Amazon MGM Studios has promoted Mandy Schaffer to Head of TV Business Affairs and Craig Muhlrad to Head of Film Business Affairs, the studio announced following Dan Scharf's departure as Head of Global Business Operations.
The appointments came from Film Head Courtenay Valenti and Television Head Peter Friedlander, who coordinated the leadership shuffle internally. Schaffer and Muhlrad now oversee the business affairs functions for their respective divisions, handling contracts, deal structures, and talent negotiations that underpin production at the streaming giant's theatrical and television operations.
The moves follow Amazon's broader consolidation of MGM Studios into its media operations. The studio has been restructuring leadership across multiple divisions as it balances theatrical releases alongside its Prime Video strategy. Schaffer's promotion reflects the expanding demands of Amazon's television slate, which includes prestige series competing directly with Netflix, Disney Plus, and traditional broadcast networks.
Muhlrad's appointment to film business affairs places him in a critical position overseeing deals for theatrical releases and straight-to-streaming films. This role carries particular weight as Amazon MGM navigates the post-pandemic theatrical landscape while maintaining output levels that satisfy both investors and industry partners.
The business affairs divisions handle complex negotiations involving guilds, talent representatives, and production vendors. Both positions require deep knowledge of entertainment law and deal-making in a landscape shaped by streaming economics, traditional studio models, and evolving contractual frameworks around participation and residuals.
Amazon MGM Studios, formed from Amazon's acquisition of MGM Holdings, has invested heavily in securing creative talent and intellectual property. These business affairs appointments suggest the studio is preparing for sustained content production across both theatrical and streaming platforms, positioning leadership to manage increasingly intricate deal structures as the industry continues adapting to hybrid release strategies.