The movie business has added Amazon to its roster today, and the online shopping behemoth has an intriguing plan for their films.
Amazon announced plans on Monday to produce and release twelve films a year, with production on these movies to begin in 2015.
What makes Amazon’s entry into Hollywood so interesting is how they intend to release their movies. Amazon says that their films will hit Prime Instant Video, their instant streaming service which is free for Prime customers, one to two months after the films are released theatrically.
Hollywood usually waits three to five months before releasing a film for digital streaming, so Amazon will be disrupting the status quo in a way that’s beneficial to consumers.
Amazon says in a press release that they will focus on “unique stories, voices, and characters from top and up-and-coming creators,” some of whom “too often struggle to mount fresh and daring stories that deserve an audience.”
Ted Hope, who has produced notable films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Eat Drink Man Woman, has been appointed Head of Production at Amazon Original Movies.
“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,” he said in a statement. “To help carry the torch into the feature film world for such an innovative company is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility. 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.”
Amazon has been in the television business for the past couple of years and recently won a Golden Globe for their Jeffrey Tambor-led dramedy Transparent. Like their television programming, Amazon’s films will be free to stream if you’re a Prime Instant Video customer (a service that costs $99/year and includes other benefits like free two-day shipping).
This announcement was made just days before the annual Sundance Film Festival kicks off in Park City. Many smaller movies premiere at the event for their first time and get purchased by studios for distribution. Could Amazon make a couple acquisitions in Utah?
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