Disney+ Hires Amazon's Philip Pratt to Lead German-Language Originals

Disney+ has hired Amazon MGM Studios executive Philip Pratt as VP overseeing original production for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with the 11-year Amazon veteran set to join the company early next year.

Pratt, currently head of original productions at Amazon, will report to EMEA content boss Angela Jain. At Amazon MGM Studios he was responsible for Prime Video's German originals including the hit YA drama "Maxton Hall," the comedy format "LOL: Last One Laughing" and the reality competition "The 50."

Why does Disney+ want him?

The appointment signals a sharpened focus on local originals in German-speaking markets. "As we grow our local originals for Disney+ in EMEA, we want to back bold, distinctive storytelling that feels relevant to local audiences and can stand out and get noticed," Jain said. She added that Pratt's "creative track record and experience make him the perfect person to lead that work across Germany, Switzerland and Austria, partnering with exceptional producers and talent to build a slate that gets audiences talking."

Pratt framed the move in ambitious terms. "It is an honour to join The Walt Disney Company," he said. "Disney's ambition for original storytelling is one I'm proud to help build on. I look forward to working with incredibly creative talent to bring stories to Disney+ that entertain, resonate and reach millions of viewers across Germany, Switzerland, Austria and beyond. I envision Disney+ to be a creative home where producers and talent come together, take bold ideas forward and create extraordinary entertainment."

What has Disney+ achieved in Germany so far?

Disney+ launched German local originals in 2021. Since then, the slate has earned more than 30 nominations and 13 wins at German and international awards. Titles include "Sam A Saxon," the drama "The Interpreter of Silence" and the award-winning series "Call My Agent Berlin."

The pipeline Pratt inherits includes:

• "Vienna Game"
• "Nele Neuhaus Monster"
• "Westwell"
• the recently announced Swiss production "Under The Ice"

How does the move fit Disney's wider strategy?

The hire sits within a broader international push led by new CEO Josh D'Amaro. Disney plans to significantly invest in global Disney+ series and triple the volume of international shows. Upcoming titles include Poland's "Breslau 2," the U.K.'s "Mosquito" and Italy's "Murder on Lake Garda."

With Pratt arriving early next year, the first test of his German-language slate will be how the four announced series land with audiences — and whether Disney's tripling of international output translates into German-speaking markets.