Amazon MGM Studios hit by layoffs as company cuts 14,000 jobs and accelerates AI integration across entertainment division

Amazon has cut 14,000 jobs across the company as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at streamlining operations and accelerating its focus on artificial intelligence. Among the affected units was Amazon MGM Studios, the company’s film and television division, which saw leadership and creative roles eliminated during the round of layoffs. Notable departures from Amazon MGM Studios include Donna Rosenstein, who served as head of series casting, drama series executive Meggie Choi, and creative executive Nathan Kitada. Amazon did not disclose the exact number of employees laid off within the entertainment division. The studio, known for major Prime Video originals such as "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" and "Reacher," has been undergoing significant leadership changes this year. Peter Friedlander, a former Netflix executive, recently took over as head of TV following the exits of key figures Vernon Sanders and Jen Salke. As part of Amazon’s broader AI strategy, the company has been integrating artificial intelligence across its entertainment arm under the leadership of Mike Hopkins. Executives have publicly discussed using AI to enhance the Prime Video experience, from content recommendation systems to production tools. In a notable shift earlier this year, Prime Video head Albert Cheng transitioned into an AI-focused role, where he is now helping develop new AI tools for filmmakers and showrunners. Amazon has also expanded its AI ambitions in entertainment through strategic investments. In June, the company invested in Fable Studio via its Alexa Fund, a venture capital initiative focused on AI, voice technology, and immersive experiences. The investment supports Showrunner, an AI-powered platform that allows users to create custom shows and interact with existing intellectual property. These moves come amid a reassessment of Amazon’s spending on original content. After years of high-budget productions like "Citadel" and "The Rings of Power," the company has begun scaling back its entertainment expenditures. The latest layoffs follow a major staff reduction in January 2024, which marked the largest cut in the division’s history.