JAMES FARRELL NAMED HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ORIGINALS FOR AMAZON STUDIOS
SANTA MONICA, CALIF., October 19, 2018 - James Farrell has been named Head of International Originals for Amazon Studios effective immediately. In his new role, Farrell will lead the International Original teams in Japan, India, Europe, Mexico and Brazil as well as future locales. Previously James was Head of Content, International Expansion where he was instrumental in the launch of Prime Video in Japan, India and Latin America. James will report directly to Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios.
This newly created role is part of a larger Amazon Studios global content strategy, one aspect of which, is to clearly identify and create one cohesive vision for local production worldwide. The search for different, distinct creators from around the world is a large-scale effort to bring the Prime Video audience an authentic, unique POV in storytelling, that is both localized in experience yet universal in execution.
Customers around the world love watching original series filmed in local languages with local stars. Shows like Breathe and Inside Edge in India, Hitoshi Matsumoto Presents: Documental in Japan, Un Extrano Enemigo in Mexico, and You Are Wanted in Germany have been hugely popular not only in their countries of origin but with Prime Members in general.
"We've had significant success in this area to date and, by streamlining our International Originals Team under one creative leader, we can strategically carry out our ambitious global vision and ensure our future growth," said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. "Breakout ideas can come from creators all over the world and, by ramping up global production and making Amazon Studios the home for creators worldwide, the possibilities are endless in terms of what we can bring our Prime Video audience".
"The opportunity around the world to find top quality original content and deliver it to Amazon's global customer base is absolutely huge. Our goal is to search out the most unique voices throughout the world and then move quickly to help bring their visions to life," said James Farrell, Head of International Originals. "We're committed to finding the best stories, no matter their country of origin, and will be casting a wide net and moving very fast in the months and years ahead. There's nothing I enjoy more than talking with creators in their offices and homes around the world, and it's very exciting to be taking on this new role at Amazon Studios."
Brad Beale, VP of Worldwide Content Licensing, will continue to oversee the acquisition and licensing of television and film for Prime Video globally.
About Amazon Studios
Amazon Studios creates original television series which premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video which is available globally in over 200 countries and territories. This year, Prime Video recently launched a number of original series, including the highly anticipated Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan from Carlton Cuse starring John Krasinski and The Romanoffs from nine-time Emmy Award winner Matthew Weiner. Upcoming series include Homecoming from creator Sam Esmail and starring Julia Roberts and Bobby Cannavale, the docuseries Lorena from Executive Producer Jordan Peele, competitive adventure series Eco-Challenge 2019 from Mark Burnett with host Bear Grylls, and an upcoming global fashion reality series from Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn.
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