After 13 years at the premium cabler, president of HBO Films, Miniseries and Cinemax Len Amato has left. The move comes as Cinemax continues to phase out original programming and HBO focuses on purchased movie content.
All drama programming is consolidated under HBO exec VP of programming Francesca Orsi. According to a source familiar with the situation, the move is not related to the major restructuring – and layoffs – happening at parent company WarnerMedia, but a function of changes to HBO’s business operations.
“Len’s dedication and passion for the craft has attracted some of the biggest names in creative talent,” said HBO program president Casey Bloys. “His contributions over the years have played a critical role in some of our finest programming. We really wish him the best when he begins this next chapter. ”
Amato had expanded his past just last year to include miniseries and Cinemax, after Kary Antholis resigned from his position at HBO to accept a buyout.
Senior VP of HBO Film, Miniseries and Cinemax Tara Grace, who previously reported to Amato, will now report to Orsi, and continue to oversee original HBO films and acquisitions.
Amato, who joined HBO in 2007 as a senior VP and was promoted to president of HBO Films the following year, produced exec the Emmy-winning “Recount.” Under his leadership, HBO Films earned the Emmys Best Television Movie for “Gray Gardens,” “Temple Grandin,” “Game Change,” “Behind the Candelabra,” “The Normal Heart” and “Bessie. “More recently, Amato’s directed David Simon’s” The Plot Against America “and was the key to the purchase of Hugh Jackman starring” Bad Education. “
‘I will always cherish my experience at HBO, not only because there was no higher standard to strive artistically in television, but because the artists and colleagues I worked with were incredibly talented, dedicated and inspiring. . I have learned a lot and I am forever grateful for such an opportunity once in a lifetime, ‘said Amato.
