Amazon Paid $100M to Phoebe Waller-Bridge: Where's the Show?

Jennifer Salke has stepped down from her position at Amazon Studios, but not before awarding one final generous severance package – this time going to Phoebe Waller-Bridge, a creator who’s amassed over $100 million with Amazon, without having produced a single series or movie yet.

Yes, you read that right. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

Last week’s trade coverage focused on Salke’s departure from her studio role, an event that industry experts had anticipated for quite some time. However, one significant aspect was overlooked: the puzzling decision she made in her final days as studio head. As reported by Matt Belloni at Puck, Salke extended Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s favorable contract even though there had been no production after six years and a failed attempt to revive Tomb Raider.

This is the same individual who was responsible for the financial debacle estimated at half a billion dollars, known as “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” a series that lost viewers and goodwill among fans at an alarming rate faster than Amazon could update its Prime Video interface. Additionally, she approved the $300 million endeavor called “Citadel,” which was an experiment by the Russo Brothers that ultimately flopped and became the butt of jokes during Hollywood’s streaming era.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 15: Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios attends “The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power” Los Angeles Red Carpet Premiere & Screening on August 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

As a film enthusiast, I find myself utterly puzzled by one particular misstep in Salke’s career: her resolute dedication to Waller-Bridge. The initial 2019 contract, worth an astounding $20 million annually for exclusive access to her ideas, left me bewildered, especially since it seemed nothing of substance ever emerged from it. Yet, when that contract expired in 2022, Salke chose to renew it. Despite this, the fruits of their collaboration remain elusive.

Prior to leaving, Salke transformed the contract into a non-exclusive “first glance” agreement, which is said to cost “considerably less.” Essentially, Waller-Bridge has the freedom to explore projects with other entities, while Amazon maintains the possibility that eventually, one of these days, she might produce something for them.

Salke told Variety that she feels no remorse regarding the Waller-Bridge contract, describing it as a “long-term obligation” and strangely equating it to an enhanced “temporary agreement.” It’s uncertain if Amazon’s stockholders share her viewpoint on this matter.

Speaking about our long-term association with Phoebe, it brings us immense joy that she’s still part of our team… (Salke stated).

Happy? Really?

Amazon has invested significantly more funds on Waller-Bridge compared to what other studios typically allocate for an entire season of television. Simultaneously, the ventures she was involved in – such as the new take on Tomb Raider – have either faced collapse or undergone extensive revamping.

The situation here is an analysis of the consequences that occur when movie executives prioritize reputation over real accomplishments. Phoebe Waller-Bridge has received several Emmys, yet thus far, she’s spent Amazon’s money without providing any glimpse into the project, not even a sneak peek trailer.

And now Salke is gone — but the mess she left behind is still very much Amazon’s problem.

2025-04-02 15:55

Amazon Paid $100M to Phoebe Waller-Bridge: Where’s the Show?

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