Amazon Studios allegedly blacklists vendor for rejecting kickback requests

Amazon Studios faces legal action from a post-production vendor who claims he was excluded from opportunities after refusing to offer kickbacks to an Amazon employee.

Joe Eckardt, who owns Unbreakable Post, claims he has been deprived of at least $1 million in business since turning down the scheme in 2023.

Eckardt has a portfolio that includes “Temptation Island,” “Selling Sunset,” and several other reality programmes. His lawsuit states that in July 2023, he had lunch with Frank Salinas, head of post-production for Amazon Studios' unscripted division. During the meeting, Salinas proposed making Eckardt an “approved vendor,” allowing him to bid for projects.

The lawsuit claims that Salinas suggested revealing the studio's post-production budget to Eckardt, enabling him to offer a bid just beneath that amount, effectively ensuring contract awards. 

The claim indicates that Eckardt would then have to redirect a portion to All Star Media, Inc., allegedly registered under Salinas' name.

“My client felt uneasy about this proposition,” said James Bryant, Eckardt’s lawyer. “Ultimately, it didn’t proceed. After that, Frank blocked him from Amazon Studios projects.”

Salinas has not responded to voicemail, and Amazon Studios has not addressed requests for comments.

The lawsuit, lodged on May 6, claims that Eckardt was tipped for work on the third season of “Coach Prime,” an Amazon Studios production featuring Deion Sanders. Nevertheless, he asserts he was turned down, allegedly due to Salinas’ actions.

He also alleges being denied projects on “Good Sports,” an Amazon series co-hosted by Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson, in addition to “Temptation Island” and “LOL US.”

Eckardt made an anonymous complaint to Amazon in June 2025, almost two years after the lunch meeting, asserting that Salinas retaliated against him for not providing kickbacks. 

He later disclosed his identity and additional information — including documentation — to an Amazon ethics lawyer, according to the lawsuit.

In December, the company informed him that their investigation found his allegations to be "unfounded."

The lawsuit includes charges of conspiracy, negligent oversight, and hindrance of economic opportunities.