by Thinus Ferreira
Jennifer Salke is out as head of Amazon MGM Studios 7 years after she joined, with Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios announcing that Jen Salke is being given a so-called "first-look" TV and film production deal with Amazon.
Amazon MGM Studios notoriously jettisoned all African and South African production, as well as development deals, at the beginning of last year, leaving South African and Nigerian producers aghast.
Talk is however swirling within the South Africa industry that Amazon MGM Studios is working on "re-entering" the South African space, where Amazon Prime Videe remains available as a streamer alongside MultiChoice's Showmax, Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, VIU and some others.
Amazon MGM Studios apparently wanted back by April 2025 but this has been pushed later, according to industry insiders.
In a memo, Mike Hopkins writes that Jen Salke's position is being eliminated and won't be filled, with Courtenay Valenti as head of film and Vernon Sanders as head of TV who will now report directly to Mike Hopkins, with Sue Kroll who will continue with her position of global marketing across film and TV.
"We've decided to flatten our leadership structure a bit and not fill the head of studios 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."
More Amazon MGM Studios reorganisation is coming.
"We will be taking a couple of weeks to have thoughtful conversations with Jen's directs and others to finalise the ideal long-term structure for the Amazon MGM Studios organisation as a whole, and we'll have more to share on that work soon," Mike Hopkins wrote.
He noted that "Jen will step down from her role as head of Amazon MGM Studios in order to start a new production entity, and we’re so pleased that she'll continue to make her home right here on our lot via an overall first-look deal across both film and TV".
In a prepared statement, Jen Salke says "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."
