Amazon int’l content chief to be based in London

Amazon’s Morgan Wandell is expected to move to the UK in his new role as head of international programming.

Amazon is set to roll out its Prime Instant Video streaming service more widely internationally later this year.

Wandell is transitioning from head of drama at Amazon’s Amazon Studios, to head of international productions. Amazon would not comment, but well-placed sources told TBI he will relocate to London for the new role.

Wandell, whose new position was communicated internally at the e-commerce giant, will continue to report to Amazon’s overall content chief Roy Price. Speaking at the Edinburgh International Television Festival earlier this year, Amazon Studios director Price said that the company planned to “double down” and “grow a team in London”.

Wandell will be responsible for all originals sourced outside the US, including UK and international copros and content Amazon described as ‘primarily for local exploitation’, suggesting a degree of localisation with the new international services.

Amazon said last week that its spend on original programming will almost double in the second half of 2017. It is keeping the specifics of its international launches under wraps, but is expected to hit as many as thirty new territories in the coming months. India is the only confirmed international launch (although no launch date has been given).

Wandell’s new international role came as part of a rejig that saw Amazon Studios comedy chief Joe Lewis take on drama development.