Chris Ottinger: We’ll likely have a plan with 20+ English-language services that can be distributed on any platform in the U.S. and adapted for distribution in other regions as well
Entering FAST channels in Latin America is one of the upcoming strategies for Amazon MGM Studios, as shared by Chris Ottinger, the company’s President of Worldwide Distribution and Acquisitions, during Mipcom. Ottinger mentioned that Klaudia Bermúdez, who heads the Latin American office, is highly focused on this business in the region.
“We’re looking to bring FAST business to Latin America. This market is beginning to develop, and we see it as a good opportunity. It’s a space where we’ve been aggressive and have been present for some time in the U.S. We have a suite of FAST channels on Freevee U.S. since early 2023. We’re looking to expand our strategy. We’ll likely have a plan with 20+ English-language services that can be distributed on any platform in the U.S. and adapted for distribution in other regions as well,” he explained.
Ottinger also spoke about the six-episode limited series Earth Abides, which they’re showcasing as a main feature at MIPCOM, alongside their 2025 slate of new films. “We’re presenting the entire 2025 catalog: theatrical releases, direct-to-consumer films, as well as hybrid titles that have both cinema and streaming releases,” he said.
He noted that Earth Abides is their major series this year, with a screening, discussion panel, and cocktail event featuring two stars of the show—Alexander Ludwig and Jessica Dukes—along with showrunner Todd Komarnicki and Michael Wright, head of MGM+, who commissioned this show.
“It’s a new series debuting on MGM+ U.S. in November. It’s timely, post-apocalyptic, resonating with the current global warming crisis. We believe it differentiates us from the rest. There are no zombies, making it more accessible for premium TV, but it could also be on broadcast TV as it’s quite accessible. It’s a great opportunity for our international partners to join this project,” he added.
Ottinger mentioned that Brazil’s TV Globo acquired the studio’s original film, Candy Cane Lane, along with other titles. “They’re a great partner.” He shared that they met with Televisa, who has been a long-time partner of MGM, and “we’re returning with a bigger relationship now that we’re Amazon MGM Studios. We have a larger mix of products, which is exciting for both parties.”
Finally, he emphasized one of the aspects he loves about their products is that they now have a much better offer for Latin audiences. “We’re doing a lot of original production for Latin audiences on Prime Video, and this content is available outside of the service. We hope to place some of these shows on free TV in Latin America, as well as on pay TV and SVOD,” he concluded.
