What's Happening?
Dom Bird, the UK unscripted chief at Amazon MGM Studios, is leaving his position after seven years to start his own production company, EarlyBird. Bird has been instrumental in the success of the 'Gladiators'
revival for the BBC, which has been a significant part of his legacy at Amazon. He will continue to work on 'Gladiators' and the BBC's 'The Apprentice' as a freelance executive producer. Bird's departure comes amid changes at Amazon MGM Studios, with new leadership taking over the TV side. Bird's new venture, EarlyBird, will focus on developing original unscripted programs with a global appeal, backed by a first-look studio deal with Amazon.
Why It's Important?
Bird's exit marks a significant shift in Amazon MGM Studios' leadership, reflecting broader changes within the company. His move to establish EarlyBird highlights a trend of senior executives leaving major studios to pursue independent ventures, potentially influencing the landscape of unscripted television production. This development could lead to more diverse and innovative content as Bird leverages his experience and creative independence. The continued partnership with Amazon suggests a strategic alignment that could benefit both parties, allowing Amazon to maintain a pipeline of fresh content while Bird explores new creative opportunities.
What's Next?
As Bird transitions to his new role, EarlyBird will begin developing scalable ideas for global streamers and broadcasters. The focus will be on creating bold, original formats that resonate with international audiences. Meanwhile, Amazon MGM Studios will need to address the leadership gap left by Bird's departure, with new executives like Jenn Levy and Peter Friedlander taking on more significant roles. The industry will be watching to see how EarlyBird's projects are received and how they impact the competitive landscape of unscripted television.
