BANGALORE: Amazon Studios just announced that it will begin to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release and early window distribution on Amazon Prime Instant Video.

Production will begin this year with the goal of offering a dozen original, prestige movies annually, with a focus on unique stories, voices, and characters from top and upcoming creators.

Whereas it typically takes 39 to 52 weeks for theatrical movies to premiere on subscription video services, Amazon Original Movies will premiere on Prime Instant Video in the U.S. just 4 to 8 weeks after their theatrical debut.

Amazon Original Movies creative development will be led by independent film visionary Ted Hope. Hope co-founded and ran production company Good Machine, which produced notable and Academy Award-nominated films such as Eat Drink Man Woman, Crouching Tiger, and Hidden Dragon. Hope’s films have received some of the industry’s most prestigious honors including numerous Academy Awards and BAFTA nominations. He’s also taken home the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival more often than any other producer.

According to Hope, “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,” reports hollywonk.com.

“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,” added Hope.

Amazon Studios head Roy Price added that in addition to bringing Prime Instant Video customers “exciting, unique, and exclusive films soon after a movie’s theatrical run, 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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