Amazon Studios has announced today that it is moving beyond television programming to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release and early window distribution on Amazon Prime Instant Video, releasing films on the streaming service just 4-8 weeks after their theatrical premiere rather than the traditional 39 to 52 weeks.
“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 will be headed up by independent producer Ted Hope (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Eat Drink Man Woman), who said: “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. Amazon Original Movies will be synonymous with films that amaze, excite, and move our fans, wherever customers watch.”
The move comes after rival streaming service Netflix announced last year that it is releasing the sequel Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend, as well as reaching a deal with Adam Sandler to produce four original movies.
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