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Amazon to make original movies for theatrical release

The endeavor will be led by Ted Hope, who co-founded the production company Good Machine, which created films such as "Eat Drink Man Woman" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

January 19, 2015

Amazon is once again expanding its strategy for original content, with today's announcement that it will produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release and early distribution on Prime Video. According to the company, original releases will premiere online four to eight weeks after their theatrical debut, compared to 39 to 52 weeks for typical releases.

The company said it will focus on "unique stories, voices and characters from top and up-and-coming creators." Roy Price, vice president of Amazon Studios, said the goal is to create 12 movies a year, with production beginning this year.

The endeavor will be led by Ted Hope, who co-founded the production company Good Machine, which created films such as "Eat Drink Man Woman" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." He has won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival more often than any other producer, the company said.