MGM Alternative TV to merge with Amazon’s studio business under Vernon Sanders

Amazon is merging its unscripted arm MGM Alternative TV with the rest of its studio business, under the leadership of Vernon Sanders.

Vernon Sanders

MGM Alternative TV, which owns prodcos Big Fish Entertainment and Evolution Media, will now sit under Amazon MGM Studios. The division is led by president of MGM Unscripted Television Barry Poznick and produces entertainment formats including Survivor, Shark Tank and The Voice.

Big Fish Entertainment (On Patrol: Live, Ugliest House in America) and Evolution Media (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Real Housewives of Orange County) are run by Lucilla D’Agostino.

Sanders, head of global television, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in an internal memo to staff: “Effective immediately, the MGM Alternative TV team, led by Barry Poznick, will now be joining the rest of our television studio, reporting directly to me.

“Over the years, this team has built remarkable franchises and delivered compelling content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

“I’m confident that combining our strengths will force multiply our ability to create ground-breaking content. This is an opportunity to leverage our collective expertise and resources in ways that will enhance our position as leaders in unscripted and reality programming.”

In other news, Sophie Turner has been confirmed as Lara Croft in the forthcoming Prime Video series Tomb Raider. Phoebe Waller-Bridge serves as creator, writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner. Jonathan Van Tulleken will serve as director and executive producer and Chad Hodge joins as co-showrunner and executive producer.