Exec moves into production with overall first-look deal with US giant
Amazon MGM Studios chief Jennifer Salke has stepped down from the top job and segued into a production deal with the US giant.
The out-of-the-blue move comes seven years after Salke joined Amazon. The news was announced to Amazon staff in a memo from Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios chief Mike Hopkins.
He relayed that Salke’s move will see her create a “new production entity” and enter into an overall first-look deal across film and TV.
“Having accomplished so much as an executive, Jen has decided that her next challenge and chapter will be on the production side, with the aim of getting even closer to the global creative community – which she’s been such a vital member of over the course of her career,” Hopkins said.
Hopkins revealed the move came as part of a decision to “flatten our leadership structure” and confirmed Salke would not be replaced and the head of studios role removed. As a result, head of television Vernon Sanders and head of film Courtenay Valenti will report into Hopkins. Global head of marketing Sue Kroll continues in her role.
“In line with Amazon’s recent work to streamline reporting lines and accelerate decision making, we felt this was the best direction for our studio, which will now operate as distinct film and television studios,” he added.
Salke’s departure comes barely a month after international originals chief James Farrell exited after more than a decade at the company.
She joined Amazon in 2018 making the high-profile jump from NBC Entertainment in the wake of Roy Price’s ignominious exit.
During her tenure, Amazon has ramped up its global programming slate overseeing the teams which shepherd tentpole titles and franchises including Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Beast Games, Citadel, Reacher, Clarkson’s Farm, The Grand Tour, LOL: Last One Laughing and Culpa Mia/Tuya, among others.
Salke rode the wave of Amazon’s £6bn acquisition of MGM Studios which gave the company access to the James Bond world, a move which culminated in Amazon MGM take creative control over the franchise at the end of February. She also steered glossy deals with the likes of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sharon Horgan, Serena Williams and Orlando Bloom.
“Jen has been a driving force in Amazon MGM Studios’ evolution into what it is today: a world-class producer of award-winning films and series viewed by hundreds of millions of our customers around the world,” Hopkins said.
“Original films and series served as the foundation of Prime Video’s growth into one of the world’s leading entertainment destinations, and Jen’s leadership is an undisputed driver of the success we’ve had in this space over the years.”
Salke said: “Since I joined in 2018, we set out together to create a new type of global studio that fostered an environment for the world’s most creative talent to do their very best work.
“Along the way, we expanded internationally, built out a film business and hired and developed an incredible team. As I’ve been considering my next chapter, I’ve always been searching for that moment where I was positive that our work had set up Amazon MGM Studios for even more success in the long term.
“When I look at the teams we’ve put in place, our amazing leaders, and the incredible slate of films and shows we’ve got in the pipeline, I realised now is that moment. I’m looking forward to continuing doing what I love, cultivating talent, supporting their vision, and bringing compelling stories to audiences around the world.”
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