UK unscripted veteran Dom Bird rolls out new indie, reveals first look deal with Amazon MGM Studios

Amazon MGM Studios senior executive Dom Bird is departing the company after a six-year tenure to launch a UK-based unscripted indie, EarlyBird.

Dom Bird

Industry veteran Bird said he will focus on “developing bold, original unscripted” content at EarlyBird, but maintains his connection with Amazon MGM Studios through a first-look deal.

This will see him continue to produce key formats and factual programming for the company.

He will also continue to executive produce the studio’s hit BBC physical gameshow Gladiators and business reality format The Apprentice.

Bird joined Amazon MGM Studios as senior VP of its UK unscripted division in late 2019. He helped spearhead the company’s international expansion, delivering formats such as Gladiators and The Marvellous Miniature Workshop.

He also oversaw the diversification of IP and created national arena tours and live experiences.

Prior to that he was head of formats at Channel 4 in the UK. There he greenlit reality series Hunted and its spin-off Celebrity Hunted, studio-based competition Lego Masters, Tattoo Fixers and Celebs Go Dating.

His CV also includes a near seven-year stint at the BBC, working his way up to the role of creative director of entertainment. There he oversaw and executive produced shows like Dragons’ Den and Antiques Master.

Bird said: “Launching EarlyBird represents an exciting new chapter in my career, enabling me to build on my passion for innovative, audience-captivating formats.

“With full creative independence, backed by one of the industry’s leading studios, EarlyBird will focus on developing bold, original unscripted programmes that resonate globally.

“I am delighted to maintain my deep-rooted partnership with MGM and I am grateful to the superb team at Amazon MGM Studios. I can’t wait to bring fresh ideas to broadcasters and streamers alike.”