Amazon MGM Studios Names Carina Walker Head Of YA

Amazon MGM Studios' Head of Global Television, Peter Friedlander, has appointed Carina Walker as the new Head of YA, completing his senior scripted team. Walker, who has prior experience in the YA sector, will now report directly to Friedlander.

This appointment places Walker alongside other key leaders in the creative department, including Andy Weil (Head of Comedy), Kara Smith (Drama), Blair Fetter (Worldbuilding), Jenn Levy (Nonfiction), and Melissa Wolfe (Animation). Friedlander emphasized that this team is poised to shape the future of the studio's storytelling.

Friedlander opted for internal promotions for both the Head of Drama and Head of YA positions. Walker emerged as the leading candidate for the YA role after the studio decided to divide its previous Head of Drama and Comedy position into three distinct units: Comedy, Drama, and YA, with Kara Smith already named Head of Drama.

In an internal memo, Friedlander expressed his enthusiasm for Walker's new role, highlighting her 9.5 years with Amazon across various departments, including drama and international, and her recent deep engagement with the YA landscape. He noted her strong industry relationships and creative vision, which have contributed to the development of projects like "Off Campus," "Every Year After," and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." Friedlander believes Walker's expertise, combined with an upcoming slate of content derived from popular BookTok intellectual property and emerging talent, makes her the ideal leader for this significant creative vertical.

The memo concluded with Friedlander congratulating Walker and expressing confidence in her and the fully assembled creative leadership team, reiterating that they are set to define the next era of storytelling at Amazon MGM Studios.