Amazon MGM Studios has appointed Buddy Marini to lead its operations in Japan.
Marini joins from Warner Bros Discovery, where he has been managing director for Japan since June 2024.
Based in Tokyo, he takes up his new role today (March 6) and is tasked with leading Amazon MGM’s Japan studio business, overseeing the development and production of local originals across film, TV series, and anime. Marini will also look to expand relationships with creators and production partners; strengthen the studio’s content pipeline across scripted and unscripted formats; and work closely with global teams to bring Japanese stories to global audiences.
He will report to Nicole Clemens, head of international for Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, who is based in London.
Marini has more than 25 years of experience in entertainment and digital content across Japan and Asia. At Warner Bros. Discovery, he led all business operations for Japan – including streaming, original production, pay-TV networks, and licensing – managing a team of 300 people. Prior to that, he founded digital manga app Mangamo, served as CEO of Hulu Japan, and managed entertainment firm Avex Asia in Hong Kong.
“Japan continues to be a key territory for Prime Video,” said Clemens. “Our customers in Japan have an insatiable appetite for locally produced series and movies. With his deep understanding of Japanese entertainment, proven track record in streaming and content production, and strong relationships with key creative and distribution partners, Buddy is perfectly positioned to drive Amazon MGM Studios’ growth and success in Japan.”
Marini said his appointment came at “an important moment for storytelling and audience engagement in Japan”.
“I’ve spent my career working alongside creators, partners, and teams across film, television, manga and anime, and streaming, and I’m passionate about helping great stories reach their fullest audience potential,” he said.
Prime Video’s upcoming anime titles include a new series based on cyberpunk title Ghost In The Shell, a Fist Of The North Star reboot and season two of From Old Country Bumpkin To Master Swordsman.
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