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New Production Company, Common Ground Entertainment, Launches with Amazon MGM Studios Deal

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. nment-launches-with-amazon-mgm-studios-deal.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 17:58 GMT by Deadline.com
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - February 10th, 2026 - The landscape of Hollywood continues to evolve, with established industry figures increasingly forging their own paths as independent production companies blossom. The latest venture to emerge is Common Ground Entertainment, founded by seasoned producers Charlie Gavshon and Rowena Wallace. The company, with a first-look deal already secured with Amazon MGM Studios, promises to deliver inclusive, globally-resonant stories for both the big and small screens.

Gavshon, formerly VP of Feature Film at Amazon MGM Studios, and Wallace, a veteran producer with over two decades of experience - including recent work on the Apple TV+ series "Surface" - are joining forces to fill what they see as a growing demand for authentic and representative storytelling. Their partnership isn't entirely new; the pair previously collaborated on projects like the Mike Epps-starring "The Personal Banker" and the gripping war drama "The Outpost" featuring Scott Eastwood, laying the groundwork for a shared creative vision.

The launch of Common Ground Entertainment arrives amidst a significant shift in the entertainment industry. For years, studios held a tight grip on production, controlling development and distribution. However, the rise of streaming services and the increasing accessibility of filmmaking technology have empowered independent producers, allowing them to bypass traditional gatekeepers and bring diverse voices to audiences. This trend has been amplified by a growing awareness - both within the industry and among viewers - of the need for greater representation on screen.

"We're thrilled to join forces with Amazon MGM Studios and embark on this exciting journey," Gavshon stated in a press release issued earlier today. "Rowena and I share a passion for stories that resonate with people from all walks of life, and we're eager to bring those stories to the screen." Wallace echoed this sentiment, adding, "We're committed to creating content that is both entertaining and meaningful, and we believe that Common Ground Entertainment is the perfect platform to achieve that vision."

But what does "inclusive and representative storytelling" actually mean in practice? According to industry analysts, it's more than just casting actors from diverse backgrounds. It's about crafting narratives that genuinely reflect the experiences of underrepresented communities, moving beyond stereotypes and offering nuanced portrayals of complex characters. It also involves behind-the-camera diversity, ensuring that people from all backgrounds have opportunities to contribute to the creative process.

The Amazon MGM Studios partnership is a crucial piece of the puzzle for Common Ground. The studio, itself a product of recent media consolidation, has signaled a strong commitment to expanding its content library with diverse offerings. A first-look deal essentially guarantees that Amazon MGM Studios will have the first opportunity to consider any projects developed by Common Ground, providing the new company with significant financial backing and distribution reach. This is a win-win scenario: Common Ground gains access to resources, while Amazon MGM Studios secures a pipeline of potentially high-impact content.

Common Ground isn't alone in this venture. The industry has seen a surge in former studio executives launching independent production houses. Several factors are driving this trend. Many experienced professionals, after years of working within the established studio system, are seeking more creative control and the ability to pursue projects that align with their personal values. The changing media landscape also presents opportunities to cater to niche audiences and experiment with new storytelling formats.

Looking ahead, the success of Common Ground Entertainment will depend on its ability to consistently deliver high-quality, compelling content that resonates with a broad audience. The company's focus on inclusivity and representation is a strong foundation, but it will also need to navigate the increasingly competitive streaming market and differentiate itself from the growing number of independent production companies vying for attention. Industry observers are keenly watching to see if Common Ground can truly find that "common ground" between artistic vision and commercial viability, and whether it will contribute to a more equitable and representative future for Hollywood storytelling.