Another senior Amazon Studios UK executive is exiting for the indie production sector.
Frank Murray, UK and Pan-English Scripted Head of Production, is exiting after two years in post to launch a Transatlantic film and TV production venture with operations in London and New York.
Currently unnamed, the company has “eight-figure equity investment” from New York, according to Murray.
His departure comes days after we revealed Amazon Studios UK and Northern Europe chief Dan Grabiner was exiting. He is launching Orchard Studios with former The Garden Productions exec Nicola Hill.
A sources said the exits are unconnected, with the two execs working in different parts of the Amazon Studios UK operation.
At Amazon Studios, Murray was in charge of the global streamers UK production output, reporting into Laine Kline in LA. He was worked on Peter Capaldi drama The Devil’s Hour and Wilderness, starring Jenna Coleman.
As an indie producer, his credits include First Reformed, Gemini Man, 22 Jump Street, Sisters and The Wrestler.
“I can’t say enough good things about my amazing UK production team and about Laine Kline’s constant support throughout my tenure, so the decision to leave my post with Amazon Studios wasn’t made lightly,” said Murray. “But with the shifting paradigm in global content production, my partners and I seized a rare opportunity to future-proof in a way that will not only allow me to continue creating value for the studio as an independent on select projects but also enable us to produce great content for all platforms.”
Murray added that work would begin on “laying strong foundations” over the next few months, with a view to officially unveiling the company by Q2 of 2024 “with a few projects in tow.”
