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Scifi

Amazon to produce original fantasy and scifi movies now!

Not sitting still with just a SF TV series or two – the original content Man in the High Castle first episode is currently free to view – the big A are also moving into original movies, now.

Amazon Studios today said that it will begin 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 U.S. just 4 to 8 weeks after their theatrical debut. Amazon Original Movies will focus on unique stories, voices, and characters from top and up-and-coming creators – including the ever popular horror, science fiction and fantasy market (genres which together have accounted for up to 70% of the last decade’s best-selling movies by $ generated).

The Man in the High Castle TV series - more details.
The Man in the High Castle TV series on TV – perhaps a movie too, soon?

“We look forward to expanding our production efforts into feature films. Our goal is to create close to twelve movies a year with production starting later this year,” Roy Price, Vice President at Amazon Studios told SFcrowsnest. “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 maker Ted Hope. Hope co-founded and ran production company Good Machine, which produced  films such as Eat Drink Man Woman and oriental-themed fantasy flick Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

“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,” Ted Hope told the Nest. “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.”

Who knows, perhaps a steampunk epic or two will be forthcoming … The Court of the Air (the movie), anyone?

ColonelFrog

Colonel Frog is a long time science fiction and fantasy fan. He loves reading novels in the field, and he also enjoys watching movies (as well as reading lots of other genre books).

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