Kelly Day Takes the Helm of Amazon Prime Video’s International Originals
In a strategic move to enhance its global content portfolio, Amazon Prime Video has appointed Kelly Day as the head of its International Originals team. This appointment comes in the wake of Jen Salke’s recent departure from the company, necessitating a fresh direction for the service’s international offerings. Day’s mission will be particularly formidable as she sets out to discover the next major hit akin to Squid Game.
Leadership Transition Amidst Change
The announcement regarding Day’s new role was communicated to staff through an email from Mike Hopkins, who oversees Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. In a notable career shift, Salke, who previously served as the President of Entertainment at NBC, will be launching a new production company with a first-look deal encompassing both film and television at Amazon Studios.
A Strong Leadership Team
As Day embarks on this new journey, she will assemble a solid leadership team comprised of:
- Javiera Balmaceda – Head of International Originals for Latin America, Canada, and Australia
- Tara Erer – Head of International Originals for Northern Europe
- Nicole Morganti – Head of International Originals for Southern Europe
- Nikhil Madhok – Head of International Originals for India
- Marc Hausmaninger – Head of Content Strategy for International Originals
This reshuffled leadership marks a crucial step following Salke’s exit and is pivotal in maintaining the momentum that international content has built for Prime Video.
Significant Impact of International Originals
Hopkins underscored the substantial influence that International Originals have had on Prime Video since their inception in 2016. Noteworthy titles like The Grand Tour, Mirzapur, and Last One Laughing have significantly contributed to the platform’s growth in various global markets. Their resulting international success has engaged audiences across more than 20 countries.
In recent months, Prime Video has seen a remarkable surge in the popularity of its International Originals, particularly among young adult viewers. Films such as Culpa Mia and Apocalypse Z have shattered previous streaming records for non-English content, while series with a broad international appeal, including Maxton Hall and Citadel, have proven that diverse storytelling resonates deeply with viewers worldwide. This trend illustrates the platform’s commitment to deepening its content library, attracting new subscribers, and reinforcing its status as a premier entertainment destination.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Future Releases
With optimism surrounding its international offerings, Prime Video has enticing projects lined up for 2025. These include the much-anticipated third installment of Mercedes Ron’s Culpables trilogy and new adaptations from her critically acclaimed Dímelo book series. Additionally, returning seasons of popular series and new titles like Newtopia from Korea and Superboys of Malegaon from India are also on the horizon, reflecting a rich pipeline of content poised to capture global audiences.
As stated in Hopkins’ memo, Kelly Day will not only spearhead the International Originals team but also initiate the search for a new VP to aid in further cultivating this dynamic sector. Under Day’s leadership, and with the support of a robust team, Prime Video aims to elevate its international content strategy and continue providing noteworthy entertainment to its global customer base.
Acknowledgment of Team Efforts
In closing, Mike Hopkins expressed gratitude towards the International Originals teams for their dedication in delivering compelling programming that resonates with viewers around the world. With palpable excitement ahead, the team looks forward to exciting developments under Kelly Day’s guidance.
– Mike