Amazon plans to produce and stream online films shortly after theatrical release

SEATTLE, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Amazon Studios has announced plans to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release and early window distribution on Amazon Prime Instant Video.

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 United States just four to eight weeks after their theatrical debut.

Amazon Original Movies will "focus on unique stories, voices, and characters from top and up-and-coming creators," a news release said.

"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," Roy Price, vice president of Amazon Studios, said in a statement Monday. "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."

Amazon Original Movies' creative development will be led by independent film visionary Ted Hope, who co-founded and ran the production company Good Machine, which produced Eat Drink Man Woman and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. His other films include American Splendor, The Brothers McMullen and What Happened Was....

"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. To help carry the torch into the feature film world for such an innovative company is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility," said Hope. "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."