Amazon MGM Studios has appointed Buddy Marini as head of Japan operations effective March 6, 2026
Marini will drive development of local Japanese content including film, TV series, and anime
The hire brings significant experience from Warner Bros. Discovery and Hulu to Amazon's Japan team
Marini will report to Nicole Clemens, head of international operations for Amazon MGM Studios
The appointment reflects Amazon's strategic expansion in the Japanese market
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Amazon MGM Studios has hired veteran media executive Buddy Marini to lead its Japan operations, effective March 6, 2026, based in Tokyo, as part of the studio's expansion strategy to develop local content and bring Japanese stories to global audiences. Marini, who brings extensive experience from Warner Bros. Discovery and Hulu, will oversee the development of Amazon MGM Studios' slate of Japanese originals spanning film, television series, and anime. In his new role, he will be responsible for building out the studio's network of local creators and production partners while collaborating with global teams to ensure Japanese narratives reach wider international audiences through Prime Video and other Amazon platforms. Reporting directly to Nicole Clemens, who oversees international operations for Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, Marini's appointment underscores the growing importance of the Japanese market for global streaming platforms and intensifies competition in Asia's entertainment landscape.
🏷️ Themes
International Expansion, Content Development, Market Competition
Hulu (, HOO-loo) is an over-the-top content brand and American subscription streaming media service owned by Disney Streaming, a subsidiary of the Disney Entertainment segment of the Walt Disney Company. It is one of the most-subscribed video on demand streaming media services, with 64.1 million pai...
American film and television and distribution company
Amazon MGM Studios is an American film and television production and distribution company owned by Amazon, and headquartered at the Culver Studios complex in Culver City, California. Launched in November 2010 as Amazon Studios, the company adopted its name in October 2023 after its merger with MGM H...
Mar 5, 2026 10:50pm PT Amazon MGM Studios Taps Warner Bros. Discovery, Hulu Veteran Buddy Marini to Head Japan By Naman Ramachandran Plus Icon Naman Ramachandran Latest Amazon MGM Studios Taps Warner Bros. Discovery, Hulu Veteran Buddy Marini to Head Japan 54 seconds ago ‘Paddington,’ ‘Into the Woods’ Lead 2026 Olivier Awards Nominations 18 hours ago Timothée Chalamet Kicks Off Asia Tour as ‘Marty Supreme’ Hits $172 Million Globally, Eyes $200 Million Milestone 20 hours ago See All Amazon MGM Studios has hired Buddy Marini to serve as its top executive in Japan , effective March 6. Based in Tokyo, he will drive the slate of local originals spanning film, TV series and anime, build out the studio’s network of creators and production partners, and work with global teams to bring Japanese stories to wider audiences. He reports to Nicole Clemens, who oversees international operations for Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video. Related Stories TV Academy Chair Cris Abrego Adds Uzo Aduba, Matt Cherniss, Jinny Howe, Debra OConnell, Rob Wade to Exec Committee
