Watch out, Netflix, because Amazon Studios is right on your tail. Fresh off a couple of big wins for the original series Transparent, plus the huge announcement that Woody Allen would be developing a TV series for the streaming service, Amazon Studios is getting into the movie business in a major way. They've announced a plan to acquire and produce feature-length movies for theaters and eventual release via Amazon Prime's streaming service.
Amazon has hired veteran producer Ted Hope to lead their Amazon Original Movies division, which will see them producing films for theatrical release before being made available to Amazon Prime subscribers 4 to 8 weeks later. And they aren't just dipping their toes into this endeavor; Amazon plans on going big with up to 12 movies each year beginning in 2015.
The timing of this announcement is interesting as the Sundance Film Festival is mere days away and Amazon could be positioning themselves to make some key acquisitions. Full press release is below:
Amazon Studios, known for television series such as multi-Golden Globe winner Transparent, Annie-nominated Tumble Leaf, and Mozart in the Jungle, today announced that it will begin to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release and early window distribution on Amazon Prime Instant Video. Whereas it typically takes 39 to 52 weeks for theatrical movies to premiere on subscription video services, Amazon Original Movies will premiere on Prime Instant Video in the U.S. just 4 to 8 weeks after their theatrical debut. Amazon Original Movies will focus on unique stories, voices, and characters from top and up-and-coming creators.
“We look forward to expanding our production efforts into feature films. Our goal is to create close to twelve movies a year with production starting later this year,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios. “Not only will we bring Prime Instant Video customers exciting, unique, and exclusive films soon after a movie’s theatrical run, but we hope this program will also benefit filmmakers, who too often struggle to mount fresh and daring stories that deserve an audience.”
Amazon Original Movies creative development will be led by independent film visionary Ted Hope. Hope co-founded and ran production company Good Machine, which produced notable and Academy Award-nominated films such as Eat Drink Man Woman and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Hope's films have received some of the industry's most prestigious honors including numerous Academy Award and BAFTA nominations. Hope has also won The Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival more often than any other producer at the festival with his films American Splendor, The Brothers McMullen, and What Happened Was….
“Audiences already recognize that Amazon has raised the bar with productions in the episodic realm, tackling bold material in unique ways and collaborating with top talent, both established and emerging. To help carry the torch into the feature film world for such an innovative company is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility,” said Ted Hope, the new Head of Production for Amazon Original Movies. “Amazon Original Movies will be synonymous with films that amaze, excite, and move our fans, wherever customers watch. I am incredibly thrilled to be part of this.”
