Amazon Studios is stepping up its plan to take over the world and has confirmed it will begin to produce around 12 feature films per year. The streaming service won a Golden Globe for its comedy-drama Transparent and now plans a foray into the movie business.

Amazon

The move seems to be a direct response to rival Netflix's entry into the movie sector. The service recently announced a sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (The Green Legend) and has also signed a four movie deal with Adam Sandler.

The Amazon Original Movies team will be led by filmmaker Ted Hope, whose production company Good Machine produced the likes of Dancer in the Dark, American Splendor and Hulk. 

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"We look forward to expanding our production efforts into feature films," Amazon Studios VP Roy Price said in a statement. "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."

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Hope said: "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."

Amazon movies will debut on Prime Instant Video in the U.S between 4 to 8 weeks after their theatrical debuts (should they make it into cinemas). 

Last week it was announced that Woody Allen will write and direct a TV show for Amazon Prime Instant Video.

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