Former Amazon Prime Video executive Ash Smith has been appointed as the director of content strategy for Lorton Entertainment, a London-based content financier, producer, and distributor. His role will involve strengthening relations with SVoD platforms to expand the audience reach of Lorton’s factual-skewing titles, including the docuseries “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story” for Disney+.

Lorton Entertainment aims to widen the audience reach of its environmentally-focused content through the appointment of Ash Smith as director of content strategy.

In a move that highlights the growing importance of environmental content, London-based content financier, producer, and distributor Lorton Entertainment has named former Amazon Prime Video executive Ash Smith as its director of content strategy. Smith’s primary responsibility will be to strengthen relations with subscription video on demand (SVoD) platforms, with the aim of expanding the audience reach of Lorton’s factual-skewing titles, including the docuseries “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story” for Disney+.

Smith brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having spent a decade with Prime Video, where he played a key role in launching the company’s transactional video on demand (TVoD) service in the UK. He later transitioned to the SVoD department, overseeing content acquisition and licensing for film and TV. During his tenure, Smith also expanded Prime Video UK’s licensed sports documentary slate, acquiring notable titles such as “Andy Murray: Resurfacing” and “Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In.”

Lorton Entertainment has a strong track record in raising and investing third-party capital in the production and release of independent films. In addition to “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story,” the company has been behind documentaries such as Apple TV+’s recently released “Boom! Boom!: The World vs Boris Becker” from acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney.

Julian Bird, founder of Lorton Entertainment, expressed his excitement about Smith joining the team and bringing his extensive understanding of the SVoD market. Bird believes that Smith’s experience will help develop the business and bring Lorton’s content to an even wider audience.

Smith himself is eager to contribute to Lorton’s continued success and growth. He recognizes the company’s track record of delivering captivating stories to audiences and is excited to leverage his experience to expand the upcoming slate of environmentally-focused content.

With Smith’s appointment, Lorton Entertainment is poised to strengthen its position in the SVoD market and further its mission of delivering compelling environmental stories to a broad audience. By expanding the reach of their factual-skewing titles, Lorton hopes to engage and educate viewers about pressing environmental issues, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.