Frank Murray, Amazon Studios’ UK & Pan-English Scripted Head of Production, is leaving his post after two years to launch a new cross-Atlantic film & TV production venture.
The yet to be named company is backed by an eight-figure equity investment out of New York City, and operations for the global content start-up will be based out of London and New York.
Murray, who has been in charge of overseeing the global streamer’s UK production output including the recently recommissioned The Devil’s Hour starring Peter Capaldi and forthcoming thriller, Wilderness starring Jenna Coleman, will be returning to his independent production roots where he made a name for himself as a producer and in production management with credits including First Reformed, Gemini Man, 22 Jump Street, Sisters and The Wrestler.
News of Murray’s departure from Amazon Studios comes a week after Dan Grabiner, Head of Originals for the UK and Northern Europe, announced he was leaving to set up his own production company, Orchard Studios.
Murray said: “I can’t say enough good things about my amazing UK production team and about Laine Kline’s constant support throughout my tenure – so the decision to leave my post with Amazon Studios wasn’t made lightly. But with the shifting paradigm in global content production, my partners and I seized a rare opportunity to future-proof in a way that will not only allow me to continue creating value for the Studio as an independent on select projects but also enable us to produce great content for all platforms.”
Stephen Nuttall unveiled as new Chair of IBC’s Partnership Board
Stephen Nuttall has been appointed as the new Chair of IBC’s Partnership Board. Made up of representatives from each of the six partner organisations which own IBC (IABM, IEEE, IET, RTS, SCTE and SMPTE), the IBC Partnership Board provides the governance and strategic oversight of IBC.
Saleha Williams appointed CEO of IABM
Saleha Williams has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IABM.
Comcast sets leadership team for ‘SpinCo’ cable unit
US media and telco giant Comcast has unveiled the leadership team for SpinCo as it prepares to spin off its cable television portfolio later in the year.
Labour exploring ‘alternative funding options’ to BBC licence fee
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is reportedly considering scrapping the BBC licence fee at the end of the Corporation's current charter in December 2027.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie to head Creative Cities Convention speakers
BBC Director-General Tim Davie has been lined up as one of the key speakers at this year’s Creative Cities Convention, being held from May 7–8 in Bradford as part of its UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.