Amazon MGM Studios will soon join the Motion Picture Assn., the lobbying arm of the major Hollywood studios, it announced Thursday.
The Seattle-based retail and tech giant, which distributes content through its theatrical arm Amazon MGM and its streaming service Prime Video, will officially become the seventh member of the MPA on Oct. 1. Amazon has supported the MPA’s anti-piracy efforts as a board member of the Creativity and Entertainment Alliance.
Amazon is the second tech company after Netflix to win MPA representation, another sign of Hollywood’s efforts to embrace new ways to reach audiences, primarily streaming.
MPA, which has historically supported traditional film studios in creating features for theatrical release, made waves in 2019 when it added Netflix to its ranks.
In addition to Netflix, the organization currently owns Disney, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. It represents discovery.
“MPA is the global voice of the emerging and emerging industry, and welcoming Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios into our ranks will enhance our collective policy development and content protection efforts on behalf of our innovative and creative companies,” said Charles Rivkin, MPA president and CEO in the release.
“MPA Studios contributes to local economies, creates new jobs, enriches cultures and strengthens communities everywhere we operate. With Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios among our extraordinary roster of members, MPA’s dedication to the world’s best storytellers will be even louder.”
Amazon, which entered the film scene in 2015 with Spike Lee’s Chi-Rak, has released titles such as Manchester by the Sea, The Challengers, American Faction, Saltburn and One Night in Miami…”
The company strengthened its presence in the film space when it purchased film and television studio MGM in 2022. It was a member of MPA from 1928 to 2005 before being acquired by MGM.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement: “Amazon’s mission is to entertain customers around the world with compelling movies and television.” “To do that, we need to support storytellers while also helping maintain a strong entertainment industry that works for both our studios and our creative partners.”
