Sam Semon obit

Sam Semon Dies: Longtime Business Affairs Exec At Amazon MGM, NBCU & More Was 60

 He was not on the list.

Sam Semon, Head of Business Affairs, International Originals, at Amazon MGM Studios and a former executive at NBCUniversal and Gaumont Television, died March 17 after battling cancer. He was 60.

His family confirmed the news on social media, writing in part: “He fought valiantly and with unwavering faith to the very end. We admire and love him so much, and he will forever be in our hearts. … Sam was our Mr. Incredible, someone who always believed in us and loved us unconditionally.”

Born on April 25, 1965, in Los Angeles, Semon began his career at CBS Entertainment and CBS Studios and had stints at several companies before joining Amazon MGM Studios as Head of Business Affairs, International Originals, in June 2020. Leading its scripted TV and film business throughout Europe, Africa, the Nordics, Canada, Australia and Asian territories, he oversaw strategic negotiation and business solutions and specialized in internationally produced original scripted content for Amazon’s global digital platform.

Semon reported to Dan Scharf, Head of Global Operations and Business Affairs at Amazon MGM, who informed the staff about Semon’s passing. “I think sometimes, if you get lucky in your career, you get the right job at the exact right point in your life. And I do believe, for Sam, this last role at Amazon was that puzzle piece for him,” Scharf wrote. “He loved his team so much; I’d see his eyes light up when he talked about a new deal structure they’d concocted, or how his young execs had grown into their roles and become leaders themselves. He knew intuitively how to manage with that combination of celebrating achievements, while always challenging and striving for more – that the best mentors have. He truly cared, and we all felt it.”

Before Amazon MGM, Semon had been EVP Business Affairs at NBCUniversal International Studios since early 2017. While there, he oversaw U.S. biz affairs for the L.A.-based International Studios scripted team, Heyday Television US and Working Title Television US.

Prior to NBCU, Semon was EVP Business Strategy & Operations at Gaumont Television, overseeing series licensing, agency package commissions, original development and production and operations. During his career he also held senior-level posts at companies including FremantleMedia North America, Sony Pictures Television International, New Wave Entertainment, Cookie Jar Entertainment and and the Disney/ABC Cable Group.

In his memo to staff, Scharf also wrote: “In a world of so many transactional relationships, Sam was a true friend for more than 20 years. I’ll miss him teasing me about Seattle sports teams and my hairline; and I’ll miss his counsel and his decency.”

A celebration of life was being planned, Semon’s family said.