Amazon MGM Studios Taps Asia Veteran Buddy Marini to Head Japan

Amazon MGM Studios has announced the appointment of Buddy Marini as its new top executive in Japan, starting from March 6. Marini will be based in Tokyo and will be responsible for overseeing the studio’s local originals, including film, TV series, and anime. He will also work on expanding the network of creators and production partners in Japan, while collaborating with global teams to bring Japanese stories to a wider audience. Marini will report to Nicole Clemens, who heads international operations for Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video.

With over 25 years of experience in the entertainment, media, and digital content industries in Japan and Asia, Marini brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Prior to joining Amazon MGM Studios, he served as the managing director of Warner Bros. Discovery Japan, where he managed various aspects of the business, including streaming, original production, pay-TV, and licensing. Marini also has experience in launching platforms such as Mangamo, leading Hulu Japan as CEO, and managing Avex Asia from Hong Kong.

In a statement, Nicole Clemens highlighted the importance of Japan as a key territory for Prime Video and expressed confidence in Marini’s ability to drive the studio’s growth and success in the region. She emphasized the strong demand for locally produced content in Japan and praised Marini’s understanding of Japanese entertainment and his track record in streaming and content production.

Marini himself expressed excitement about joining Amazon MGM Studios during a pivotal time for storytelling and audience engagement in Japan. He emphasized his passion for working alongside creators, partners, and teams in various aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, television, manga, and anime. Marini affirmed his commitment to helping great stories reach a wider audience and maximize their potential.

Overall, Marini’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by Amazon MGM Studios to strengthen its presence in Japan and enhance its offerings of local content to Japanese audiences. His extensive experience and proven track record make him well-suited to lead the studio’s operations in Japan and contribute to its continued growth and success in the region.