Oliver Jones Joins Amazon MGM Studios as Senior Commissioner for U.K. Scripted Content

Oliver Jones is set to leave his position at Apple TV after six years to join Amazon MGM Studios as the Senior Commissioner for U.K. scripted content. This transition was announced in an internal email from Nicole Clemens, the studio’s Vice President and head of international originals. Jones will relocate from Los Angeles back to London and is expected to begin his new role in May 2026. He will oversee the commissioning of new U.K. scripted series, with existing commissioners Gemma Brandler and Punit Mattoo reporting to him.

Variety Magazine

At Apple TV, Jones served as the Senior Creative Executive for International Scripted Television, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the platform's international originals strategy. His notable projects include "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," "Masters of the Air," and "Disclaimer," among others. Prior to his tenure at Apple, Jones held senior positions at Fremantle, The Weinstein Company, and Imagine Television, contributing to series such as "The Mosquito Coast," "Yellowstone," and "Empire."

Variety Magazine

Clemens emphasized Amazon MGM Studios' commitment to expanding its U.K. scripted programming, highlighting recent successful launches such as "The Girlfriend," "Steal," "Harlan Coben’s Lazarus," and "Bait." The studio has also greenlit new projects, including a police thriller titled "Dirty" and an adaptation of Chloe Walsh’s novel "Boys of Tommen." Clemens noted that Jones' appointment reflects the studio's ongoing investment in high-quality U.K. content aimed at both local and global audiences.

Variety Magazine

In her message to staff, Clemens stated, “Oliver is a seasoned scripted executive with a proven track record in developing premium international content. This appointment underscores our continued investment in world-class U.K. scripted programming.” Jones expressed his gratitude for his time at Apple, saying, “It’s always a tough decision to leave a job I love, but the time is right to come back home and start a new adventure.”

Variety Magazine

While the announcement has been largely positive, some industry observers have raised concerns about the competitive landscape for scripted content in the U.K., questioning whether Amazon MGM Studios can maintain its momentum amid increasing competition from other streaming platforms.

Variety Magazine

As Jones prepares to take on his new role, Amazon MGM Studios is expected to continue expanding its U.K. scripted slate, with a focus on ambitious and provocative storytelling. The industry will be watching closely to see how Jones' experience and vision will influence the studio's future projects.

Variety Magazine