Amazon Studios moves into distribution with new Chris Ottinger-led sales division

The Marvelous Mrs Maisel

Amazon Studios will sell its originals including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Hunters to buyers around the world, after setting up a new sales arm.

Amazon MGM Studios Distribution will sell both films and TV from the Amazon originals slate, as well as current and library titles from MGM. Its first outing will be the LA Screenings later this month.

MGM’s distribution chief Chris Ottinger will lead the new arm and reports into Brad Beale, VP of worldwide licensing & distribution at Amazon and MGM Studios.

Beale in turn reports to Amazon and MGM Studios chief, Jen Salke.

The move means a raft of titles will become available for acquisition by third-party buyers, ranging from TV series such as Goliath to movies including Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and Without Remorse.

Ottinger’s new division will also retain oversight of sales for MGM, whose slate includes the James Bond and Creed franchises, as well as series ranging from The Handmaid’s Tale to MGM+’s upcoming drama Hotel Cocaine.

Ottinger said: “Pioneering the distribution of Amazon originals for Amazon Studios is an exciting opportunity to bring fresh, never-before available quality content to audiences around the globe.

“In doing so, we will break through the current sales mould by creating custom packages that will fulfil our client’s individual content needs.”

Salke added that the new division “reinforces our commitment to bringing the very best content to audiences everywhere worldwide.”

She added: “With the integration of MGM, we wanted to take advantage of the existing team to expand our business in ways that will greatly benefit our customers around the world.”