Amazon Studios & Prime Video cuts 100 staff, with unscripted among roles hit

Citadel

Amazon has cut around 100 jobs from its Amazon Studios and Prime Video operations, with a handful of execs affected.

The details, which emerged as Amazon posted Q1 profits of $3.17bn on Thursday, are the latest layoffs affecting the retail giant, which has cut 27,000 roles across all areas of its business since January.

Tracey Lentz, head of creative for unscripted TV at Amazon Studios, is among those departing according to US reports, while a junior scripted exec and a handful of former MGM staffers are also departing.

Lentz’s exit follows a rejig last year that saw Amazon expand Lauren Anderson’s remit, which now includes oversight of AVOD original content and programming at Amazon Studios in addition to all content and programming for Freevee.

“Like many businesses, we have been closely monitoring economic conditions and our organisational needs and have made the decision to adjust resources,” Amazon said.

“As a result, a small number of roles will be eliminated on some teams. We will be supporting impacted employees through this transition and thank them for the work they have done on behalf of our customers.”

The cuts at Amazon Studios, which is behind a raft of shows for Prime Video including upcoming drama Citadel, are the latest to hit US-based firms, with Disney in the midst of a second wave of layoffs this week.