Josh McIvor has been promoted to global general manager of MGM+, the Amazon-owned streamer that relaunched in January after previously being known as Epix.
As global general manager, he will report to Chris Brearton, who serves as vice president of Prime Video Studios corporate strategy, and work alongside Michael Wright, head of MGM+, as well as Laura Sher, head of MGM+ business operations, and Peter Lops, head of MGM+ finance. Based in Seattle, he will oversee the U.S. and international MGM+ business and its continued expansion, guiding long-term strategic planning, P&l management, distribution strategy, operations and commercial deals.
McIvor enters the role one decade into his tenure at Amazon, which he joined in 2013. He began in Amazon’s music business before moving to Amazon Prime Video in 2016. Most recently, he led Amazon Prime Video’s international expansion strategy, building out localized content and marketing plans for the streaming platform in Southeast Asia,...
As global general manager, he will report to Chris Brearton, who serves as vice president of Prime Video Studios corporate strategy, and work alongside Michael Wright, head of MGM+, as well as Laura Sher, head of MGM+ business operations, and Peter Lops, head of MGM+ finance. Based in Seattle, he will oversee the U.S. and international MGM+ business and its continued expansion, guiding long-term strategic planning, P&l management, distribution strategy, operations and commercial deals.
McIvor enters the role one decade into his tenure at Amazon, which he joined in 2013. He began in Amazon’s music business before moving to Amazon Prime Video in 2016. Most recently, he led Amazon Prime Video’s international expansion strategy, building out localized content and marketing plans for the streaming platform in Southeast Asia,...
- 5/23/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Mark Burnett, chairman of worldwide television group at MGM, has officially tendered his resignation following the storied studio’s 8.5 billion acquisition by Amazon in March. He becomes the latest executive departure, following motion picture group chairman Michael De Luca and motion picture group president Pam Abdy’s departures in April.
MGM chief operating officer Christopher Brearton is now the sole exec left from the interim leadership structure set up by Amazon back in March.
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In a memo to staffers, Burnett wrote, “As I step away from day to day management and back into independently creating and innovating, I will continue to oversee my legacy series and be available to all of you and to Amazon for guidance and support.”
The departure is not surprising, given the producer was best known for overseeing unscripted hits like CBS’ “Survivor,” NBC’s...
MGM chief operating officer Christopher Brearton is now the sole exec left from the interim leadership structure set up by Amazon back in March.
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In a memo to staffers, Burnett wrote, “As I step away from day to day management and back into independently creating and innovating, I will continue to oversee my legacy series and be available to all of you and to Amazon for guidance and support.”
The departure is not surprising, given the producer was best known for overseeing unscripted hits like CBS’ “Survivor,” NBC’s...
- 11/28/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Mark Burnett, chairman of MGM’s Worldwide Television Group, has left the studio, IndieWire has confirmed.
Burnett announced the news to staff in an internal memo, which IndieWire has obtained and can be read below.
The news comes months after Amazon officially acquired MGM in an 8.5 billion deal finalized this March. With Burnett leaving, MGM’s television and film arms will be without a head, as Michael DeLuca and Pam Abdy left the company a month after the acquisition was confirmed.
Burnett has been with MGM Television for eight years, when he was named president of MGM Television. He was named chairman in 2018. Under his direction, MGM Television vastly expanded its output by acquiring production companies like Evolution Media, which develops shows in the “Real Housewives Franchise,” and Big Fish Entertainment.
A 12-time Emmy Award winner, Burnett is one of the most experienced producers in the business, having produced hundreds...
Burnett announced the news to staff in an internal memo, which IndieWire has obtained and can be read below.
The news comes months after Amazon officially acquired MGM in an 8.5 billion deal finalized this March. With Burnett leaving, MGM’s television and film arms will be without a head, as Michael DeLuca and Pam Abdy left the company a month after the acquisition was confirmed.
Burnett has been with MGM Television for eight years, when he was named president of MGM Television. He was named chairman in 2018. Under his direction, MGM Television vastly expanded its output by acquiring production companies like Evolution Media, which develops shows in the “Real Housewives Franchise,” and Big Fish Entertainment.
A 12-time Emmy Award winner, Burnett is one of the most experienced producers in the business, having produced hundreds...
- 11/28/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Mark Burnett has formally resigned from his top leadership role at MGM, a move that comes 10 months after Amazon closed its 8.5 billion acquisition of the studio.
Burnett’s departure from the MGM fold is not a surprise. The producer, known for enduring unscripted hits including CBS’ “Survivor,” NBC’s “The Voice” and ABC’s “Shark Tank,” has not served as a conventional TV executive during his nine years with MGM and was not expected to stick around after the sale.
Moreover, as a significant equity holder in MGM, Burnett profited handsomely from the Amazon deal. In the nine years since he first sold his One Three Media production banner to MGM, Burnett has reaped an estimated 900 million.
In a memo to MGM staffers, Burnett said he intended to pursue new ventures as a producer. He also emphasized that he worked hard to ensure that MGM TV’s roughly 150 staffers were...
Burnett’s departure from the MGM fold is not a surprise. The producer, known for enduring unscripted hits including CBS’ “Survivor,” NBC’s “The Voice” and ABC’s “Shark Tank,” has not served as a conventional TV executive during his nine years with MGM and was not expected to stick around after the sale.
Moreover, as a significant equity holder in MGM, Burnett profited handsomely from the Amazon deal. In the nine years since he first sold his One Three Media production banner to MGM, Burnett has reaped an estimated 900 million.
In a memo to MGM staffers, Burnett said he intended to pursue new ventures as a producer. He also emphasized that he worked hard to ensure that MGM TV’s roughly 150 staffers were...
- 11/28/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Mark Burnett, MGM’s head of worldwide television group chairman, is leaving the company following the studio’s acquisition by Amazon.
The executive and reality producer said he was stepping away from MGM TV’s “day to day management” and returning to “independently creating and innovating” and plans to continue to oversee his legacy programs.
Burnett becomes the latest high-ranking MGM executive to exit following the retail giant/streamer’s 8.5 billion deal to acquire the studio behind franchises including James Bond, Rocky/Creed and The Handmaid’s Tale. Motion picture group chairman Michael De Luca and motion picture group president Pam Abdy also exited their roles April 27.
The news comes after Amazon officially closed its acquisition of MGM. Like De Luca and Abdy’s exits, Burnett’s departure was in some ways expected as industry observers questioned how the reality kingpin behind hits including Survivor,...
Mark Burnett, MGM’s head of worldwide television group chairman, is leaving the company following the studio’s acquisition by Amazon.
The executive and reality producer said he was stepping away from MGM TV’s “day to day management” and returning to “independently creating and innovating” and plans to continue to oversee his legacy programs.
Burnett becomes the latest high-ranking MGM executive to exit following the retail giant/streamer’s 8.5 billion deal to acquire the studio behind franchises including James Bond, Rocky/Creed and The Handmaid’s Tale. Motion picture group chairman Michael De Luca and motion picture group president Pam Abdy also exited their roles April 27.
The news comes after Amazon officially closed its acquisition of MGM. Like De Luca and Abdy’s exits, Burnett’s departure was in some ways expected as industry observers questioned how the reality kingpin behind hits including Survivor,...
- 11/28/2022
- by Kim Masters and Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mark Burnett, Chairman of MGM’s Worldwide Television Group, is exiting after the company’s 8.5B acquisition by Amazon.
Burnett is leaving the company and will return to “independently creating and innovating” but will continue to oversee his legacy series, which include Survivor, Shark Tank and The Voice.
Last week, Deadline revealed that the man behind The Apprentice, was weighing his options as the fold-up between Amazon and MGM gains pace.
More details about the overall structure between Amazon and MGM are expected soon with Prime Video and Studios boss Mike Hopkins saying staff will be “hearing more shortly” about the re-organization.
It comes eight years after he started his relationship with the studio; MGM acquired a majority stake in his One Three Media and LightWorkers Media companies in September 2014 before fully acquiring the companies the following year.
He became President of MGM Television and Digital Group in December 2015 and...
Burnett is leaving the company and will return to “independently creating and innovating” but will continue to oversee his legacy series, which include Survivor, Shark Tank and The Voice.
Last week, Deadline revealed that the man behind The Apprentice, was weighing his options as the fold-up between Amazon and MGM gains pace.
More details about the overall structure between Amazon and MGM are expected soon with Prime Video and Studios boss Mike Hopkins saying staff will be “hearing more shortly” about the re-organization.
It comes eight years after he started his relationship with the studio; MGM acquired a majority stake in his One Three Media and LightWorkers Media companies in September 2014 before fully acquiring the companies the following year.
He became President of MGM Television and Digital Group in December 2015 and...
- 11/28/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Deal to cover Bond films after Bond 26, which Universal will distribute internationally.
Warner Bros has signed a deal to theatrically distribute MGM titles internationally, kicking off with Luca Guadagnino’s Venice premiere Bones And All in November and Creed III in 2023.
The multi-year deal, believed to run to three with an option to extend to five, includes worldwide physical home entertainment for newly released MGM titles and includes international distribution on the James Bond films after Bond 26.
Universal Pictures International (Upi) will distribute that next entry in Eon and Amazon-owned MGM’s British superspy franchise under the terms of an existing deal,...
Warner Bros has signed a deal to theatrically distribute MGM titles internationally, kicking off with Luca Guadagnino’s Venice premiere Bones And All in November and Creed III in 2023.
The multi-year deal, believed to run to three with an option to extend to five, includes worldwide physical home entertainment for newly released MGM titles and includes international distribution on the James Bond films after Bond 26.
Universal Pictures International (Upi) will distribute that next entry in Eon and Amazon-owned MGM’s British superspy franchise under the terms of an existing deal,...
- 8/15/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
MGM has formed a new overseas distribution partnership with Warner Bros. that will begin in November with the Luca Guadagnino film “Bones and All” and continue for at least three years.
The deal, which will see Warner receive a new stream of incremental revenue through distribution fees, comes just two months after Pamela Abdy and Michael De Luca left their position as heads of MGM to become co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group. They negotiated the deal with MGM’s COO Christopher Brearton; Warner’s international distribution chief Andrew Cripps will oversee distribution of these titles.
The new agreement also includes worldwide physical home entertainment distribution on all newly released MGM titles. Under the terms of this deal, MGM and Warner will collaborate on overseas marketing/advertising, publicity, film distribution and exhibitor relations for all of MGM’s films starting in 2023, with Warner responsible for execution.
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The deal, which will see Warner receive a new stream of incremental revenue through distribution fees, comes just two months after Pamela Abdy and Michael De Luca left their position as heads of MGM to become co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group. They negotiated the deal with MGM’s COO Christopher Brearton; Warner’s international distribution chief Andrew Cripps will oversee distribution of these titles.
The new agreement also includes worldwide physical home entertainment distribution on all newly released MGM titles. Under the terms of this deal, MGM and Warner will collaborate on overseas marketing/advertising, publicity, film distribution and exhibitor relations for all of MGM’s films starting in 2023, with Warner responsible for execution.
Also...
- 8/14/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
MGM has parted ways with Universal Pictures for international film distribution.
In a joint press release, MGM has announced that Warner Bros. will distribute its upcoming movies overseas. However, the pact does not include “Bond 26,” the next chapter in the James Bond series, as well as director Chinonye Chukwu’s historical drama “Till” (set for Oct. 14) and “Women Talking” (Dec. 2). Universal Pictures International is handling the rollout for those films outside the U.S. as part of a previous distribution agreement between the two companies.
Under their former agreement, Universal had helped MGM steer pandemic-era releases like Ridley Scott’s starry crime drama “House of Gucci” to 100 million overseas, Paul Thomas Anderson’s coming-of-age story “Licorice Pizza” to 15 million (which is impressive since the movie only generated 17 million in the U.S.), and “No Time to Die,” the 25th Bond entry, to 613 million internationally. Prior to landing at Universal,...
In a joint press release, MGM has announced that Warner Bros. will distribute its upcoming movies overseas. However, the pact does not include “Bond 26,” the next chapter in the James Bond series, as well as director Chinonye Chukwu’s historical drama “Till” (set for Oct. 14) and “Women Talking” (Dec. 2). Universal Pictures International is handling the rollout for those films outside the U.S. as part of a previous distribution agreement between the two companies.
Under their former agreement, Universal had helped MGM steer pandemic-era releases like Ridley Scott’s starry crime drama “House of Gucci” to 100 million overseas, Paul Thomas Anderson’s coming-of-age story “Licorice Pizza” to 15 million (which is impressive since the movie only generated 17 million in the U.S.), and “No Time to Die,” the 25th Bond entry, to 613 million internationally. Prior to landing at Universal,...
- 8/14/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Two months into their run as Warner Bros Pictures Group Co-Chairs and CEOs, Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, have hammered out a multi-year deal to handle the international distribution of MGM’s theatrical titles, commencing with Luca Guadagnino’s Bones and All in November and continuing with the 2023 slate and beyond; the second title under the pact being Creed III in March.
The deal, which De Luca and Abdy worked out with MGM COO Christopher Brearton, will deliver a great deal of incremental revenue to Warner Bros. I hear the terms are three years with an option for two and encompasses the theatrical distribution of MGM titles outside of the U.S. including China. The new agreement also includes worldwide physical home entertainment distribution on all newly released MGM titles. MGM and Warner Bros. Picture Group will team on marketing/advertising, publicity, film distribution and exhibitor relations on...
The deal, which De Luca and Abdy worked out with MGM COO Christopher Brearton, will deliver a great deal of incremental revenue to Warner Bros. I hear the terms are three years with an option for two and encompasses the theatrical distribution of MGM titles outside of the U.S. including China. The new agreement also includes worldwide physical home entertainment distribution on all newly released MGM titles. MGM and Warner Bros. Picture Group will team on marketing/advertising, publicity, film distribution and exhibitor relations on...
- 8/14/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Following the $8.5 billion sale of MGM to Amazon, two town hall meetings were held today, the first with MGM employees and the second with Amazon Studios and Prime Video staffers. Both led by Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP Mike Hopkins detailed a new organization structure: MGM Motion Picture Group Chairman Michael De Luca, Worldwide TV Group Chairman Mark Burnett and the studio’s COO Christopher Brearton will report into Hopkins. Amazon Studios chief Jen Salke will continue to report into Hopkins separately. Overall, there was no indication of any potential layoffs, including MGM’s sister distribution/marketing arm United Artists Releasing, and there was no option for employees of either company to ask questions. There is s also a question of whether current staffers want to continue working with the new regime. While autonomous is a big word to use in regards to MGM’s addition to Amazon, we...
- 3/18/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon held a virtual town hall for employees Friday — its first since the tech giant’s $8.45 billion acquisition of the historic movie studio MGM closed Thursday. An individual with knowledge confirmed that during the meeting, Amazon revealed an interim leadership structure that would include MGM’s executives Mark Burnett, Michael De Luca and COO Christopher Brearton.
Mike Hopkins, Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP, said in the town hall held in Amazon’s Culver City lot and viewed virtually, that Motion Picture Group chairman De Luca, Worldwide Television Group chairman Burnett and Brearton have all “joined my leadership team,” reporting to Hopkins. Amazon Studios chief Jen Salke will continue to report into Hopkins separately. It’s unclear the status of motion picture group president Pamela Abdy. It suggests that for the time being the three men will report directly to Hopkins.
Hopkins also said during the town hall that he...
Mike Hopkins, Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP, said in the town hall held in Amazon’s Culver City lot and viewed virtually, that Motion Picture Group chairman De Luca, Worldwide Television Group chairman Burnett and Brearton have all “joined my leadership team,” reporting to Hopkins. Amazon Studios chief Jen Salke will continue to report into Hopkins separately. It’s unclear the status of motion picture group president Pamela Abdy. It suggests that for the time being the three men will report directly to Hopkins.
Hopkins also said during the town hall that he...
- 3/18/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
A few key details were revealed about what life will be like at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer now that its $8.5 billion sale to Amazon has closed.
In a town hall at Amazon’s Culver City lot, Mike Hopkins, Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP, unveiled an interim leadership structure. He told staffers that for the time being, MGM’s Chief Operating Officer Christopher Brearton, Motion Picture Group Chairman Michael De Luca and Worldwide Television Group Chairman Mark Burnett have “joined my leadership team.” That signals that all three men will report directly to Hopkins. Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke will continue to report to Hopkins.
De Luca, Brearton, and Burnett joined Hopkins and Amazon Studios Chief Operating Officer Albert Cheng in Los Angeles while Salke beamed in from London. Many staffers watched the town hall via live stream.
Hopkins said that he was hoping to “start the process” of looking under the hood...
In a town hall at Amazon’s Culver City lot, Mike Hopkins, Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP, unveiled an interim leadership structure. He told staffers that for the time being, MGM’s Chief Operating Officer Christopher Brearton, Motion Picture Group Chairman Michael De Luca and Worldwide Television Group Chairman Mark Burnett have “joined my leadership team.” That signals that all three men will report directly to Hopkins. Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke will continue to report to Hopkins.
De Luca, Brearton, and Burnett joined Hopkins and Amazon Studios Chief Operating Officer Albert Cheng in Los Angeles while Salke beamed in from London. Many staffers watched the town hall via live stream.
Hopkins said that he was hoping to “start the process” of looking under the hood...
- 3/18/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Few other details emerge in two Friday meetings.
Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP Mike Hopkins gave little detail in two town hall meetings on Friday (18) after the $8.5bn merger closed this week.
Screen understands the interim leadership plan will for now see MGM COO Christopher Brearton, film group chairman Mike De Luca and worldwide television group chairman Mark Burnett report to Hopkins.
Comment: MGM deal is a game-changer for Amazon and Hollywood
Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke will continue to report to Hopkins. According to reports employees were not allowed to ask questions although there was no indication of...
Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP Mike Hopkins gave little detail in two town hall meetings on Friday (18) after the $8.5bn merger closed this week.
Screen understands the interim leadership plan will for now see MGM COO Christopher Brearton, film group chairman Mike De Luca and worldwide television group chairman Mark Burnett report to Hopkins.
Comment: MGM deal is a game-changer for Amazon and Hollywood
Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke will continue to report to Hopkins. According to reports employees were not allowed to ask questions although there was no indication of...
- 3/18/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: While there surely will be bloodletting as Amazon absorbs MGM and joins the film and television operations of both companies, the initial missives from each side are warm and welcoming. One came from Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP Mike Hopkins, who sent a warm, welcoming email to MGM staffers this morning about the streamer’s acquisition of the near-century old studio, telling them that “we look forward to working with you as we create the next phase of MGM’s rich history together.” Another followed to MGM troops by COO Christopher Brearton. First, Amazon.
While there’s always concerns of employee and divisions overlap in a merger like this, this one an $8.5 billion deal, Hopkins emphasized in his note that Amazon will continue to partner with United Artists Releasing which is the MGM joint marketing and distribution venture, and that “all MGM employees will join my organization.”
At this point in time,...
While there’s always concerns of employee and divisions overlap in a merger like this, this one an $8.5 billion deal, Hopkins emphasized in his note that Amazon will continue to partner with United Artists Releasing which is the MGM joint marketing and distribution venture, and that “all MGM employees will join my organization.”
At this point in time,...
- 3/17/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s not every day that a group of top Hollywood attorneys defect from one Los Angeles legal giant to another. When top dealmakers Joseph Calabrese and Christopher Brearton made the leap earlier this month from O’Melveny & Myers to rival Latham & Watkins with four partners in tow, it wasn’t just an upset — it was a shift in the power dynamic of L.A. entertainment law. Latham, one of L.A.'s biggest and most powerful firms, curiously has never had much of a showbiz presence. But now, with a new Century City office opened directly across the street from
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- 11/25/2014
- by Austin Siegemund-Broka
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Joe Calabrese, Lisbeth Savill and four other entertainment, sports and media partners from law firm O’Melveny & Myers have moved to Latham & Watkins.
The firm is opening an office in Century City where Calabrese will work alongside his colleagues Christopher Brearton, Robert Haymer, Nancy Bruington and Kenneth Deutsch. Savill (pictured) will be based in the London office.
Calabrese will chair Latham’s Entertainment, sports and media practice group, while Brearton will serve as a deputy office managing partner in Century City alongside current Los Angeles deputy office managing partner Wayne Flick.
Jim Beaubien, office managing partner of Latham & Watkins in Los Angeles, oversees operations in the firm’s downtown La and Century City offices.
Latham & Watkins’ chair and managing partner Robert M Dell called the new arrivals “a closely knit group of collegial partners who are at the very top of their field.”...
The firm is opening an office in Century City where Calabrese will work alongside his colleagues Christopher Brearton, Robert Haymer, Nancy Bruington and Kenneth Deutsch. Savill (pictured) will be based in the London office.
Calabrese will chair Latham’s Entertainment, sports and media practice group, while Brearton will serve as a deputy office managing partner in Century City alongside current Los Angeles deputy office managing partner Wayne Flick.
Jim Beaubien, office managing partner of Latham & Watkins in Los Angeles, oversees operations in the firm’s downtown La and Century City offices.
Latham & Watkins’ chair and managing partner Robert M Dell called the new arrivals “a closely knit group of collegial partners who are at the very top of their field.”...
- 11/20/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The typically steady and stable world of Los Angeles-based entertainment law is getting a major jolt. Showbiz dealmakers Joe Calabrese and Christopher Brearton and a team of four lawyers are leaving top firm O'Melveny & Myers for longtime L.A. rival Latham & Watkins, the firms are set to announce. And O'Melveny is naming new heads of its entertainment transaction group. The pair of O'Melveny partners, who have been featured on The Hollywood Reporter's Power Lawyers list of the top entertainment attorneys in America, are bringing the following attorneys to Latham: Robert Haymer, Nancy Bruington and Kenneth Deutsch in
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- 11/11/2014
- by Austin Siegemund-Broka, Matthew Belloni
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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