In an exciting display of Amazon Prime Video's extensive reach, the service recently hosted a series of high-profile events across Europe, culminating in the ‘Prime Video Presents: Trailblazers’ event which celebrated female talent both in front of and behind the camera. The event featured appearances from industry powerhouses like Octavia Spencer and Priyanka Chopra Jones.

During this vibrant European tour, Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, along with Kelly Day, VP of international for Prime Video, spoke exclusively to Variety regarding the push for female-led programming, Amazon's international strategies, and future plans for notable franchises including "Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" and the upcoming "Tomb Raider" reboot.

Breaking New Ground for Women in Film

Salke pointed out that the initiative for the Trailblazers event stemmed from Amazon's ongoing commitment to female programming that has gained momentum over the past few years. "We wanted to celebrate the incredible characters we’re introducing, like Priyanka’s role in 'Citadel,'" Salke stated.

The success of films featuring strong female narratives, such as the recently released "The Idea of You," starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, has surpassed 50 million viewers just post-launch, leading Salke to remark on the potential for sequels. “Given its success, a sequel could definitely be a possibility,” she teased, hinting that they are interested in further exploring this female-driven story.

Spin-offs and Franchise Expansion

In a thrilling announcement, Salke confirmed that Maria Sten’s character Frances Neagley from "Reacher" is getting her own spin-off series due to overwhelming fan interest. “Her character is incredibly compelling—it makes sense to give audiences more of her story,” Salke shared.

Regarding their flagship show "The Rings of Power," which filmed its first season in New Zealand, Salke confirmed that there are no current plans to relocate production, even after Amazon's recent acquisition of Bray Studios in the UK. She remarked, “We’re seeing great engagement with over 55 million interactions since Season 2 launched,” emphasizing their long-term investment in the franchise.

Navigating Challenges in the Streaming Landscape

The past few years have posed challenges for streaming services due to market corrections post-Netflix boom, but Salke believes this landscape has opened avenues for more disciplined spending. “We’ll continue to adapt our business model, focusing on what audiences truly value. The aim is to remain flexible, even as we target specific regional markets with localized content,” said Day.

Amidst speculation, Salke addressed Amazon’s reported $60 million partnership with acclaimed creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, affirming their excitement over retaining her talent, particularly for her work on "Tomb Raider." “She's passionate about Lara Croft. We believe this reboot has the potential to be a major franchise,” Salke stated.

A Broader International Strategy for Originals

Amazon is also shifting its focus towards unscripted content, recognizing its appeal at a local level, as well as reassessing its investments globally, especially in Europe. "We're continually analyzing where we can serve our customers best and adjusting our strategy accordingly," Day said.

With robust plans to expand their forged partnerships and innovate original content, Amazon Studios embarks on an adventurous phase, ready to capture the hearts of global audiences. The anticipation builds around the unfolding narratives that aim to redefine entertainment through diverse perspectives.

Stay tuned as Amazon Studios continues to break new ground and potentially redefine the success of female-led stories in cinema.