In a major shakeup at Amazon Studios UK, another senior executive is making his exit. Frank Murray, the UK and Pan-English Scripted Head of Production, has recently announced his departure after serving two years in his role. Murray’s departure aims to pave the way for his new venture, a Transatlantic film and TV production company with operations in London and New York. While the company remains unnamed at this stage, it has reportedly received “eight-figure equity investment” from New York, according to Murray himself. This news comes shortly after Amazon Studios UK and Northern Europe chief, Dan Grabiner, announced his departure to launch Orchard Studios. Both executives are embarking on new journeys in the indie production sector, signaling a significant shift within the Amazon Studios UK operation.
Frank Murray’s production venture is set to span both sides of the Atlantic, establishing operations in London and New York. With substantial financial backing from New York, the venture holds promising prospects for producing top-quality film and television content. The involvement of “eight-figure equity investment” hints at the ambitious scale of the projects the company aims to undertake. Murray has expressed excitement about the opportunity to future-proof his career in the ever-evolving global content production landscape. He plans to not only create value for the studio as an independent producer on select projects but also deliver exceptional content for all platforms.
During his tenure at Amazon Studios, Frank Murray has overseen the UK production output for the global streaming giant. Working closely with Laine Kline in LA, Murray has played a pivotal role in bringing acclaimed projects to life. He has been involved in notable productions such as the Peter Capaldi drama The Devil’s Hour and Wilderness, featuring Jenna Coleman. His track record as an indie producer is equally impressive, with credits including First Reformed, Gemini Man, 22 Jump Street, Sisters, and The Wrestler. Murray’s diverse experiences and expertise make him an invaluable asset to any production endeavor.
Frank Murray’s departure from Amazon Studios UK was not a decision made hastily or without consideration. In his own words, he stated, “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.” However, the shifting paradigm in global content production presented Murray and his partners with a rare opportunity to future-proof their careers. These circumstances have motivated them to launch their own venture, allowing them to continue creating value for studios as independent producers. Murray emphasizes the importance of producing great content for all platforms, suggesting a strong focus on delivering exceptional storytelling across diverse mediums.
With Frank Murray’s departure from Amazon Studios UK, work on his new venture will commence in the coming months. The next few months will be dedicated to laying strong foundations for the production company. Murray aims to officially unveil the company and its first projects by the second quarter of 2024, signaling an exciting new chapter in his career as an independent producer. As he embarks on this new journey, the industry eagerly anticipates the quality and creativity that his venture will undoubtedly bring to the table.
Frank Murray’s departure from Amazon Studios UK marks a significant transition within the industry. His decision to launch a Transatlantic production venture with substantial financial backing demonstrates his commitment to delivering exceptional content on a global scale. As an accomplished producer, Murray’s expertise and track record assure audiences that his future projects will be of the highest caliber. Industry insiders eagerly await the official unveiling of his company and look forward to the innovative storytelling that lies ahead.