Amazon Studios is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by Joe Eckardt, owner of Unbreakable Post, who claims he was blacklisted after declining to pay kickbacks to an Amazon employee.
Allegations of Kickback Scheme
Eckardt, who has credits on shows like “Temptation Island” and “Selling Sunset,” alleges in his complaint that he has lost out on at least $1 million worth of work since 2023. The lawsuit details a summer 2023 lunch with Frank Salinas, head of post-production at Amazon Studios' unscripted division. During the meeting, Salinas allegedly offered Eckardt the chance to become an “approved vendor,” promising information on the studio’s budget to help secure contracts, contingent on directing a percentage to All Star Media, Inc., a company associated with Salinas.
“My client was not comfortable with that at all,” stated James Bryant, Eckardt’s attorney. “Ultimately it never went forward. What happened after that is that Frank blackballed him from any projects at Amazon Studios.”
Impact on Eckardt's Business
The lawsuit, filed on May 6, 2026, claims that Eckardt was recommended for work on Season 3 of “Coach Prime,” featuring Deion Sanders, but was rejected allegedly due to Salinas’ influence. Additionally, he was denied opportunities on other Amazon projects such as “Good Sports,” co-hosted by Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson, as well as “Temptation Island” and “LOL US.”
Salinas did not respond to requests for comment, and Amazon Studios has also remained silent on the matter.
Complaint and Investigation
Eckardt initially lodged an anonymous complaint with Amazon in June 2025, alleging retaliation by Salinas. He later identified himself and provided documentation to an Amazon ethics attorney. However, by December, Amazon informed him that their investigation found his allegations “not substantiated.”
The legal action includes claims of conspiracy, negligent supervision, and interference with economic advantage.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/amazon-studios-blacklisting-vendor-kickbacks-1236749107/
