Exclusive Appointment: Amy Powell Joins Vice Media
Amy Powell, a seasoned veteran in the television and marketing sectors, has officially joined Vice Media as President of Vice Studios. With an illustrious career that includes roles at Paramount and Amazon, Powell’s expertise is anticipated to elevate Vice’s creative and commercial strategy as she takes the helm of its studio operations.
Leadership Role and Responsibilities
As the newly appointed President, Powell will steer the studio’s global development, production, and partnerships, overseeing both scripted and unscripted content. Under her leadership, Vice Studios is set to expand its reach and influence in the industry, producing notable titles like Gangs of London and the documentary feature Bama Rush.
A Glance at Her Career Journey
Before stepping into this significant role at Vice Media, Powell served as the head of entertainment marketing at Amazon. She co-founded and was the CEO of Brillstein Entertainment Partners, further establishing her credentials in the entertainment field. Notably, her tenure at Paramount Pictures began in 2004, where she worked on several successful marketing campaigns, including the legendary microbudget horror film Paranormal Activity, along with major blockbusters like Iron Man and the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Significant Changes Amid Transition
As Powell takes on her new role, Vice Media announced that studio co-head Danny Gabai would depart to pursue a producing deal, indicating a strategic shift within the company’s leadership structure. Gabai’s move emphasizes Vice’s commitment to enhancing its creative output and aligning with fresh talent in the industry.
Vice Media’s Resurgence from Bankruptcy
Powell’s appointment marks a critical milestone as Vice Media continues to recover from bankruptcy proceedings completed in 2023. The company recently revamped its cable channel to focus on sports and launched a dedicated sports production arm. Additionally, Vice bolstered its board by appointing former Barstool Sports CEO Erica Ayers Badan to oversee pivotal sports initiatives, signaling a strong intent to capitalize on the burgeoning market.
The Importance of Experience and Perspective
Mike Lang, Executive Chairman of Vice Media, remarked on Powell’s appointment, calling her “the missing piece” in the company’s production efforts. He noted that while Vice has been performing admirably in production, Powell will help drive the company to new heights. Her extensive experience in the entertainment sector is expected to enhance Vice’s creative vision and storytelling capabilities.
Praise for Vice’s Unique Programming
In her own words, Powell expressed admiration for Vice’s programming, likening it to the pioneering spirit of early MTV. She emphasized the current demand for honesty and authentic global storytelling, seeing this as an opportune moment for Vice Studios to deliver compelling content that resonates with audiences.
Connecting Sports and Content Creation
Discussing the sports orientation of her new role, Powell acknowledged her passion for live sports. Reflecting on her tenure at Amazon, where she witnessed the significance of acquiring NFL and NBA rights, she highlighted the importance of creating adjacent content with dramatic stakes. These insights will enable Vice Studios to leverage its unique perspective in the competitive sports landscape, making it a valuable player in this growing field.
Anticipating Future Collaborations and Successes
Bruce Dixon, CEO of Vice Media, expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with Powell to accelerate the studio’s content pipeline, particularly in the U.S. Powell’s role as a key member of the senior leadership team will also encompass driving branded entertainment, advertising, and digital initiatives across the Vice portfolio, putting her at the forefront of Vice’s innovative strategies moving forward.