Amazon has announced its intention to produce and acquire feature films to make them available on Amazon Prime four to eight weeks after their debut. The company aims to reduce the 39 to 52 weeks it typically takes to release a theatrical release on streaming services. It also said it plans to produce 12 films a year.
The new model will pose a challenge not only to the entertainment industry, whose customers are accustomed to waiting a long time from the release of a film to its availability on other media, but also to competitors such as the well-known streaming service Netflix, which also produces its own original content.
The films are described by the company as "independent films" with budgets ranging from $5 million to $25 million. Amazon's announcement about Amazon Prime comes on the heels of its Golden Globe win for the dark comedy series Transparent. Also, acclaimed director Woody Allen has reached a deal with Amazon to create his first television series for the company.
According to Amazon's press release, at least four series will debut in 2015, as well as a children's series, in addition to the second season of Transparent.
