The Rings of Power,’ ‘Citadel’ Syndicated
Amazon MGM Studios Distribution, under the leadership of Chris Ottinger, the head of worldwide distribution, has recently made a significant move by offering the studio’s most high-profile and expensive titles, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and “Citadel,” to third-party platforms. In addition to these popular series, two upcoming shows, the graphic novel-based spy thriller “Butterfly” and the action-packed “Countdown” starring Jensen Ackles, are set to be available for distribution.
The distribution strategy for “Countdown” and “Butterfly” involves a traditional release window pattern, with the shows becoming available 18 months after their initial season run. During the LA Screenings presentation, Ottinger shared that the feedback from potential buyers for these series was overwhelmingly positive.
Speaking specifically about the “Lord of the Rings” franchise, Ottinger emphasized the premium nature of the content, stating that they would seek premium pricing for such high-quality productions. With the success of the first season of “The Rings of Power” and the immense viewership of Season Two, Ottinger is confident in the value of these titles. He mentioned that depending on the partner and the time slot, they expect to receive top dollar for these premium shows.
Since its launch at the LA Screenings in May 2023, Amazon MGM Studios Distribution has brought over 50 Amazon Original Movies to the market and handled the sales of popular franchises like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “James Bond.” Ottinger, with over a decade of experience in spearheading MGM distribution, has been instrumental in the success of the division.
The distribution arm has become a regular participant in industry events like Upfront and LA Screenings, with plans to showcase their current and upcoming 2026 slate at MIPCOM. They engage with various markets globally, with upcoming discussions planned with key players in Europe and Latin America.
Despite facing challenges in the pay/TV cable industry, Amazon MGM Studios Distribution continues to thrive, catering to a global audience of over 200 million subscribers on Prime Video. Their focus on premium content and strategic distribution has positioned them as a key player in the competitive streaming landscape.
