Amazon Studios’ Transparent, winner of two Golden Globes.
Amazon Studios, the video content production wing of the online retailer and maker of Golden Globe winner Transparent, has announced plans to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release and early distribution on Amazon Prime Instant Video.
Amazon Studios’ vice president, Roy Price, said the company’s goal is to create close to 12 movies a year with production starting later this year.
Ordinarily, it takes between 39 to 52 weeks for theatrical movies to premiere on subscription video services, yet Amazon aims to premiere on its own VOD platform in the US between four and eight weeks after their theatrical debut.
Creative development will be led by Ted Hope, co-founder of production company Good Machine, which produced Eat Drink Man Woman and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
“Audiences already recognise 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,” said Hope.
“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 Studios, which launched in 2010 and is a major competitor to Netflix, has also announced four additional, original series to debut in 2015, including Michael Connelly’s Bosch; Hand of God from Marc Forster and Ben Watkins; Red Oaks from Steven Soderbergh, as well as a second season of Transparent.
