Amazon is heading to Alabama.
The streamer is developing a television adaptation of Joshilyn Jackson’s novel, Gods in Alabama.
The book, first published in 2015, revolves around a young lawyer who promised God that she’d never return home to Alabama but is forced to go back to the South to defend a high school classmate accused of a murder she knows something about. In returning home, she’ll confront a simmering stew of family conflict, a hometown that hates her for defending the alleged killer of a local hero and all of the ghosts of her past.
Amazon describes the potential series, which is in development at the streamer, as a “soapy, legal thriller that is steeped in deep Southern charm.”
Kathryn Price and Nichole Millard, the writing duo whose credits include CBS’ True Lies and Bull, created the series and will serve as showrunners and exec producers.
Amazon...
The streamer is developing a television adaptation of Joshilyn Jackson’s novel, Gods in Alabama.
The book, first published in 2015, revolves around a young lawyer who promised God that she’d never return home to Alabama but is forced to go back to the South to defend a high school classmate accused of a murder she knows something about. In returning home, she’ll confront a simmering stew of family conflict, a hometown that hates her for defending the alleged killer of a local hero and all of the ghosts of her past.
Amazon describes the potential series, which is in development at the streamer, as a “soapy, legal thriller that is steeped in deep Southern charm.”
Kathryn Price and Nichole Millard, the writing duo whose credits include CBS’ True Lies and Bull, created the series and will serve as showrunners and exec producers.
Amazon...
- 5/6/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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
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
The story of the raunchy 2016 animated film “Sausage Party” will continue in a new animated sequel series coming to Amazon Prime Video in 2024 called “Sausage Party: Footopia.” The “eight-course television event” will find original cast members Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz and Edward Norton all returning to reprise their roles, and is already in production.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the eight-episode series will also feature the voices of Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell and Yassir Lester, with Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter (“Future Man”) – who co-wrote the 2016 film with Rogen and Evan Goldberg – executive producing and serving as showrunners.
“Sausage Party: Foodtopia” hails from Annapurna Television, Sony Pictures Television, Amazon Studios and Point Grey Pictures.
“Film used to be the superior art form to television, and we humbly reached the pinnacle of what can be achieved with film in our remarkable opus,...
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the eight-episode series will also feature the voices of Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell and Yassir Lester, with Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter (“Future Man”) – who co-wrote the 2016 film with Rogen and Evan Goldberg – executive producing and serving as showrunners.
“Sausage Party: Foodtopia” hails from Annapurna Television, Sony Pictures Television, Amazon Studios and Point Grey Pictures.
“Film used to be the superior art form to television, and we humbly reached the pinnacle of what can be achieved with film in our remarkable opus,...
- 10/26/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Sausage Party is heading to the small screen.
Amazon has ordered a series spinoff of the 2016 animated feature with cast members including Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz and Edward Norton returning to lend their voices to the anthropomorphic groceries.
Related Story Marc Resteghini Steps Down, Nick Pepper & Laura Lancaster Expand Responsibilities In Amazon Studios TV Restructuring – The Dish Related Story Amazon Resumes Political Contributions To Lawmakers Who Voted To Block 2020 Electoral Vote Count Related Story Jason Katims' 'As We See It' Canceled At Amazon After One Season
The streamer is planning to launch Sausage Party: Foodtopia in 2024.
Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell and Yassir Lester are also set to voice roles in the animated series, which is currently in production.
The film was written by Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir and directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan, with Jonah Hill contributing to the story.
Amazon has ordered a series spinoff of the 2016 animated feature with cast members including Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz and Edward Norton returning to lend their voices to the anthropomorphic groceries.
Related Story Marc Resteghini Steps Down, Nick Pepper & Laura Lancaster Expand Responsibilities In Amazon Studios TV Restructuring – The Dish Related Story Amazon Resumes Political Contributions To Lawmakers Who Voted To Block 2020 Electoral Vote Count Related Story Jason Katims' 'As We See It' Canceled At Amazon After One Season
The streamer is planning to launch Sausage Party: Foodtopia in 2024.
Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell and Yassir Lester are also set to voice roles in the animated series, which is currently in production.
The film was written by Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir and directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan, with Jonah Hill contributing to the story.
- 10/26/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox and NBC went head-to-head in Monday night ratings this week, as the networks’ top-rated shows “9-1-1” and “The Voice” battled each other for the coveted 18-49 demographic. While both led the night with a 0.51 ratings score, CBS won in total average viewership, as it has done for the past four consecutive Mondays.
Ultimately, the flagship “9-1-1” brought the heat with a 0.69 in the demo, the highest of the night across hours and networks. Meanwhile, CBS’ “NCIS” logged 6.9 million total viewers on average, retaining all of its watchers from the week prior.
Also Read:
Amazon Head of Series Development Marc Resteghini Exits Amid Restructuring
Here’s how the night stacked up across the broadcast networks:
Fox and NBC tied for first in the key demo. After the former’s airing of an emotional new episode of the Angela Bassett-starring drama, there was a new installment of “The Cleaning Lady,...
Ultimately, the flagship “9-1-1” brought the heat with a 0.69 in the demo, the highest of the night across hours and networks. Meanwhile, CBS’ “NCIS” logged 6.9 million total viewers on average, retaining all of its watchers from the week prior.
Also Read:
Amazon Head of Series Development Marc Resteghini Exits Amid Restructuring
Here’s how the night stacked up across the broadcast networks:
Fox and NBC tied for first in the key demo. After the former’s airing of an emotional new episode of the Angela Bassett-starring drama, there was a new installment of “The Cleaning Lady,...
- 10/26/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
David Zaslav has made perhaps his most important hire yet as CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, naming “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn and “Aquaman” producer Peter Safran as co-chairmen and CEOs of the newly renamed DC Studios, overseeing all film, TV and animation production for the comic book franchise.
“For over 60 years, these and other DC characters have captivated and inspired generations of fans around the world, and as stewards of the iconic franchise, we feel a real responsibility to preserve and expand the Dcu for the enjoyment of future generations,” Zaslav wrote in an internal memo announcing Gunn and Safran’s hire.
“In many ways, we have only begun to scratch the surface. James and Peter have a broad vision for DC storytelling and how it all fits together, and they plan to create even more compelling and unforgettable experiences for DC fans worldwide, while building a...
“For over 60 years, these and other DC characters have captivated and inspired generations of fans around the world, and as stewards of the iconic franchise, we feel a real responsibility to preserve and expand the Dcu for the enjoyment of future generations,” Zaslav wrote in an internal memo announcing Gunn and Safran’s hire.
“In many ways, we have only begun to scratch the surface. James and Peter have a broad vision for DC storytelling and how it all fits together, and they plan to create even more compelling and unforgettable experiences for DC fans worldwide, while building a...
- 10/25/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
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
Amazon Studios is merging its Prime Video and Freevee unscripted teams under the oversight of reality TV vet Chris Castallo. Having previously focused on Prime Video fare, Castallo will now oversee unscripted for both outlets and report to Lauren Anderson, who was recently named head of AVOD original content and programming at Amazon Studios.
The move comes following a restructure inside Amazon’s ad-supported video on demand service. Earlier this month, Ryan Pirozzi was named head of Freevee, overseeing the business side of the streaming service, while Anderson was given oversight for programming, which includes development, production, licensing, scheduling, research and strategy for Freevee and Prime Video’s ad-supported Fast linear channels. Anderson and Pirozzi had formerly served as co-heads of content and programming for Amazon Freevee (the ad-supported video on demand service that had been known as IMDb TV).
Castallo previously reported to Marc Resteghini, the US/Global Head of Development at Amazon Studios.
The move comes following a restructure inside Amazon’s ad-supported video on demand service. Earlier this month, Ryan Pirozzi was named head of Freevee, overseeing the business side of the streaming service, while Anderson was given oversight for programming, which includes development, production, licensing, scheduling, research and strategy for Freevee and Prime Video’s ad-supported Fast linear channels. Anderson and Pirozzi had formerly served as co-heads of content and programming for Amazon Freevee (the ad-supported video on demand service that had been known as IMDb TV).
Castallo previously reported to Marc Resteghini, the US/Global Head of Development at Amazon Studios.
- 8/23/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“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
It’s been more than two years since TV fans have been graced with new episodes of Amazon Studios’ Emmy Award-winning series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and as Season 4 begins, audiences will have an opportunity to see Midge Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan) as they’ve never seen her before: piecemeal.
Upon releasing the trailer for the show’s new season in November, Amazon Studios’ announced the comedy series, executive produced by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, would return with just two episodes on Friday, February 18, 2022, with the rest of the season — eight episodes all told — released in pairs in subsequent weeks. The news was a marked departure for the series, which saw bulk episode releases for each of its first three seasons.
And while the change might take some viewers by surprise, it’s just the latest adjustment being made by streamers anxious to keep an equilibrium in a television landscape...
Upon releasing the trailer for the show’s new season in November, Amazon Studios’ announced the comedy series, executive produced by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, would return with just two episodes on Friday, February 18, 2022, with the rest of the season — eight episodes all told — released in pairs in subsequent weeks. The news was a marked departure for the series, which saw bulk episode releases for each of its first three seasons.
And while the change might take some viewers by surprise, it’s just the latest adjustment being made by streamers anxious to keep an equilibrium in a television landscape...
- 2/18/2022
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
As Hollywood events slowly return to New York and Los Angeles following the recent surge of Covid-19 cases, here’s a look at the week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings, including red carpets for Bel-Air, Marry Me and Broadway show The Music Man.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Skate Night
Ahead of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s fourth-season premiere on Feb. 18, the cast and creators took part in a Maisel Skate Night event at NYC’s Bryant Park on Saturday. Stars Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, Tony Shalhoub, Michael Zegen, Luke Kirby, Marin Hinkle, Kevin Pollak, Caroline Aaron and Stephanie Hsu took to the ice at the event, where they were joined by EPs Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, along with Amazon execs Jennifer Salke and Marc Resteghini.
Marry Me Los Angeles special screening
Jennifer Lopez posed for photos at a special screening of her upcoming film Marry Me on Tuesday at the DGA Theater,...
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Skate Night
Ahead of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s fourth-season premiere on Feb. 18, the cast and creators took part in a Maisel Skate Night event at NYC’s Bryant Park on Saturday. Stars Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, Tony Shalhoub, Michael Zegen, Luke Kirby, Marin Hinkle, Kevin Pollak, Caroline Aaron and Stephanie Hsu took to the ice at the event, where they were joined by EPs Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, along with Amazon execs Jennifer Salke and Marc Resteghini.
Marry Me Los Angeles special screening
Jennifer Lopez posed for photos at a special screening of her upcoming film Marry Me on Tuesday at the DGA Theater,...
- 2/11/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon has given a series order to “The Horror of Dolores Roach,” Variety has learned.
The half-hour show, based on the Gimlet podcast of the same name, was originally given a pilot order at Amazon in June 2021.
“We at Amazon Studios fell in love with this story along with everyone else as the podcast captured listeners,” said Marc Resteghini, head of development for Amazon Studios. “We couldn’t be more excited and fortunate to be working with such world-class creatives to bring Dolores Roach to screen in what is sure to be a captivating series.”
In the series, Dolores Roach (Justina Machado) is released from prison after 16 years and returns to a severely gentrified Washington Heights with $200 and the clothes on her back. Her boyfriend missing, her family long gone, Dolores reunites with an old stoner buddy, Luis (Alejandro Hernandez), who gives her room and board and lets her give...
The half-hour show, based on the Gimlet podcast of the same name, was originally given a pilot order at Amazon in June 2021.
“We at Amazon Studios fell in love with this story along with everyone else as the podcast captured listeners,” said Marc Resteghini, head of development for Amazon Studios. “We couldn’t be more excited and fortunate to be working with such world-class creatives to bring Dolores Roach to screen in what is sure to be a captivating series.”
In the series, Dolores Roach (Justina Machado) is released from prison after 16 years and returns to a severely gentrified Washington Heights with $200 and the clothes on her back. Her boyfriend missing, her family long gone, Dolores reunites with an old stoner buddy, Luis (Alejandro Hernandez), who gives her room and board and lets her give...
- 2/3/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios has picked up to series The Horror of Dolores Roach pilot based on the hit Gimlet podcast, starring One Day At A Time alumna Justina Machado in the title role. The project, in development at Amazon since 2020, hails from Blumhouse Television, which won the rights to adapt the podcast in 2019 in a competitive situation, Spotify’s Gimlet and GloNation Studios. The Horror of Dolores Roach will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
The Horror of Dolores Roach originally was developed by podcast creator Aaron Mark as a one-woman play starring Daphne Rubin-Vega, who reprised her role in the podcast. It is a grotesque Sweeney Todd-inspired tale of eat or be eaten — a macabre urban legend of love, betrayal, weed, gentrification, cannibalism and survival of the fittest.
“Magic Hands” Dolores Roach (Machado) is released from prison after 16 years and returns to a severely...
The Horror of Dolores Roach originally was developed by podcast creator Aaron Mark as a one-woman play starring Daphne Rubin-Vega, who reprised her role in the podcast. It is a grotesque Sweeney Todd-inspired tale of eat or be eaten — a macabre urban legend of love, betrayal, weed, gentrification, cannibalism and survival of the fittest.
“Magic Hands” Dolores Roach (Machado) is released from prison after 16 years and returns to a severely...
- 2/3/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
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
Odetta Watkins has been hired by Amazon for the newly created role of head of drama series, the streamer announced Wednesday.
In her new role, Watkins will report to Laura Lancaster, head of series for Amazon Studios. She will help shepherd a drama slate that currently includes shows like “Jack Ryan,” “The Wilds,” and “Hunters.”
“Odetta is a powerhouse at what she does – with a proven track record of recognizing and shepherding global hits, we are incredibly proud to have her join Amazon Studios,” said Lancaster. “Her leadership and creative sensibilities are invaluable as we look to continue to break boundaries and tell nuanced and entertaining stories.”
Watkins most recently worked at Warner Bros. Television. She first joined the studio in 2002 as director of current programs, rising to the rank of executive vice president of current programs, cable & streaming. She worked on the day to day logistics of shows like...
In her new role, Watkins will report to Laura Lancaster, head of series for Amazon Studios. She will help shepherd a drama slate that currently includes shows like “Jack Ryan,” “The Wilds,” and “Hunters.”
“Odetta is a powerhouse at what she does – with a proven track record of recognizing and shepherding global hits, we are incredibly proud to have her join Amazon Studios,” said Lancaster. “Her leadership and creative sensibilities are invaluable as we look to continue to break boundaries and tell nuanced and entertaining stories.”
Watkins most recently worked at Warner Bros. Television. She first joined the studio in 2002 as director of current programs, rising to the rank of executive vice president of current programs, cable & streaming. She worked on the day to day logistics of shows like...
- 10/6/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Odetta Watkins is exiting Warner Bros Television to join Amazon Studios as Head of Drama Series.
Watkins, who was most recently EVP Current Programs, Cable & Streaming, is leaving the Hollywood studio after 19 years, having joined in 2002 as Director of Current Programs.
In her newly created role she will report to Laura Lancaster, Head of Series for Amazon Studios, and will shepherd ongoing current series for the streamer including Amazon Originals Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Wilds and Hunters.
It comes after Amazon Studios restructured and streamlined its programming operations earlier this year with Marc Resteghini becoming US/Global Head of Development and Lancaster joining to lead a department that oversees its returning shows.
Kara Smith remains Head of Drama on the development side, reporting to Resteghini.
Watkins’ departure comes after a number of changes at Warner Bros Television. Channing Dungey, who took over as chairman of Warner Bros Television Group,...
Watkins, who was most recently EVP Current Programs, Cable & Streaming, is leaving the Hollywood studio after 19 years, having joined in 2002 as Director of Current Programs.
In her newly created role she will report to Laura Lancaster, Head of Series for Amazon Studios, and will shepherd ongoing current series for the streamer including Amazon Originals Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Wilds and Hunters.
It comes after Amazon Studios restructured and streamlined its programming operations earlier this year with Marc Resteghini becoming US/Global Head of Development and Lancaster joining to lead a department that oversees its returning shows.
Kara Smith remains Head of Drama on the development side, reporting to Resteghini.
Watkins’ departure comes after a number of changes at Warner Bros Television. Channing Dungey, who took over as chairman of Warner Bros Television Group,...
- 10/6/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon Studios has signed an overall deal with TV scribe and playwright Brian Otaño.
Otaño will create, produce, and write TV projects with Amazon Studios to premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. He has multiple projects currently in development with the studio.
“The landscapes, characters, and subtext Brian is able to create are as entertaining as they are authentic,” said Amazon Studios Head of Development, Marc Resteghini. “From his television work to the wide variety of plays he has written for the stage, we are energized by Brian’s creativity and look forward to all he has to offer.”
He most recently served as executive story editor on the YA series Panic under his overall deal with Amazon. He previously wrote on Freeform’s Cruel Summer.
His theatre work includes co-writing the play You Across From Me for the Actors Theatre of Louisville,...
Otaño will create, produce, and write TV projects with Amazon Studios to premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. He has multiple projects currently in development with the studio.
“The landscapes, characters, and subtext Brian is able to create are as entertaining as they are authentic,” said Amazon Studios Head of Development, Marc Resteghini. “From his television work to the wide variety of plays he has written for the stage, we are energized by Brian’s creativity and look forward to all he has to offer.”
He most recently served as executive story editor on the YA series Panic under his overall deal with Amazon. He previously wrote on Freeform’s Cruel Summer.
His theatre work includes co-writing the play You Across From Me for the Actors Theatre of Louisville,...
- 9/1/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Janine Nabers has signed an overall deal with Amazon, Variety has learned.
Under the deal, Nabers will develop, produce, and write television projects for the streamer. Nabers’ first project in development under the deal is titled “Syd.” It follows a powerful Black tech CEO who wakes up one morning to discover a mysterious entity has hacked its way into his life, and in order to regain control he must follow a series of sinister clues.
“Amazon Studios has fostered some of the most compelling voices of our generation, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them,” Nabers said. “As a playwright and TV writer, I’m committed to writing original and subversive character-driven stories. I’m very excited for the road ahead.”
Nabers is co-creating “Syd” with Etan Marciano. Both will executive produce along with Annapurna. She is also developing a new series with Donald Glover, with...
Under the deal, Nabers will develop, produce, and write television projects for the streamer. Nabers’ first project in development under the deal is titled “Syd.” It follows a powerful Black tech CEO who wakes up one morning to discover a mysterious entity has hacked its way into his life, and in order to regain control he must follow a series of sinister clues.
“Amazon Studios has fostered some of the most compelling voices of our generation, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them,” Nabers said. “As a playwright and TV writer, I’m committed to writing original and subversive character-driven stories. I’m very excited for the road ahead.”
Nabers is co-creating “Syd” with Etan Marciano. Both will executive produce along with Annapurna. She is also developing a new series with Donald Glover, with...
- 6/30/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Janine Nabers, who has written on HBO’s Watchmen and Netflix’s Away, has signed an overall deal with Amazon Studios.
The playwright and television writer has also set up her first project in development, a tech drama called Syd.
The streamer has also confirmed that Nabers is developing a new series with Donald Glover, who himself recently signed an overall deal with Amazon.
Nabers will develop, produce and write scripted projects under the deal.
Her first project, Syd, is about a powerful Black tech CEO who wakes up one morning to discover that a mysterious entity has hacked its way into his life. In order to regain control, he must follow a series of sinister clues.
Nabers co-created the project with Etan Marciano, who worked with her on AMC’s Dietland, and the pair will exec produce with Annapurna.
Nabers is also working with Glover on Amazon’s Hive,...
The playwright and television writer has also set up her first project in development, a tech drama called Syd.
The streamer has also confirmed that Nabers is developing a new series with Donald Glover, who himself recently signed an overall deal with Amazon.
Nabers will develop, produce and write scripted projects under the deal.
Her first project, Syd, is about a powerful Black tech CEO who wakes up one morning to discover that a mysterious entity has hacked its way into his life. In order to regain control, he must follow a series of sinister clues.
Nabers co-created the project with Etan Marciano, who worked with her on AMC’s Dietland, and the pair will exec produce with Annapurna.
Nabers is also working with Glover on Amazon’s Hive,...
- 6/30/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Studios and Gloria Calderón Kellett’s GloNation Studios have set With Love as the first series under the One Day At a Time co-creator’s big overall deal with the streamer.
The one-hour romantic dramedy, created and written by Calderón Kellett, had been fast tracked since the pitch stage with the goal to launch it during the 2021 holiday season.
Additionally, Calderón Kellett has set up three other series projects for development at Amazon Studios through her GloNation as part of her deal with the streamer. The wide-ranging slate includes Shakespeare-themed high-school drama Verona, co-created by Calderón Kellett; Glowing Up, a half-hour adult animation musical series based on the graphic novel Mismatched, a modern-day adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma; and Dating the Lopez Ladies, a half-hour animated comedy created by Calderón Kellett.
Glowing Up and Dating the Lopez Ladies follow Calderón Kellett’s foray into animation with the well...
The one-hour romantic dramedy, created and written by Calderón Kellett, had been fast tracked since the pitch stage with the goal to launch it during the 2021 holiday season.
Additionally, Calderón Kellett has set up three other series projects for development at Amazon Studios through her GloNation as part of her deal with the streamer. The wide-ranging slate includes Shakespeare-themed high-school drama Verona, co-created by Calderón Kellett; Glowing Up, a half-hour adult animation musical series based on the graphic novel Mismatched, a modern-day adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma; and Dating the Lopez Ladies, a half-hour animated comedy created by Calderón Kellett.
Glowing Up and Dating the Lopez Ladies follow Calderón Kellett’s foray into animation with the well...
- 5/27/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Gloria Calderón Kellett has landed her first series order under her overall deal at Amazon, Variety has learned.
Amazon has greenlit the one-hour romantic comedy series “With Love.” It follows the Diaz siblings, Lily and Jorge, who are on a mission to find love and purpose. The Diaz siblings cross paths with seemingly unrelated residents during some of the most heightened days of the year –the holidays. The series is planning to begin production in June with plans to launch it at the end of 2021.
“I started writing as a way to create characters and stories that represented myself and the community I love,” Calderón Kellett said. “After such a heavy year, there was nothing I wanted more than to see a happy, warm, loving family that looked like mine, celebrating trauma-free and falling in love. So, to be bringing that family to life as my first project with Amazon Studios...
Amazon has greenlit the one-hour romantic comedy series “With Love.” It follows the Diaz siblings, Lily and Jorge, who are on a mission to find love and purpose. The Diaz siblings cross paths with seemingly unrelated residents during some of the most heightened days of the year –the holidays. The series is planning to begin production in June with plans to launch it at the end of 2021.
“I started writing as a way to create characters and stories that represented myself and the community I love,” Calderón Kellett said. “After such a heavy year, there was nothing I wanted more than to see a happy, warm, loving family that looked like mine, celebrating trauma-free and falling in love. So, to be bringing that family to life as my first project with Amazon Studios...
- 5/27/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- 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 Studios has restructured its television development team under studio chief Jennifer Salke.
Amazon is reforming its TV development to focus on three areas: development, series and IP/talent management.
Marc Resteghini, who led drama development, will now be in charge of all series development globally, adding comedy, genre, animation and unscripted under his purview. Laura Lancaster has also joined the studio from Alcon and will serve as head of series; she’ll be in charge of guiding returning series through their life cycle. Kara Smith will take over Resteghini’s old role as head of drama. Resteghini and Lancaster will both report to Albert Cheng and Vernon Sanders, Amazon’s co-heads of television.
Over the next several weeks, we will be expanding its IP and talent management team. A search is under way for a senior executive who will work with the studio’s current leaders to scale and...
Amazon is reforming its TV development to focus on three areas: development, series and IP/talent management.
Marc Resteghini, who led drama development, will now be in charge of all series development globally, adding comedy, genre, animation and unscripted under his purview. Laura Lancaster has also joined the studio from Alcon and will serve as head of series; she’ll be in charge of guiding returning series through their life cycle. Kara Smith will take over Resteghini’s old role as head of drama. Resteghini and Lancaster will both report to Albert Cheng and Vernon Sanders, Amazon’s co-heads of television.
Over the next several weeks, we will be expanding its IP and talent management team. A search is under way for a senior executive who will work with the studio’s current leaders to scale and...
- 2/10/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Amazon Studios is expanding and restructuring its executive leadership team, bringing on board Laura Lancaster as head of series and upping Marc Resteghini to head of development in both the U.S. and globally. They will report to co-heads of television Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng.
The move comes as the studio organizes its leadership team to focus on three areas: development, series, and IP and talent management. Resteghini, most recently head of drama, will now oversee those leading the studio’s drama, genre, comedy, animation and unscripted projects from concept through end of Season 1.
As part of those changes, Kara Smith has been named head of drama development, while Ryan Andolina will expand his duties as head of comedy, with Melissa Wolfe reporting to him as head of animation. Head of genre development Jon Wax and head of unscripted Chris Castallo will continue in their roles, reporting to Marc.
The move comes as the studio organizes its leadership team to focus on three areas: development, series, and IP and talent management. Resteghini, most recently head of drama, will now oversee those leading the studio’s drama, genre, comedy, animation and unscripted projects from concept through end of Season 1.
As part of those changes, Kara Smith has been named head of drama development, while Ryan Andolina will expand his duties as head of comedy, with Melissa Wolfe reporting to him as head of animation. Head of genre development Jon Wax and head of unscripted Chris Castallo will continue in their roles, reporting to Marc.
- 2/10/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
As the volume of Amazon Studios’ TV development, current series and overall deals increases, the company has moved in to restructure and streamline its programming operations.
Head of Drama Marc Resteghini has been elevated to US/Global Head of Development. Former NBC head of drama Laura Lancaster, most recently Alcon Television Group President, will join the company on March 1 as Head of Series, leading a department that will oversee the streamer’s returning shows through their life cycle. They will be among three direct reports to Amazon Studios co-heads of TV Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng (who also is COO). The third, head of IP & Talent Management, overseeing big franchise properties and overall deals, will be named later; executive search is currently underway for the position.
Under the previous structure, all programming departments, which handled development and current for Prime Video and IMDb TV, reported to Sanders and Cheng.
Now,...
Head of Drama Marc Resteghini has been elevated to US/Global Head of Development. Former NBC head of drama Laura Lancaster, most recently Alcon Television Group President, will join the company on March 1 as Head of Series, leading a department that will oversee the streamer’s returning shows through their life cycle. They will be among three direct reports to Amazon Studios co-heads of TV Vernon Sanders and Albert Cheng (who also is COO). The third, head of IP & Talent Management, overseeing big franchise properties and overall deals, will be named later; executive search is currently underway for the position.
Under the previous structure, all programming departments, which handled development and current for Prime Video and IMDb TV, reported to Sanders and Cheng.
Now,...
- 2/10/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Longtime NBC executive Vernon Sanders will reunite with his former colleague Jennifer Salke at Amazon Studios. Salke has tapped Sanders as co-head of television, where he’ll partner with TV co-head Albert Cheng and oversee Amazon Prime Video’s TV creative and production units.
Sanders, who had recently transitioned into a producing deal with Universal TV, will report to Salke, the Amazon Studios head who joined the company in February. “Vernon’s undeniable expertise in nurturing talent and creative material will be a huge asset to our studio,” she said. “Having worked side-by-side with him for seven years at NBC Entertainment, I can speak first-hand to his talents as a leader and creative force. I know Vernon and Albert Cheng will be a formidable team as we continue to build Amazon Studios.”
Before becoming a producer, Sanders held a variety of roles handling NBC’s scripted slate, including executive vice president of current programming,...
Sanders, who had recently transitioned into a producing deal with Universal TV, will report to Salke, the Amazon Studios head who joined the company in February. “Vernon’s undeniable expertise in nurturing talent and creative material will be a huge asset to our studio,” she said. “Having worked side-by-side with him for seven years at NBC Entertainment, I can speak first-hand to his talents as a leader and creative force. I know Vernon and Albert Cheng will be a formidable team as we continue to build Amazon Studios.”
Before becoming a producer, Sanders held a variety of roles handling NBC’s scripted slate, including executive vice president of current programming,...
- 5/21/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
New head Jennifer Salke is rebuilding the streamer’s executive team.
Amazon Studios has restructured its TV operations in the Us and Europe under new head Jennifer Salke.
The restructure is one of the first big moves by Salke to rebuild the streamer’s executive team after the departure of her predecessor Roy Price, who left Amazon Studios last October facing allegations of sexual misconduct. Several other executives left in the wake of Price’s departure.
In the Us, Albert Cheng, the Amazon Studios chief operating officer who replaced Price on an interim basis, has been named co-head of television,...
Amazon Studios has restructured its TV operations in the Us and Europe under new head Jennifer Salke.
The restructure is one of the first big moves by Salke to rebuild the streamer’s executive team after the departure of her predecessor Roy Price, who left Amazon Studios last October facing allegations of sexual misconduct. Several other executives left in the wake of Price’s departure.
In the Us, Albert Cheng, the Amazon Studios chief operating officer who replaced Price on an interim basis, has been named co-head of television,...
- 4/10/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Amazon Studios Head Jennifer Salke Makes Her First Big Executive Shuffles, Creating New TV Structure
A few weeks into her new gig as head of Amazon Studios, Jennifer Salke is putting the finishing touches on her new TV reporting structure. Amazon’s TV division had been in a holding pattern since last fall, when former Amazon Studios boss Roy Price left the company under a cloud of sexual harassment allegations.
Until Salke arrived, Albert Cheng had served as the acting head of the TV side at Amazon; now, the exec has been named to the newly created position of co-head of television. He’ll be paired with another executive in the coming months; rumored candidates include ABC Studios topper Patrick Moran.
Cheng will also continue to serve as COO for all of Amazon Studios. He has a business background, which is why he’ll be paired with someone with more of a creative history. Insiders note that Salke is looking to emulate the successful partnership...
Until Salke arrived, Albert Cheng had served as the acting head of the TV side at Amazon; now, the exec has been named to the newly created position of co-head of television. He’ll be paired with another executive in the coming months; rumored candidates include ABC Studios topper Patrick Moran.
Cheng will also continue to serve as COO for all of Amazon Studios. He has a business background, which is why he’ll be paired with someone with more of a creative history. Insiders note that Salke is looking to emulate the successful partnership...
- 4/10/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Amazon Studios has restructured its TV division under the leadership of Jennifer Salke.
Albert Cheng, who had been serving as interim chief since Roy Price’s exit amid sexual misconduct allegations, has been named co-head of television. In addition, Cheng will retain his currently-held position of COO and will oversee day-to-day oversight of the business, creative and production units.
The studio is currently on the hunt for Cheng’s partner, a position expected to be filled in the coming months.
Also Read: Amazon Cancels 'Mozart in the Jungle' After Four Seasons
“I’m delighted that an opportunity for Albert to be elevated within the Television Studios has been created. His business acumen, collaborative nature and clear goals toward continued success make him an invaluable team player as we move forward,” Salke said in a statement.
Additionally, Amazon has realigned its scripted series development team as follows:
Sharon Tal Yguado, who had been serving as interim head of comedy and drama since the departure of Joe Lewis, will oversee one-hour genre programming, including event series in the areas of science fiction, fantasy and supernatural.
Marc Resteghini will serve as head of drama, overseeing all non-genre one-hour programming. Gina Kwon and Ryan Andolina will be co-heads of comedy for both single and multi-camera formats.
Also Read: Amazon Has Half as Many Paid Streamers as Netflix - But 50 Percent More Than Hulu (Report)
Nick Hall will serve as head of alternative, including Ya, specialty series and supporting efforts to drive talent and new ventures to the service. Georgia Brown will be the point person for UK-originated series, which includes sourcing, developing and producing series originating overseas. She will also retain her responsibilities for EU Originals (for Germany, France, Italy and Spain).
Heather Schuster remains head of unscripted and Melissa Wolfe remains head of kids programming.
Read original story Amazon Studios Shakes Up Under Jennifer Salke: Albert Cheng Named Co-Head of TV At TheWrap...
Albert Cheng, who had been serving as interim chief since Roy Price’s exit amid sexual misconduct allegations, has been named co-head of television. In addition, Cheng will retain his currently-held position of COO and will oversee day-to-day oversight of the business, creative and production units.
The studio is currently on the hunt for Cheng’s partner, a position expected to be filled in the coming months.
Also Read: Amazon Cancels 'Mozart in the Jungle' After Four Seasons
“I’m delighted that an opportunity for Albert to be elevated within the Television Studios has been created. His business acumen, collaborative nature and clear goals toward continued success make him an invaluable team player as we move forward,” Salke said in a statement.
Additionally, Amazon has realigned its scripted series development team as follows:
Sharon Tal Yguado, who had been serving as interim head of comedy and drama since the departure of Joe Lewis, will oversee one-hour genre programming, including event series in the areas of science fiction, fantasy and supernatural.
Marc Resteghini will serve as head of drama, overseeing all non-genre one-hour programming. Gina Kwon and Ryan Andolina will be co-heads of comedy for both single and multi-camera formats.
Also Read: Amazon Has Half as Many Paid Streamers as Netflix - But 50 Percent More Than Hulu (Report)
Nick Hall will serve as head of alternative, including Ya, specialty series and supporting efforts to drive talent and new ventures to the service. Georgia Brown will be the point person for UK-originated series, which includes sourcing, developing and producing series originating overseas. She will also retain her responsibilities for EU Originals (for Germany, France, Italy and Spain).
Heather Schuster remains head of unscripted and Melissa Wolfe remains head of kids programming.
Read original story Amazon Studios Shakes Up Under Jennifer Salke: Albert Cheng Named Co-Head of TV At TheWrap...
- 4/9/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Jennifer Salke has begun to make her mark on Amazon Studios.
The new head of Amazon’s entertainment division has shaken up her series-development team, naming Albert Cheng co-head of television. The move secures a prominent role for Cheng, who led Amazon Studios as interim chief following the ouster last year of former top executive Roy Price amid sexual-harassment allegations. Cheng, a former ABC digital exec, had previously served as COO of Amazon’s entertainment division, a role he will continue in going forward.
Sources tell Variety that Salke is in the early stages of recruiting a veteran executive to work with Cheng as co-head of television, but that no lead candidate has been identified. Cheng and his fellow TV co-head will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the business, creative and production units.
“I’m delighted that an opportunity for Albert to be elevated within the Television Studios has been created,...
The new head of Amazon’s entertainment division has shaken up her series-development team, naming Albert Cheng co-head of television. The move secures a prominent role for Cheng, who led Amazon Studios as interim chief following the ouster last year of former top executive Roy Price amid sexual-harassment allegations. Cheng, a former ABC digital exec, had previously served as COO of Amazon’s entertainment division, a role he will continue in going forward.
Sources tell Variety that Salke is in the early stages of recruiting a veteran executive to work with Cheng as co-head of television, but that no lead candidate has been identified. Cheng and his fellow TV co-head will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the business, creative and production units.
“I’m delighted that an opportunity for Albert to be elevated within the Television Studios has been created,...
- 4/9/2018
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Several weeks after former NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke started her job as new head of Amazon Studios, the company has restructured its TV operation.
Amazon Studios COO Albert Cheng, who served as interim head of the studio following the ouster of Roy Price last fall until Salke’s appointment, has been named co-head of television.
Additionally, Sharon Tal Yguado, who had overseen all scripted TV programming for Amazon for the six months following the exits of Price and his top lieutenant Joe Lewis, will return to the role she was originally brought in for as Head of Genre. Marc Resteghini, who most recently oversaw current drama series, has been named Head of Drama (non-genre), replacing Nick Hall who has been named Head of Alternative. Gina Kwon and Ryan Andolina will continue as co-heads of comedy. Georgia Brown, Amazon’s director of original TV for Europe, has been named Head of UK-originated Scripted TV.
Amazon Studios COO Albert Cheng, who served as interim head of the studio following the ouster of Roy Price last fall until Salke’s appointment, has been named co-head of television.
Additionally, Sharon Tal Yguado, who had overseen all scripted TV programming for Amazon for the six months following the exits of Price and his top lieutenant Joe Lewis, will return to the role she was originally brought in for as Head of Genre. Marc Resteghini, who most recently oversaw current drama series, has been named Head of Drama (non-genre), replacing Nick Hall who has been named Head of Alternative. Gina Kwon and Ryan Andolina will continue as co-heads of comedy. Georgia Brown, Amazon’s director of original TV for Europe, has been named Head of UK-originated Scripted TV.
- 4/9/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video is once again renting out the Hollywood Athletic Club for much of April to continue its Emmy “For Your Consideration” campaign. Dubbed the “Prime Experience,” the display and series of events take place from April 12 to 27. Among the events: screenings with the cast and creators of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams” for TV Academy members, as well as themed evenings open to the general public.
This is the second year that Amazon has taken over the space to create themed rooms throughout the historic building. This time, interactive, themed rooms include the world of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” where, per Amazon, “attendees will be able to travel back to 1958 New York City through the eyes of Midge Maisel. As they enter her apartment, they’ll experience a unique ‘magic mirror’ where they can interact with the show. From there, they’ll...
This is the second year that Amazon has taken over the space to create themed rooms throughout the historic building. This time, interactive, themed rooms include the world of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” where, per Amazon, “attendees will be able to travel back to 1958 New York City through the eyes of Midge Maisel. As they enter her apartment, they’ll experience a unique ‘magic mirror’ where they can interact with the show. From there, they’ll...
- 4/5/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Photos: © Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Mattel and Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation today announced a partnership on a live-action comedy featuring the beloved and dynamic icon Barbie.
The studio sees this as its next big, global franchise and plans to go into production by the end of the year. Written by Jenny Bicks (Rio 2) and produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald (Men In Black 3, Flight), the film will be executive produced by Parkes+MacDonald’s president Marc Resteghini alongside Julia Pistor, who will executive produce for Mattel’s Playground Productions.
From princess to president, mermaid to movie star, Barbie® has done it all – through her more than 150 careers, she has gained valuable experiences and shown her fans that anything is possible for a modern woman.
In her live-action big screen debut, Barbie will inhabit many of these roles, utilizing her personal and professional...
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Mattel and Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation today announced a partnership on a live-action comedy featuring the beloved and dynamic icon Barbie.
The studio sees this as its next big, global franchise and plans to go into production by the end of the year. Written by Jenny Bicks (Rio 2) and produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald (Men In Black 3, Flight), the film will be executive produced by Parkes+MacDonald’s president Marc Resteghini alongside Julia Pistor, who will executive produce for Mattel’s Playground Productions.
From princess to president, mermaid to movie star, Barbie® has done it all – through her more than 150 careers, she has gained valuable experiences and shown her fans that anything is possible for a modern woman.
In her live-action big screen debut, Barbie will inhabit many of these roles, utilizing her personal and professional...
- 4/23/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Los Angeles (AP) — Barbie is coming alive. Sony Pictures, Mattel and Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation have partnered to create a live-action movie focused on the iconic doll. The companies said Wednesday the comedy will be written by Jenny Bicks ("What a Girl Wants") and produced by husband-and-wife team Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald ("Men in Black 3"). Executive producers will be Parkes+MacDonald president Marc Resteghini and Julia Pistor for Mattel's Playground Productions. Sony sees the film as a global franchise and plans to go into production by the end of the year. It's the second collaboration for Mattel and Sony. The companies are developing the film adaptation of "Masters of the Universe," based on Mattel action figures. Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
- 4/23/2014
- by AP
- Hitfix
Barbie will be making her way to the big screen. Sony Pictures, Mattel and Parkes+MacDonald Imagenation are teaming up to make a live-action comedy starring the iconic doll. Production is set to begin at the end of the year on the first film, with the studio seeing this as a possible franchise. Story: 'Hunger Games': Mattel to Release Katniss Barbie Doll The first film is written by Jenny Bicks and produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald. Parkes/MacDonald Productions CEO Marc Resteghini will executive produce alongside Julia Pistor for Mattel’s Playground Productions. The Barbie doll, launched in March 1959, has
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- 4/23/2014
- by Rebecca Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Parkes/MacDonald Productions and Condé Nast Entertainment will develop See No Evil based on a 2013 Wired feature about a drug operation.
Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald will produce with Dawn Ostroff and Jeremy Steckler on behalf of Condé Nast Entertainment. Marc Resteghini serves as executive producer.
See No Evil tells the true story of Alfred Anaya, the owner of California stereo installation business, who was arrested after his secret compartments were used in drug smuggling operations.
Kurt Wimmer, whose credits include the upcoming Point Break reboot and Agent 13 as well as Salt, will adapt the April 2013 Brendan I Koerner article as a fictionalised version.
The film will be produced under the Parkes/MacDonald Imagenation banner incorporating Abu Dhabi Media Company. ...
Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald will produce with Dawn Ostroff and Jeremy Steckler on behalf of Condé Nast Entertainment. Marc Resteghini serves as executive producer.
See No Evil tells the true story of Alfred Anaya, the owner of California stereo installation business, who was arrested after his secret compartments were used in drug smuggling operations.
Kurt Wimmer, whose credits include the upcoming Point Break reboot and Agent 13 as well as Salt, will adapt the April 2013 Brendan I Koerner article as a fictionalised version.
The film will be produced under the Parkes/MacDonald Imagenation banner incorporating Abu Dhabi Media Company. ...
- 4/10/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Parkes/MacDonald Productions and Condé Nast Entertainment have partnered on the drama feature See No Evil, an adaptation of a Wired magazine article published in April. Kurt Wimmer has been set to turn the article into a fictionalized drama based on Alfred Anaya, a car stereo installer in California who became in demand because of ability to design traps, or secret compartments that often are used to conceal everything from drugs to cash and weapons. The article was written by Brendan I. Koerner and the film will be produced by Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald with Marc Resteghini exec producing. Cne’s Dawn Ostroff and Jeremy Steckler also will produce, in the latest deal for a movie and TV property based on product from the Condé Nast magazine stable. Wimmer, whose credits include Salt and Law Abiding Citizen, most recently scripted Point Break for Alcon, the remake that will star Gerard Butler,...
- 4/10/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Exclusive: Fox 2000 has set Superbad helmer Greg Mottola to direct Keeping Up With The Joneses, and the studio is getting ready to make offers to cast. I’ve heard that Zach Galifianakis and Jon Hamm are atop their list. Studio says no cast is set. The logline: a quiet, suburban cul de sac is turned upside down when an unfulfilled married couple begins to suspect that there’s something nefarious afoot with their sexy and charismatic new neighbors. The film’s being produced by Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald through Parkes/MacDonald. Mike Lesieur wrote the script, Marc Resteghini is exec producer and Greg Mooradian is steering the pic for the studio.
- 3/14/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Exclusive: Sony Pictures is crossing swords with Chris Boal, signing the playwright and scribe to reboot its Zorro franchise. The reboot has been a Sony priority for some time, and the studio has Parkes/MacDonald’s Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald producing it. They are also spearheading the studio’s reboot of Men In Black. Lauren Abrahams is overseeing it for Sony and Marc Resteghini for P/M. I’m told that the ambition of the movie is less traditional swashbuckler, and more of a Dark Knight-style unveiling of the character with a new backstory, gritty realism and emotional core. There will be swordplay, combined with the martial arts that came from Europe and created a deadly combination of action and lethal fighting systems that combined swords, daggers, grappling and bare knuckles. Boal was a competitive fencer on the national circuit before becoming a writer. He just adapted the sci-fi...
- 3/6/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Exclusive: Producers Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald have acquired an untitled action-comedy set in the world of the Secret Service. Aaron Buchsbaum & Teddy Riley are writing the script. Parkes/MacDonald utilized funds from its development fund with Image Nation. The project came out of a general meeting the writers took with Parkes and MacDonald after exec Marc Resteghini brought them in. The writers pitched the project and it was bought preemptively. The Image Nation deal allows the producers to give development projects the time they need to percolate. Parkes and MacDonald will produce, and Resteghini will be exec producer. The scribes previously sold the spec El Tigre in a bidding battle to Sony Pictures earlier this year, with Mosaic producing. They also sold a script to Sony Television with Will Gluck producing. The writers met at USC. Before they started nailing script deals, Buchsbaum was an assistant to Sean Levy...
- 12/17/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING JR.
- Deadline
Veteran producers Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald have formed a new joint venture, Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation, with Image Nation, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media. With the formation of the new company, chief executive Marc Resteghini‘s contract has been renewed, and Leigh Kittay, formerly of J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot production company, has joined the company as a creative executive. As studios cut back on their producing deals, veteran producers are looking for other sources of support. The husband-and-wife producing team – Sony releases their Men in Black III on May 25 – saw their first-look deal with
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- 4/25/2012
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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