Amazon to produce a dozen films a year for both cinemas and Prime Instant Video

Amazon’s original TV offerings are getting better and better, with Transparent scooping up Golden Globe awards last weekend, but the company has even grander ambitions: full-length films, and not just for your living room.

Today, Amazon Studios announced that it will begin producing and acquiring original films later this year that are destined to hit cinemas before ultimately landing on the retailer’s subscription-based Prime Instant Video service. The company plans to release “close to 12 movies a year.”

And the wait won’t be long: Amazon says that films should reach Prime Instant Video just 30 to 60 days after their respective big-screen debuts. Most major films take between 39 and 52 weeks to hit streaming services, says Amazon.

Unfortunately, today’s announcement was essentially just early word that plans are in the works – that Amazon will produce and release such films, but no specific projects have been revealed. However, Amazon has tapped veteran producer Ted Hope, who worked on the likes of American Splendor and The Brothers McMullen, to oversee its efforts as head of production.

“Amazon Original Movies will be synonymous with films that amaze, excite, and move our fans, wherever customers watch,” said Hope. “I am incredibly thrilled to be part of this.”

And we’d guess it’s a safe bet that all of these films will release in 4K on Prime Instant Video, much like Amazon’s new TV series are, so that’s something else to be excited about.

[Source: Amazon via TechCrunch]

READ MORE: Amazon adds 4K content to Prime Instant Video, along with rentals and purchases