Peter Yang (Variety)
Amazon MGM Studios Scott Stuberformer head of Netflix’s film division. As part of the deal, the streaming company and studio will finance and release films through Stuber’s new production company, a division of United Artists, the defunct label formerly owned by MGM that, at its height, released films such as “The Pink Panther,” “Rocky,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Network” and the James Bond films. The deal calls for Stuber and his soon-to-be-formed company to produce several films a year. The films will be released in theaters and on Amazon’s streaming service, Prime Video.
Stuber’s new company will be based at Amazon-MGM Studios’ Culver City campus. The deal is a first-look deal, giving Amazon-MGM Studios first access to projects developed by Stuber. Stuber will also be involved in all projects released by the new UA.
“With a track record of creating global hits and an eye for theatrical releases, Scott’s expertise and vision align perfectly with our film strategy,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon-MGM Studios. “We’re incredibly proud to have him join us and to partner with us in relaunching the legendary UA brand. We’re committed to taking on large-scale, broad-based film projects that will resonate with audiences around the world, leveraging existing and new IP.”
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Mike Hopkins, Jen Salke and Courtenay Valenti over the years and am thrilled to partner with them to produce a series of films and relaunch the iconic UA brand, which has a rich history of cinematic storytelling,” said Stuber. “During this dynamic and transformative time for the industry, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with partners who are dedicated to telling stories that reach and resonate with audiences around the world. I look forward to producing a wide range of films with incredible filmmakers, using both original story concepts and MGM and United Artists’ incredible existing IP libraries.”
At Netflix, Mr. Stuber was instrumental in beefing up the company’s original filmmaking, tapping top directors such as Martin Scorsese (“The Irishman”), Jane Campion (“Power of the Dog”), Alfonso Cuaron (“Roma”) and Bradley Cooper (“Maestro”) to produce movies for the streaming service. He left Netflix in January and was replaced as head of film by producer Dan Lin, as Netflix tries to rein in costs and focus on more mainstream fare.
Prior to joining Netflix, Stuber founded and led Bluegrass Films, where he produced films such as “Ted,” “Central Intelligence” and “Safe House.” He was also the former vice chairman of worldwide production at Universal Studios, overseeing films such as “A Beautiful Mind” and “Meet the Parents” as well as the “Bourne” and “Fast and Furious” series.
United Artists initially faltered after the box office flop of Heaven’s Gate, a critically panned epic western directed by Michael Cimino, in 1980. After being sold to MGM in the 1980s, the studio tried to revitalize the brand with mixed results, and in the decades that followed it produced hits and critical acclaim, such as The Birdcage, Blast Off Las Vegas, and a remake of Up starring Pierce Brosnan, as well as duds like Showgirls.
