Amazon the online retailer giant will be moving focus to theatrical film market and create 12 original films a year. With entry level television under their belt, the company jumps ahead of competitors Netflix and HULU to produce and distribute original movies to theaters and timed-early releases to its Instant Video subscription service. Unlike the traditional way of project roll-outs of films appearing on premium networks (HBO, Showtime) a year later, Prime will premiere its own films 4-8 weeks after theater debuts.
“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.”
“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.”