Amazon MGM Studios Restructures Scripted TV Team Under Peter Friedlander

Peter Friedlander, the new Head of Global Television at Amazon MGM Studios, has initiated a significant restructuring of the studio's scripted series team.

Shift to Genre-Based Organization

The previous structure, which separated wholly owned and co-productions, is being replaced by a streamlined, genre-based organization. The new framework will include distinct categories for drama & comedy, worldbuilding, animation, and unscripted content.

Friedlander stated that the goal of the restructuring is to facilitate faster operations, sharper creative decisions, and the development of groundbreaking series.

Key Personnel Changes and Appointments

As part of the reorganization, Laura Lancaster, former Head of US SVOD TV Development and Series – Co-Productions, and Nick Pepper, former Head of US SVOD TV Development and Series – Wholly Owned, are departing the studio. Both are reportedly in discussions for potential producing deals with Amazon MGM Studios.

Blair Fetter, who has a prior working relationship with Friedlander from Netflix, will join Amazon MGM Studios as Head of Worldbuilding & Genre Series, effective February 2. Under Fetter, Tom Lieber and Matt King, both experienced in worldbuilding genre programming, will now report.

The studio is expected to name a new Head of Drama & Comedy Series soon. In the interim, Kara Smith, Michael McDonald, and Jen Chambers will oversee drama, comedy, and young adult programming, reporting directly to Friedlander.

Melissa Wolfe will continue in her role as Head of Animation, now reporting directly to Friedlander. Similarly, Jenn Levy, who recently came on board as Head of Unscripted and Documentary Television, also reports directly to Friedlander. Additionally, Lauren O’Connor, Head of Global IP, and Lindsay Sloane, Head of MGM Television, Scripted Series, will report directly to Friedlander as part of the new structure.