Amazon Prime to start airing original movies 4 weeks after theatrical release
Amazon has announced its intent to release around 12 original movies in 2015 with the content touted to be available to stream on Amazon Prime just weeks after its theatrical release.
The studio shocked established content producers last week after its original TV series ‘Transparent’ picked up several Academy Awards. It also created more ripples throughout the industry after it announced its intention to shake up the well-established cooling off period for movies post-theatrical release.
The firm said it will aim to air Amazon Original Movies between four and eight weeks after they appear in theatres in the US for Amazon Instant Prime subscribers.
Roy Price, vice president of Amazon Studios, said: “We look forward to expanding our production efforts into feature films. Our goal is to create close to 12 movies a year with production starting later this year.
“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.”
Ted Hope, new head of production for Amazon Original Movies, 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.
“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.”
This comes after the firm last week brought director Woody Allen on board to create his first ever TV show.
Amazon’s video subscription service is available via the Amazon Instant Video app on Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, and specific smart TVs.