Amazon MGM Studios exec Philip Pratt has jumped ship to Disney+ where he will oversee original production for Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Currently head of original productions at Amazon, he is set to join the Mouse House early next year as a VP, reporting to EMEA content boss Angela Jain.
“As we grow our local originals for Disney+ in EMEA, we want to back bold, distinctive storytelling that feels relevant to local audiences and can stand out and get noticed,” said Jain. “Philip’s creative track record and experience make him the perfect person to lead that work across Germany, Switzerland and Austria, partnering with exceptional producers and talent to build a slate that gets audiences talking.”
Pratt has been at Amazon MGM Studios for 11 years, where he was responsible for Prime Video’s German original productions including hit YA drama “Maxton Hall,” comedy “LOL: Last One Laughing” and reality competition “The 50.”
Pratt said: “It is an honour to join The Walt Disney Company. Disney’s ambition for original storytelling is one I’m proud to help build on. I look forward to working with incredibly creative talent to bring stories to Disney+ that entertain, resonate and reach millions of viewers across Germany, Switzerland, Austria and beyond. I envision Disney+ to be a creative home where producers and talent come together, take bold ideas forward and create extraordinary entertainment.”
Disney+ launched German local originals in 2021, garnering more than 30 noms and 13 wins at German and international awards and entertaining audiences with fare such as “Sam A Saxon”, drama “The Interpreter of Silence” and award-winning series “Call my Agent Berlin.”
Coming up the team have “Vienna Game,” “Nele Neuhaus Monster,” “Westwell” and the recently-announced Swiss production “Under The Ice”.
Led by new CEO Josh D’Amaro, Disney plans to significantly invest in global Disney+ series, including tripling the volume of international shows. On the horizon are shows such as Poland’s “Breslau 2,” the U.K.’s “Mosquito” and Italy’s “Murder on Lake Garda.”