Amazon MGM Studios has a new leader in Japan.
Warner Bros. Discovery Japan’s Buddy Marini has been named Head of Amazon MGM Studios Japan, effective today. He will be based out of Tokyo.
He was most recently Managing Director of Warner Bros. Discovery Japan, where he led all business operations — including streaming, original production, pay-TV networks, and licensing — overseeing a team of 300 people.
Prior to that, he founded manga platform Mangamo, served as CEO of Hulu Japan, and managed entertainment firm Avex Asia in Hong Kong.
Given the 25-year industry veteran’s background in manga and anime, it’s no surprise Amazon brass consider him a good fit. The genre has consistently been identified as a key driver for Prime Video subscribers and consumer retention, and last month APAC chief Gaurav Gandhi stated an ambition for it to be “the preferred destination for anime content globally.”
At Amazon MGM Studios, he will lead the Japan studio business, oversee development and production of local originals across film, TV series and anime; work with creators and production partners; build out content pipeline across scripted and unscripted formats; and work closely with Amazon’s global teams to roll out Japanese content on Prime Video.
“Japan continues to be a key territory for Prime Video,” said Nicole Clemens, Head of International, Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “Our customers in Japan have an insatiable appetite for locally produced series and movies.
“With his deep understanding of Japanese entertainment, proven track record in streaming and content production, and strong relationships with key creative and distribution partners, Buddy is perfectly positioned to drive Amazon MGM Studios’ growth and success in Japan.”
Marini will report into former Paramount TV Studios chief Clemens, who joined Amazon in June last year.
“I’ve spent my career working alongside creators, partners, and teams across film, television, manga and anime, and streaming, and I’m passionate about helping great stories reach their fullest audience potential,” said Marini.
Prime Video’s anime slate includes Fist of the North Star: Hokuto No Ken, The Ghost in the Shell and From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman.
