Amazon MGM Studios executive solicited kickbacks for postproduction contracts, lawsuit alleges
Key takeaways
- An Amazon MGM Studios executive allegedly solicited kickbacks from an aspiring vendor in exchange for post-production contract awards on shows, according to a recently filed lawsuit.
- Salinas would give Eckardt the target budget number for his company’s bid and “effectively guarantee that Unbreakable would be awarded the work,” the lawsuit states.
- After the contract was awarded, Eckardt would then pay Salinas a percentage of the project value as a kickback, the lawsuit says.
A recently filed lawsuit alleges that an Amazon MGM Studios executive solicited kickbacks from an aspiring vendor in exchange for postproduction contract awards on shows. (Thomas Fuller / SOPA Images / Light Rocket via Getty Images) By Samantha Masunaga Staff Writer May 8, 2026 2:24 PM PT 2 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
An Amazon MGM Studios executive allegedly solicited kickbacks from an aspiring vendor in exchange for post-production contract awards on shows, according to a recently filed lawsuit.
Joe Eckardt, owner and president of Hollywood-based postproduction services firm Unbreakable Post, alleged that the studio’s head of postproduction, Frank Salinas, told him during a business lunch in 2023 that Salinas could “ensure” Unbreakable Post would be included as an approved vendor to bid on Amazon-affiliated projects.