Amazon Studios announces plans to produce original movies

PanARMENIAN.Net - Amazon Studios has announced plans to move into producing original films, Digital Spy reports.

The online retailer and content provider confirmed January 19 that it will develop 12 movies per year for theatrical release and video on demand.

Studio vice president Roy Price announced that original movies will be made available to Amazon Prime users four-to-eight weeks after theatrical release.

"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," Price said.

"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 programme will also benefit filmmakers, who too often struggle to mount fresh and daring stories that deserve an audience."

The studio's head of production Ted Hope added: "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.

"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 has already earned critical acclaim for its expansion into episodic television.

Jill Soloway's Amazon Studios series Transparent earned the Best Comedy Series prize at the Golden Globes, in addition to star Jeffrey Tambor winning Best Comedy Actor for his portrayal of a transgender woman.

The studio has also signed a deal to produce iconic filmmaker Woody Allen's first television project.

Amazon's police procedural drama series Bosch will premiere on February 13.