Barry Poznick's Unexpected Shift at Amazon MGM Studios Sparks New Ventures

A New Phase for Amazon MGM’s Unscripted Vision

In a surprising move, Barry Poznick has decided to step down from his position as head of unscripted programming at Amazon MGM Studios. However, fans of his work can rest easy knowing that Poznick’s influence on reality television will continue. Under a newly inked three-year first look deal, Poznick will remain at the helm of MGM’s renowned reality franchises such as The Voice, Shark Tank, and several Real Housewives installments, including Beverly Hills, Rhode Island, and Orange County.

Poznick’s Lasting Legacy and New Ventures

Poznick’s journey with MGM began in 2016 when he joined as president of alternative programming. Over his tenure, he supervised a staggering 20 seasons of Survivor and played a crucial role in MGM’s acquisitions of Evolution Media and Big Fish Entertainment. His strategic expansion into international markets with a UK-based production unit reshaped the company’s global presence.

The Transition in Leadership at Amazon MGM Studios

The aftermath of Amazon’s 2022 acquisition of MGM marked a significant transition phase for the studio. Poznick, bearing the title of general manager of unscripted television, became an integral part of the team, driving the studio’s content innovation efforts.

Kitty Gambel and Lucilla D’Agostino are now positioned to report directly to Peter Friedlander, Amazon MGM Studios’ new head of global television. This change was officially announced through a thoughtful email to all staff from Friedlander, emphasizing Poznick’s decade-long transformative influence over the unscripted landscape.

Messages from Peter Friedlander

Expressing enthusiasm about this new phase, Friedlander wrote, “Barry has been a transformative force in unscripted entertainment, continuously delivering compelling programming that resonates worldwide. According to The Hollywood Reporter, his transition into a production role was a natural evolution of his celebrated career in entertainment.”

Steady Future for MGM Unscripted Organization

Despite this leadership change, there’s a consensus that the MGM Unscripted team remains robust under the guidance of Lucilla D’Agostino and Kitty Gamble. Their ability to foster creative development and operational excellence guarantees a stable and innovative future.

Poznick’s shift from managerial duties back into a creative production role marks not just an end but rather an evolution of his longstanding industry journey, ensuring that his visionary touch continues to shape reality TV.

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