Amazon MGM Studios

Corporate brand

Amazon's film and television production, financing, and distribution studio, formed from Amazon Studios and MGM's entertainment operations.

Last updated October 21, 2026

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First read: Oct 29, 2026
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Overview

Amazon MGM Studios is Amazon's principal film and television production and distribution business. It was established as Amazon Studios on November 16, 2010, initially as an experimental development operation intended to source film and television concepts through online submissions and audience feedback. The business later became a central content supplier for Prime Video, while also developing projects for theatrical release and third-party distribution. Its activities now span scripted films, television series, unscripted programming, international distribution, library exploitation, licensing, consumer products, and entertainment franchises. The studio's early operating model was unusually open for a major entertainment company. Writers could submit scripts and television pilots online, and Amazon used staff review and customer voting as part of its development process. Selected creators could receive development payments and, in some cases, additional compensation if a project entered full production or generated licensing revenue. Amazon eventually ended open screenplay submissions in 2018 after concluding that the process did not consistently generate production-ready material. Amazon began moving from development experimentation toward conventional studio activity during the middle of the 2010s. In 2015 it acquired the United States rights to Spike Lee's Chi-Raq, its first Amazon Original Movie, and subsequently released films both through Prime Video and theatrical channels. The company also built a television slate that included Transparent and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Its awards recognition helped establish Amazon as a significant streaming-era producer: Transparent became the first streaming-originated series to win a Golden Globe for best television series, while Manchester by the Sea became the first film associated with a streaming service to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. In 2021 Amazon agreed to acquire Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for $8.45 billion, subject to regulatory approval. The transaction closed in 2022, and MGM initially continued operating as a label alongside Amazon Studios and Prime Video. The integration brought MGM's extensive film and television library, production labels, distribution capabilities, and franchises into Amazon's entertainment group. Amazon subsequently consolidated the operations under the Amazon MGM Studios identity, formally adopting the name on October 3, 2023. The post-acquisition organization has continued to balance streaming and theatrical distribution. Amazon MGM Studios created an international distribution unit in 2023 and assumed greater control over MGM theatrical releases after United Artists Releasing was folded into MGM. It also maintains relationships with outside distributors in selected markets and has expanded arrangements with producers, rights holders, and entertainment companies. The studio's assets include MGM, United Artists, Orion Pictures, Orion Classics, American International Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television, MGM Alternative, and related libraries and channels, although the precise operating status of individual labels and units can change. Amazon MGM Studios is headquartered in Culver City and operates internationally. Its productions are principally distributed through cinemas, Prime Video, television, and licensed partners. In 2024 Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video joined the Motion Picture Association, strengthening Amazon's formal position within the major film and television industry. The studio also marked MGM's centennial in 2024 through branding and library promotions. In 2025 it announced significant changes involving James Bond creative control, leadership, theatrical strategy, and international distribution, illustrating the continuing transformation of the business from a streaming content division into a broad studio and rights-management operation.

History

Amazon MGM Studios began in 2010 as Amazon Studios, an initiative designed to bring Amazon into original film and television development. The early model invited writers to submit scripts and pilots online. Amazon staff evaluated submissions, while customer feedback and voting were used as signals in deciding which concepts might advance. The initiative was presented as a data-informed alternative to the traditional studio gatekeeping model. It generated substantial volume, but the company ultimately ended open submissions in 2018 after determining that the material received was not sufficiently useful for its production pipeline. Amazon's relationship with filmed entertainment predates the formal studio. In 2008 it participated in film production through The Stolen Child, made with 20th Century Fox. After Amazon Studios was created, the company gradually moved from experimental development toward financing, acquiring, producing, and distributing completed projects. Chi-Raq, acquired in 2015, became the first Amazon Original Movie. Amazon's television strategy produced programs such as Transparent and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, while its film slate included both awards-oriented releases and commercial genre projects. The studio's distribution model evolved in parallel with Prime Video. Amazon initially relied on established outside distributors for some projects, but in 2017 announced plans to distribute selected films itself. It continued to use external partners in certain territories, reflecting the complexity of international theatrical and home-entertainment markets. Amazon also acquired worldwide television rights to The Lord of the Rings, a major step in its effort to build large-scale franchise programming. Awards recognition gave Amazon Studios credibility within the established entertainment industry. Transparent won a Golden Globe for best television series, becoming the first streaming-originated program to receive that award. Manchester by the Sea became the first film from a streaming service to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and won two Oscars. Other Amazon-associated productions, including The Salesman and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, added international and television awards recognition. The decisive structural change came with Amazon's acquisition of MGM. Announced in May 2021 for $8.45 billion and completed in 2022, the transaction added MGM's century-scale film and television library, production labels, distribution operations, and franchises to Amazon's entertainment portfolio. MGM initially retained a degree of label identity, but Amazon subsequently combined its original-content operation with MGM's businesses. The consolidated organization adopted the Amazon MGM Studios name on October 3, 2023. The rebrand also brought changes to studio branding, including the retirement of the prior Amazon Studios opening logo for new productions in favor of MGM's Leo the Lion presentation. During 2023 Amazon reorganized theatrical distribution. United Artists Releasing was closed as a standalone distributor and its operations were folded into MGM. Amazon MGM Studios Distribution was also established to handle international film and television distribution for projects from the combined group. The resulting organization controls or operates a broad collection of labels and assets, including MGM, United Artists, Orion Pictures, Orion Classics, American International Pictures, MGM Television, MGM Alternative, and various library, channel, home-entertainment, music, and consumer-products operations. The studio continued to pursue partnerships rather than relying solely on wholly owned production. Deals were announced with Westbrook, 87North Productions, Intrepid Pictures, Critical Role Productions, Imagine Entertainment, Games Workshop, and Jake Gyllenhaal's Nine Stories Productions. In 2024 Amazon MGM revived United Artists through a partnership with Scott Stuber and announced plans to sell MGM Alternative as an independent company. The same year Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video joined the Motion Picture Association. The business has also undergone cost and strategic restructuring. Amazon announced hundreds of layoffs across Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video, and Twitch in January 2024. Jennifer Salke, who had led Amazon Studios and then the combined studio, stepped down in 2025 to pursue producing. At the same time, Amazon MGM emphasized theatrical exhibition, announced a planned increase in 2026 theatrical releases, and reached a future international theatrical distribution arrangement with Sony Pictures. A 2025 agreement with Eon Productions concerning James Bond rights further expanded Amazon MGM's role from content producer and distributor into franchise governance and creative management.

2025
James Bond rights venture is announced
[1]Amazon MGM Studiosen.wikipedia.org
Amazon MGM Studios and Eon Productions announce a joint venture concerning management and creative control of the James Bond film franchise.
2024
Amazon MGM joins the Motion Picture Association
[1]Amazon MGM Studiosen.wikipedia.org
Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video become a member of the Motion Picture Association.
2023
Amazon MGM Studios Distribution is created
[1]Amazon MGM Studiosen.wikipedia.org
Amazon establishes an international distribution unit serving Amazon and MGM film and television projects.
2023
The Amazon MGM Studios identity launches
[1]Amazon MGM Studiosen.wikipedia.org
Amazon consolidates its studio and MGM operations under the Amazon MGM Studios name.
2022
MGM integration advances
[1]Amazon MGM Studiosen.wikipedia.org
Jennifer Salke is given control over Amazon Studios and MGM's film and television divisions as the businesses are integrated.
2021
Amazon agrees to acquire MGM
[1]Amazon MGM Studiosen.wikipedia.org
Amazon announces an agreement to acquire MGM for $8.45 billion, subject to regulatory approval.
2018
Open screenplay submissions are discontinued
[1]Amazon MGM Studiosen.wikipedia.org
Amazon Studios ends its open online screenplay-submission program.
2017
Self-distribution is announced
[1]Amazon MGM Studiosen.wikipedia.org
Amazon announces that Amazon Studios will distribute selected films itself, beginning with Wonder Wheel.
2015
Chi-Raq becomes the first Amazon Original Movie acquisition
[1]Amazon MGM Studiosen.wikipedia.org
Amazon acquires Spike Lee's Chi-Raq for distribution, marking an important early move into original film releases.
2010
Amazon Studios is established
[1]Amazon MGM Studiosen.wikipedia.org
Amazon establishes Amazon Studios as an original film and television development operation.

Products and positioning

A global studio combining Amazon's streaming-led content operation with MGM's historic film library, production labels, franchises, and theatrical capabilities.

Film production and distribution · 2015
Original feature films
Amazon MGM Studios develops, finances, produces, acquires, and distributes feature films. Releases may receive theatrical distribution, Prime Video premieres, or a combination of cinema and subsequent streaming and home-entertainment windows. The slate includes commercial films, prestige releases, adaptations, franchise projects, and films produced through labels such as MGM, United Artists, Orion Pictures, and Amazon MGM Studios.
Television and streaming · 2010
Original television series
The studio develops and produces scripted television series for Prime Video and other distribution outlets. Its television history includes awards-recognized programs such as Transparent and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, while the post-MGM organization also draws on MGM Television's production infrastructure and library.
Content library
MGM film and television library
MGM's acquired library is a major asset of Amazon MGM Studios. It supplies films and series for licensing, streaming, television channels, home entertainment, repertory programming, and potential development or remake activity. The library also supports the value of established franchises and recognizable entertainment brands.
Distribution services · 2023
International distribution
Amazon MGM Studios Distribution handles international sales and distribution for selected Amazon and MGM film and television projects. The unit supplements Prime Video's direct global service and market-specific partnerships with theatrical, television, and other distribution channels.
Television production
Unscripted television
MGM Alternative and related production companies develop unscripted and reality television programming. The business has included production units such as Evolution Media and Big Fish Entertainment, although Amazon MGM announced plans in 2024 to sell MGM Alternative as an independent company.
Franchise and intellectual property · 2025
James Bond franchise rights
In 2025 Amazon MGM Studios and Eon Productions announced a joint venture intended to manage the James Bond film franchise. The arrangement is designed to give Amazon MGM full creative control after closing while preserving the franchise's connection to Eon and its rights holders.
Franchise adaptation · 2023
Warhammer 40,000 adaptations
Amazon MGM Studios and Games Workshop agreed to develop film and television projects based on Warhammer 40,000 characters and stories. Henry Cavill was announced as an executive producer and actor connected with the adaptation effort.

Controversies

2020
Author sues Amazon Studios over The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Author Jodi Parmley sued Amazon Studios, claiming that aspects of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's storyline were copied from her 2014 book. She is seeking profits from the show; the supplied article does not report a determination of the claim.
Source

2024MGM 100 Years
Global
Amazon MGM Studios marked the centennial of MGM with a 100 Years logo variant on films released during 2024 and a limited-time collection of 100 essential MGM movies promoted with Fandango at Home, Rotten Tomatoes, and iTunes.
Outcome. Brand and library-promotion campaign tied to MGM's centennial.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Form a James Bond rights ventureOther
Background
Amazon MGM and Eon Productions sought a new structure for managing the James Bond film franchise after Amazon's acquisition of MGM.
Action taken
The parties announced a joint venture intended to give Amazon MGM full creative control over Bond films after closing.
Aftermath
The agreement is expected to make Amazon MGM the principal creative decision-maker for future Bond film development and production.
Reported additional consideration for creative control. Estimated $1 billion (Reported 2025; transaction status and final consideration require verification)
Source
2025
Expand theatrical release plansStrategy
Background
Amazon MGM sought to increase the role of cinemas alongside Prime Video distribution.
Action taken
The studio presented plans at CinemaCon to release more films theatrically in 2026 than in previous years.
Aftermath
The announcement reinforced a hybrid distribution strategy combining theatrical exposure with streaming availability.
Source
2024
Revive United ArtistsStrategy
Background
Amazon MGM sought to use the United Artists label for a new slate of producer-driven films.
Action taken
The studio entered a multi-year partnership with Scott Stuber to produce films under a revived United Artists banner.
Aftermath
United Artists returned as an active label after more than a decade of dormancy.
Source
2023
Fold United Artists Releasing into MGMStrategy
Background
Amazon decided to release Air theatrically worldwide and reorganize its theatrical distribution structure.
Action taken
United Artists Releasing was shut down as a standalone distributor and its operations were folded into MGM.
Aftermath
Creed III became the first film distributed by MGM under Amazon ownership, while Amazon MGM later created a separate international distribution unit.
Source
2023
Create Amazon MGM Studios DistributionStrategy
Background
The combined Amazon and MGM operation required a dedicated international distribution structure for projects released beyond Prime Video.
Action taken
Amazon created Amazon MGM Studios Distribution for international film and television distribution.
Aftermath
The unit began distributing projects including Saltburn, Sitting in Bars with Cake, and A Million Miles Away.
Source
2021
Acquire Metro-Goldwyn-MayerM&A
Background
Amazon sought to expand its film and television library, franchises, production capabilities, and distribution reach.
Action taken
Amazon agreed to acquire MGM for $8.45 billion, with the transaction completed in 2022.
Aftermath
MGM operated initially as a label before its entertainment operations were integrated with Amazon Studios and rebranded as Amazon MGM Studios.
Acquisition consideration. $8.45 billion (Announced May 2021; transaction completed 2022)
Source
2018
End open screenplay submissionsStrategy
Background
Amazon's online submission model had generated a large volume of material, but the company determined that the submissions were not consistently useful for its production pipeline.
Action taken
Amazon Studios stopped accepting unsolicited screenplay submissions.
Aftermath
The studio shifted toward more conventional commissioned development, acquisitions, and producer relationships.
Source

Recent events

2026.10.16
Reported2026.10.16
Amazon MGM Studios, United Artists and Heyday Films pursue film rights to TimeLess[4]Amazon MGM Studios、United Artists与Heyday Films取得《TimeLess》电影改编权screenrant.com
A report says Amazon MGM Studios, together with United Artists and Heyday Films, acquired the film rights to A.F. Steadman’s novel TimeLess. The article also says Amazon MGM Studios was in final negotiations to secure the rights, so the reported completion is unclear.
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.08.26
Amazon MGM Studios appoints Carina Walker as head of YA department[5]Amazon MGM Studios 任命 Carina Walker 主管 YA 部门metrohk.com.hk
Amazon MGM Studios global television head Peter Friedlander appointed Carina Walker as head of its young adult (YA) department, completing the final senior scripted position on his leadership team. Walker, who has worked at Amazon for about 9.5 years, will report directly to Friedlander.
2021.05.27
Reported2021.05.28
Amazon Studios acquires documentary Val[6]Amazon Studios取得纪录片《Val》avclub.com
Amazon Studios acquired Val, a documentary produced by A24 about Val Kilmer, which compiles footage collected over more than 40 years. The documentary was expected to come out later in 2021.
2021.05.26
Reported2021.05.27
Amazon announces planned acquisition of MGM Studios[7]亚马逊宣布收购米高梅news.cnyes.com
Amazon announced that it would acquire MGM Studios for $8.45 billion. The article says the proposed deal drew attention from regulators and officials.
2021.05.26
Reported2021.05.27
Amazon announces acquisition of MGM[8]亚马逊宣布收购米高梅news.tvbs.com.tw
Amazon announced an $8.45 billion acquisition of MGM. The article reports that the deal is intended to strengthen Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Studios.
2021.03.09
Reported2021.03.09
MGM Studios and PlaySide Studios partner on Legally Blonde mobile game[9]米高梅影业与PlaySide Studios合作开发《律政俏佳人》手游licensing.biz
MGM Studios partnered with PlaySide Studios to develop and publish the first Legally Blonde-themed mobile game, based on the Legally Blonde films. The free-to-play game was planned to roll out globally on iOS and Android during 2021.
Unconfirmed
Outlier Society and Roc Nation partner on Muhammad Ali series[10]Outlier Society与Roc Nation合作制作穆罕默德·阿里剧集dayton.binnews.com
Outlier Society and Roc Nation partnered on the music side of a planned limited television series about Muhammad Ali. The article says Amazon Studios will lead the project and Ali’s estate is also involved.
2020.11.20
Amazon Studios acquires worldwide rights to Coming 2 America[11]亚马逊影业获得《Coming 2 America》全球版权scoop.co.nz
Amazon Studios acquired worldwide rights to Coming 2 America from Paramount Pictures; the film was announced as scheduled to launch on Prime Video on March 5, 2021.
2020.11.20
Amazon Studios sets Coming 2 America streaming premiere date[11]亚马逊影业获得《Coming 2 America》全球版权scoop.co.nz
Amazon Studios set March 5, 2021 as the planned premiere date for Coming 2 America on Amazon Prime Video; the article reports the date as a future release, not a completed premiere.
Unconfirmed
Amazon Studios to release Coming 2 America[12]Amazon Studios将发行《Coming 2 America》magic939miami.iheart.com
Amazon Studios acquired Coming 2 America for release via its service, with the film expected to be released on December 18. The source says the deal between Paramount and Amazon Studios was reportedly worth $125 million.

Sources27 sources

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