Amazon is undergoing substantial layoffs, particularly affecting its Prime Video and MGM Studios divisions. The announcement was made by Mike Hopkins, the executive overseeing these units, who communicated the job cuts through a memo to the affected staff, industry reports indicate.
This move follows a series of mass layoffs that commenced in 2022 and extended through 2023, resulting in over 27,000 employees being let go across various departments.
Hopkins, in the memo, explained that these cuts are part of Amazon’s strategic efforts to prioritize long-term business success. He emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing its ability to deliver groundbreaking movies, TV shows, and live sports in a personalized and user-friendly entertainment experience for global customers. According to Hopkins, the company conducted a comprehensive review of its operations over the past year, identifying areas where investments could be reduced or discontinued.
As a result, he said the company would be getting rid of several hundred positions at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. Amazon MGM Studios, previously known as Amazon Studios, is headquartered near Los Angeles in Culver City. Amazon holds leases for spaces in the Culver Steps office park and the majority of the approximately 720,000 square foot Culver Studios, both of which are owned by Hackman Capital Partners, according to a report from Costar.
This announcement coincides with another significant downsizing move within Amazon, as its Twitch livestreaming unit disclosed plans to cut 500 jobs on the same day.
