the Rings” series is moving production from New Zealand to the U.K for Season 2.
The untitled series was picked up for multiple seasons at the streamer when it was first ordered back in 2017. Filming was completed on the first season of the show on Aug. 2. Season 1 post-production will continue in New Zealand through June 2022, while pre-production on Season 2 will begin concurrently in the U.K. after the first of the year.
“As we look to relocate the production to the U.K., we do not intend to actively pursue the Season One MoU five percent financial uplift with the New Zealand government or preserve the terms around that agreement, however we respectfully defer to our partners and will remain in close consultation with them around next steps,” said Albert Cheng, COO and co-head of TV for Amazon Studios.
This will mark the first time...
The untitled series was picked up for multiple seasons at the streamer when it was first ordered back in 2017. Filming was completed on the first season of the show on Aug. 2. Season 1 post-production will continue in New Zealand through June 2022, while pre-production on Season 2 will begin concurrently in the U.K. after the first of the year.
“As we look to relocate the production to the U.K., we do not intend to actively pursue the Season One MoU five percent financial uplift with the New Zealand government or preserve the terms around that agreement, however we respectfully defer to our partners and will remain in close consultation with them around next steps,” said Albert Cheng, COO and co-head of TV for Amazon Studios.
This will mark the first time...
- 8/12/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios is moving production on its currently untitled “The Lord of the Rings” TV series from the franchise’s longtime home of New Zealand to the United Kingdom for the upcoming show’s second season, the company said Thursday.
Principal photography on the first season of the big-budget, eagerly anticipated “Lotr” adaptation recently wrapped in New Zealand, and that batch of episodes is set to debut on Amazon Prime Video on Sept. 2, 2022.
Per Amazon’s official description for the show: “The new epic drama brings to screens for the very first time J.R.R. Tolkien’s fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. Beginning in a time of relative peace, thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ books, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth.
Principal photography on the first season of the big-budget, eagerly anticipated “Lotr” adaptation recently wrapped in New Zealand, and that batch of episodes is set to debut on Amazon Prime Video on Sept. 2, 2022.
Per Amazon’s official description for the show: “The new epic drama brings to screens for the very first time J.R.R. Tolkien’s fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. Beginning in a time of relative peace, thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ books, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth.
- 8/12/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Marcus Gardley, the screenwriter behind the upcoming Marvin Gaye biopic What’s Going On, has struck an overall television deal with Amazon Studios.
The deal reunites Gardley, a well-known playwright, with the streamer, after he started his television career with the company writing on shows such as Z: The Beginning of Everything. He will develop, create and produce television series for the firm.
On stage, he’s won awards such as the 2019 Doris Duke Artist Award and the 2019 Obie Award for The House That Will Not Stand and received buzz for his play X or the Nation v Betty Shabazz.
On the television side, he’s written on Amazon’s dark absurdist comedy I’m A Virgo from Sorry to Bother You writer-director Boots Riley and starring Jharrel Jerome, as well as Mindhunter and Maid for Netflix, Showtime’s The Chi, and Fox’s The Exorcist.
Last month, Deadline...
The deal reunites Gardley, a well-known playwright, with the streamer, after he started his television career with the company writing on shows such as Z: The Beginning of Everything. He will develop, create and produce television series for the firm.
On stage, he’s won awards such as the 2019 Doris Duke Artist Award and the 2019 Obie Award for The House That Will Not Stand and received buzz for his play X or the Nation v Betty Shabazz.
On the television side, he’s written on Amazon’s dark absurdist comedy I’m A Virgo from Sorry to Bother You writer-director Boots Riley and starring Jharrel Jerome, as well as Mindhunter and Maid for Netflix, Showtime’s The Chi, and Fox’s The Exorcist.
Last month, Deadline...
- 7/27/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Studios has put it in writing.
The company has formally established a policy that outlines its commitments to diversity, inclusion and equity throughout its operations. It has also created a detailed “playbook” with hiring and purchasing guidelines for the studio’s creative collaborators.
The policies have been in development for more than two years, shepherded by Latasha Gillespie, head of DE&i for Amazon Studios. As top stars push for inclusion riders in deals, and other advocacy efforts have emerged, “it was important to pull it together to have one comprehensive policy to articulate how we think about this and what ‘good’ looks like,” Gillespie tells Variety.
For Amazon Studios productions, the playbook outlines specific commitments and goals including:
• Most productions should “ideally include a minimum 30% women and 30% members of an underrepresented racial/ethnic group.” The “aspirational goal” will rise to 50% in 2024.
• Casting actors whose identity aligns with the character.
The company has formally established a policy that outlines its commitments to diversity, inclusion and equity throughout its operations. It has also created a detailed “playbook” with hiring and purchasing guidelines for the studio’s creative collaborators.
The policies have been in development for more than two years, shepherded by Latasha Gillespie, head of DE&i for Amazon Studios. As top stars push for inclusion riders in deals, and other advocacy efforts have emerged, “it was important to pull it together to have one comprehensive policy to articulate how we think about this and what ‘good’ looks like,” Gillespie tells Variety.
For Amazon Studios productions, the playbook outlines specific commitments and goals including:
• Most productions should “ideally include a minimum 30% women and 30% members of an underrepresented racial/ethnic group.” The “aspirational goal” will rise to 50% in 2024.
• Casting actors whose identity aligns with the character.
- 6/16/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Michael De Luca may be the big winner from Wednesday’s blockbuster news that Amazon will purchase Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for $8.45 billion.
Though insiders caution that no decisions have been made, there is speculation around Hollywood that De Luca will play a major role in helping the e-commerce giant monetize its new library of 4,000 MGM film titles. It’s an arsenal of intellectual property that includes “Robocop,” “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Rocky,” and, of course, James Bond. That list of heavy-hitting films and franchises is one that De Luca, who has held top jobs at New Line and Sony, may be best positioned to exploit.
As a producer, De Luca has shown a deft hand at juggling prestige fare such as “The Social Network” and “Captain Phillips” along with more broadly commercial offerings such as the “Fifty Shades of Grey” films — a sweet spot Amazon has been trying to reach in recent years.
Though insiders caution that no decisions have been made, there is speculation around Hollywood that De Luca will play a major role in helping the e-commerce giant monetize its new library of 4,000 MGM film titles. It’s an arsenal of intellectual property that includes “Robocop,” “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Rocky,” and, of course, James Bond. That list of heavy-hitting films and franchises is one that De Luca, who has held top jobs at New Line and Sony, may be best positioned to exploit.
As a producer, De Luca has shown a deft hand at juggling prestige fare such as “The Social Network” and “Captain Phillips” along with more broadly commercial offerings such as the “Fifty Shades of Grey” films — a sweet spot Amazon has been trying to reach in recent years.
- 5/26/2021
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Even with the most recent watershed moments of Minari, Sound of Metal and Crazy Rich Asians, finding a place in Hollywood remains a challenge for Asian American and Pacific Islander creatives and talent.
On Thursday Daniel Dae Kim, Nina Yang Bongiovi and Sanjay Sharma gathered for Amazon’s Asian & Pacific Islander Representation In Film & Media – Voices, moderated by Amazon’s Albert Cheng. They reflected on the progress, or lack thereof, in amplifying Aapi voices in Hollywood and the internal obstacles stunting the industry’s Dei efforts.
“I think you cant help but look at the relationship between representation in media and representation of us. In general they’re inextricably linked that’s why it’s important we’re in a position where we can change the narrative in a way that’s meaningful,” Kim said.
Kim, a multi-hyphenate who has tirelessly used his platform to speak up against Asian discrimination and anti-Asian violence,...
On Thursday Daniel Dae Kim, Nina Yang Bongiovi and Sanjay Sharma gathered for Amazon’s Asian & Pacific Islander Representation In Film & Media – Voices, moderated by Amazon’s Albert Cheng. They reflected on the progress, or lack thereof, in amplifying Aapi voices in Hollywood and the internal obstacles stunting the industry’s Dei efforts.
“I think you cant help but look at the relationship between representation in media and representation of us. In general they’re inextricably linked that’s why it’s important we’re in a position where we can change the narrative in a way that’s meaningful,” Kim said.
Kim, a multi-hyphenate who has tirelessly used his platform to speak up against Asian discrimination and anti-Asian violence,...
- 5/20/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon has teamed with the Producers Guild of America to host a virtual conference to examine the state of Aapi representation in media and entertainment.
The May 20 event, which will be open to the public free of charge, will feature panels, interviews and a musical performances to showcase the array of Asian and Pacific Islander ethnicities and cultures.
The focus of Amazon Studios Voices: Api Representation in Film and Media will be on how Hollywood can take steps to become more anti-racist and drive broader societal change. Among the speakers lined up to take part are actors Daniel Dae Kim, Sophia Ali, Stephanie Hsu and producer Christina Oh, along with a range of experts and academics.
“Amazon Studios Dei has been diving deep into our own data, examining our systems and structures, and reimagining our policies to be unapologetic about what inclusive, authentic, and nuanced storytelling looks like,” said Latasha Gillespie,...
The May 20 event, which will be open to the public free of charge, will feature panels, interviews and a musical performances to showcase the array of Asian and Pacific Islander ethnicities and cultures.
The focus of Amazon Studios Voices: Api Representation in Film and Media will be on how Hollywood can take steps to become more anti-racist and drive broader societal change. Among the speakers lined up to take part are actors Daniel Dae Kim, Sophia Ali, Stephanie Hsu and producer Christina Oh, along with a range of experts and academics.
“Amazon Studios Dei has been diving deep into our own data, examining our systems and structures, and reimagining our policies to be unapologetic about what inclusive, authentic, and nuanced storytelling looks like,” said Latasha Gillespie,...
- 5/11/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The small screen is already filled with crime-fighting capes and predictable high-flying capers. But in comes “Invincible,” Amazon’s forthcoming hourlong adult animated drama, aiming to give a much-needed shake-up to the oversaturated superhero genre.
Based on the prolific “Walking Dead” writer Robert Kirkman’s comics series, “Invincible” distorts the expected in both its plot devices and its production decisions.
“While all of these stories have similar tropes and traditions, Robert does a great job of meeting those expectations and then messing with those expectations too,” says J.K. Simmons, one of the show’s stars.
The eight-parter, debuting on Amazon Prime Video on March 26, revolves around Mark Grayson (voiced by Steven Yeun), an average 17-year-old who just happens to be the son of Omni-Man (Simmons), the most potent mustachioed superhero on Earth and beyond. Amid homework, bullies, girls and superhero duties, Mark discovers that Omni-Man may not be as benevolent...
Based on the prolific “Walking Dead” writer Robert Kirkman’s comics series, “Invincible” distorts the expected in both its plot devices and its production decisions.
“While all of these stories have similar tropes and traditions, Robert does a great job of meeting those expectations and then messing with those expectations too,” says J.K. Simmons, one of the show’s stars.
The eight-parter, debuting on Amazon Prime Video on March 26, revolves around Mark Grayson (voiced by Steven Yeun), an average 17-year-old who just happens to be the son of Omni-Man (Simmons), the most potent mustachioed superhero on Earth and beyond. Amid homework, bullies, girls and superhero duties, Mark discovers that Omni-Man may not be as benevolent...
- 3/26/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
Nick Pepper is joining Amazon Studios as head of studio creative content, where he will be tasked with packaging and maximizing the studio’s intellectual property and talent deals.
The hiring follows a restructuring of Amazon Studio’s executive leadership team last month, which included Marc Resteghini’s elevation to head of development and the addition of Laura Lancaster as head of series. In overseeing the studio creative content team, Pepper will work with creators and producers to discover ideas and IP, and package them with talent for the development division.
Pepper, who will report to Amazon’s co-heads of television Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng, was most recently the president of Legendary Television and Digital Studios, leading its development of scripted content across TV, digital and emerging platforms. During his time there, Pepper worked on the Amazon Prime Video series “Carnival Row” and its upcoming projects “Light Years” and “Paper Girls.
The hiring follows a restructuring of Amazon Studio’s executive leadership team last month, which included Marc Resteghini’s elevation to head of development and the addition of Laura Lancaster as head of series. In overseeing the studio creative content team, Pepper will work with creators and producers to discover ideas and IP, and package them with talent for the development division.
Pepper, who will report to Amazon’s co-heads of television Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng, was most recently the president of Legendary Television and Digital Studios, leading its development of scripted content across TV, digital and emerging platforms. During his time there, Pepper worked on the Amazon Prime Video series “Carnival Row” and its upcoming projects “Light Years” and “Paper Girls.
- 3/24/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Former Legendary Television President Nick Pepper is joining Amazon Studios.
Pepper, who exited the Carnival Row producer last month after Chris Albrecht took over the company’s entire TV operation, becomes Head of Studio Creative Content.
The hire marks the final step of Amazon Studios’ recent restructure, which, in February, saw Head of Drama Marc Resteghini promoted to US/Global Head of Development and former NBC Head of Drama and Alcon TV President Laura Lancaster hired as Head of Series.
The streamer said at the time that it was looking for a third piece of the puzzle to oversee big franchise properties and overall deals and Pepper will now fill this position.
Pepper, like Resteghini and Lancaster, will report to Amazon Studios co-heads of TV Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng, who also is COO.
He will work with its creators and producers to find ideas and IP, package them with...
Pepper, who exited the Carnival Row producer last month after Chris Albrecht took over the company’s entire TV operation, becomes Head of Studio Creative Content.
The hire marks the final step of Amazon Studios’ recent restructure, which, in February, saw Head of Drama Marc Resteghini promoted to US/Global Head of Development and former NBC Head of Drama and Alcon TV President Laura Lancaster hired as Head of Series.
The streamer said at the time that it was looking for a third piece of the puzzle to oversee big franchise properties and overall deals and Pepper will now fill this position.
Pepper, like Resteghini and Lancaster, will report to Amazon Studios co-heads of TV Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng, who also is COO.
He will work with its creators and producers to find ideas and IP, package them with...
- 3/24/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Studios is bringing in Nick Pepper as head of studio creative content, where he’ll oversee IP and talent management.
Last month, Amazon said it would refocus its TV development around three areas: development, series and IP/talent management. Marc Resteghini and Laura Lancaster serve as the heads of development and series, respectively.
Pepper’s team will be tasked with acquiring and managing the studio’s IP — its largest being the rights to “Lord of the Rings” — and talent deals (such as overall and first-look pacts). The Studio Creative Content Team will work with creators and producers to find original ideas and IP, package them with talent and deliver those projects to the Prime Video and IMDb TV development teams.
Pepper will report into TV Co-Heads Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng.
This department will include two Creative Content executives, Amanda Greenblatt and Steve Prinz, who manage first look & overall deals,...
Last month, Amazon said it would refocus its TV development around three areas: development, series and IP/talent management. Marc Resteghini and Laura Lancaster serve as the heads of development and series, respectively.
Pepper’s team will be tasked with acquiring and managing the studio’s IP — its largest being the rights to “Lord of the Rings” — and talent deals (such as overall and first-look pacts). The Studio Creative Content Team will work with creators and producers to find original ideas and IP, package them with talent and deliver those projects to the Prime Video and IMDb TV development teams.
Pepper will report into TV Co-Heads Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng.
This department will include two Creative Content executives, Amanda Greenblatt and Steve Prinz, who manage first look & overall deals,...
- 3/24/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Amazon Studios is moving to maximize the IP it owns.
The tech giant’s production arm has hired former Legendary Television and Digital Studios president Nick Pepper to the newly created post of head of studio creative content. He’ll be charged with discovering and packaging IP owned by Amazon Studios along with talent deals and creative synergies. He’ll report to Amazon Studios co-heads of TV, Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng (who’s also COO).
Pepper’s hiring follows a restructuring of Amazon Studios’ executive ranks in February, which saw Marc Resteghini become head of development and Laura Lancaster named head ...
The tech giant’s production arm has hired former Legendary Television and Digital Studios president Nick Pepper to the newly created post of head of studio creative content. He’ll be charged with discovering and packaging IP owned by Amazon Studios along with talent deals and creative synergies. He’ll report to Amazon Studios co-heads of TV, Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng (who’s also COO).
Pepper’s hiring follows a restructuring of Amazon Studios’ executive ranks in February, which saw Marc Resteghini become head of development and Laura Lancaster named head ...
- 3/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon Studios is moving to maximize the IP it owns.
The tech giant’s production arm has hired former Legendary Television and Digital Studios president Nick Pepper to the newly created post of head of studio creative content. He’ll be charged with discovering and packaging IP owned by Amazon Studios along with talent deals and creative synergies. He’ll report to Amazon Studios co-heads of TV, Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng (who’s also COO).
Pepper’s hiring follows a restructuring of Amazon Studios’ executive ranks in February, which saw Marc Resteghini become head of development and Laura Lancaster named head ...
The tech giant’s production arm has hired former Legendary Television and Digital Studios president Nick Pepper to the newly created post of head of studio creative content. He’ll be charged with discovering and packaging IP owned by Amazon Studios along with talent deals and creative synergies. He’ll report to Amazon Studios co-heads of TV, Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng (who’s also COO).
Pepper’s hiring follows a restructuring of Amazon Studios’ executive ranks in February, which saw Marc Resteghini become head of development and Laura Lancaster named head ...
- 3/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Amazon executive Albert Cheng says the era of “T-commerce” — the sale of goods directly through TV screens — is finally dawning.
In a panel hosted by the Interactive Advertising Bureau, the Amazon Studios COO and co-head of television said the company has long sought to “leverage the reach of Prime Video and marry that with commerce.” He offered a rare glimpse inside those efforts during the Iab’s online Annual Leadership Meeting. The week-long conference has featured execs from YouTube, Facebook and others, along with TV and ad industry speakers and political figures.
Now worth more than $1.5 trillion and upending sector after sector across the economy, Amazon has long posed a threat to both tech rivals and traditional media companies. But only in the past couple of years has the potential started to become more clear. The Amazon video ecosystem, linked through the Prime subscription program, spans original films and TV shows,...
In a panel hosted by the Interactive Advertising Bureau, the Amazon Studios COO and co-head of television said the company has long sought to “leverage the reach of Prime Video and marry that with commerce.” He offered a rare glimpse inside those efforts during the Iab’s online Annual Leadership Meeting. The week-long conference has featured execs from YouTube, Facebook and others, along with TV and ad industry speakers and political figures.
Now worth more than $1.5 trillion and upending sector after sector across the economy, Amazon has long posed a threat to both tech rivals and traditional media companies. But only in the past couple of years has the potential started to become more clear. The Amazon video ecosystem, linked through the Prime subscription program, spans original films and TV shows,...
- 3/11/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Queensland has snared the second season of Amazon Prime Video’s The Wilds from across the ditch.
Thanks to $9.8 million from the Federal Government and support from theQueensland Government’s Production Attraction Strategy, the ABC Signature series, starring Aussies Rachel Griffiths, Mia Healey and Shannon Berry, will shoot on the Gold Coast in April. The expectation is the production will create 270 jobs for cast and crew and add $73 million to the local economy.
The young adult drama is the second international production announced for Australia this week via the government’s Location Incentive Program, with Netflix’s God’s Favourite Idiot set to shoot in Nsw’s Northern Rivers.
Since the government topped up the incentive with $400 million last July, the program has attracted 11 productions, with the others Australian Survivor, The Tourist, Thirteen Lives, Escape From Spiderhead, Pieces of Her, Blacklight, Irreverent, Joe Exotic and Young Rock.
Created by Sarah Streicher and showrun by Amy B.
Thanks to $9.8 million from the Federal Government and support from theQueensland Government’s Production Attraction Strategy, the ABC Signature series, starring Aussies Rachel Griffiths, Mia Healey and Shannon Berry, will shoot on the Gold Coast in April. The expectation is the production will create 270 jobs for cast and crew and add $73 million to the local economy.
The young adult drama is the second international production announced for Australia this week via the government’s Location Incentive Program, with Netflix’s God’s Favourite Idiot set to shoot in Nsw’s Northern Rivers.
Since the government topped up the incentive with $400 million last July, the program has attracted 11 productions, with the others Australian Survivor, The Tourist, Thirteen Lives, Escape From Spiderhead, Pieces of Her, Blacklight, Irreverent, Joe Exotic and Young Rock.
Created by Sarah Streicher and showrun by Amy B.
- 2/26/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
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