Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy Out at MGM as Amazon Absorbs Studio
Two top MGM executives are out at the studio following Amazon’s recent $8.5-billion acquisition of the movie empire.
Michael De Luca, motion picture group chairman of MGM, has been let go, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Pam Abdy, president of motion pictures at MGM, is also exiting the studio. Representatives at MGM could not immediately be reached for comment.
“We will depart our roles this summer,” the duo wrote in a memo to staff, shared by THR. “We are confident that the exciting vision Prime Video and Amazon Studios has for MGM and the organization Mike Hopkins is building along with Jennifer Salke and team, will guarantee MGM’s continued success.”
The move arrives just a month after Amazon closed its deal, which began in May 2021 and was finalized on March 17 of this year.
Mike Hopkins, SVP Prime Video & Amazon Studios, said in a separate memo obtained by THR, “Nurturing MGM’s legacy of quality storytelling is a top priority. MGM has indeed become a home for great storytellers. And this home is only going to expand, as we invest and work together to release an even larger theatrical slate in the years ahead. Doing this requires an amazing team, and the more we get to know you all, the more impressed we are.”
He continued, “Mike and Pam will depart this summer, which will allow us to continue the phased and measured approach to integration with Prime Video and Amazon Studios. Meanwhile, the current interim structure remains in place.”
Seasoned movie veteran Michael De Luca became chairman in 2020 just as the pandemic hit. Under De Luca’s tenure, the studio released such films as “House of Gucci” and saw “No Time to Die” to the finish line after multiple pandemic delays. Upcoming titles include Cannes premiere “Three Thousand Years of Longing” and New Line co-production “Creed III,” both set for distribution from United Artists.
More to come…