Amazon is moving into the movie business.
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.
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.
More: Woody Allen to create show for Amazon - currently has "no ideas"
"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."
More: With Transparent, Amazon is Hollywood's new darling
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.
More: Amazon orders second season of "most binged watched" show, Transparent
Café Society offers a glimpse in to the world of Hollywood in the 1930's. With...
In a small town at the college campus, a normal man is having a terrible...
After the high of last year's Blue Jasmine, Woody Allen is back in playful mode...
With a witty observational script, amusing characters and a jazzy sense of life in New...
Stanley is a talented magician who goes by the name of Wei Ling Soo professionally,...
Strapped for cash, handsome but middle-aged bookshop worker Fioravante decides to accept an offer of...
With a riveting performance, Cate Blanchett creates one of Woody Allen's most memorable movie characters...
Jasmine is an aristocratic New York housewife whose luxurious lifestyle and marriage to the wealthy...
After Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen remains in a cheery European mode for another breezy...
Woody Allen takes us on a romp around yet another beautiful European city with his...
After a run of loose, uneven films, Allen hits the right notes in this funny,...
Gil and Inez are young couple who decide to travel to France with Inez's family....
After years of marriage, Alfie and Helena are getting divorced, this is mainly due to...
Watch the trailer for Whatever WorksEveryone's favourite cynic Larry David takes the lead role in...