Dom Bird Leaves Amazon MGM Studios to Start His Own Indie Venture
Dom Bird Departing Amazon MGM Studios to Launch Production Company
Dom Bird, the UK unscripted chief at Amazon MGM Studios, is set to leave the company after seven years to establish a new production venture, EarlyBird. Bird, recognized for his pivotal role in reviving the popular show Gladiators for the BBC, will retain his connection to Amazon by securing a first-look studio deal with the company. He will also continue serving as an executive producer for Gladiators and the BBC’s adaptation of The Apprentice.
Bird joined Amazon MGM Studios seven years ago, following his tenure as Channel 4’s Head of Formats. His influence on the UK television landscape is underscored by the success of the Gladiators reboot, co-produced with Hungry Bear, which draws millions of viewers per episode and has led to a celebrity version and live events.
In addition to Gladiators, Bird has been instrumental in launching BBC shows such as The Apprentice and the emerging format The Marvelous Miniature Workshop. An experienced television professional, Bird previously served as Creative Director of Entertainment at the BBC, contributing to well-known programs like Dragons’ Den, Lego Masters, and Hunted.
Bird’s departure coincides with significant changes at Amazon MGM Studios. His supervisor, Barry Poznick, left the company late last year, with former Netflix executives Peter Friedlander and Jenn Levy now overseeing operations in the television division. Current plans for Bird’s succession have not been finalized as Levy acclimates to her new role.
In his statement, Bird expressed enthusiasm about this next phase, saying, “Launching EarlyBird represents an exciting new chapter in my career, enabling me to build on my passion for innovative, audience-captivating formats. With full creative independence, backed by one of the industry’s leading studios, EarlyBird will focus on developing bold, original unscripted programmes that resonate globally. I am delighted to maintain my deep-rooted partnership with MGM and I am grateful to the superb team at Amazon MGM Studios. I can’t wait to bring fresh ideas to broadcasters and streamers alike.”
Amazon officials indicated that the collaboration with EarlyBird will prioritize “scalable ideas for global streamers, broadcasters and platforms,” focusing on expanding their unscripted programming slate as the industry evolves.
