Amazon Studios has the potential to have a breakout year with two Golden Globes wins, a deal with Woody Allen, and the announcement that they will begin movie production this year. Not only is this a great start for Amazon, it is exciting for consumers because of the potential for seeing stories on screens that are not conventional. As a consumer, I am waiting to see what projects will be produced because there is the potential for anyone to submit ideas, which could be a great way for unknown and emerging filmmakers to get their start. Here are the factors leading to Amazon’s rise as a producer.
Golden Globes
In a surprise win, Amazon studios came away with two wins at this year’s Golden Globes for its original series, Transparent. Jeffrey Tambor won Best Actor for his portrayal of the transgender main character in the series, who comes out to her family about her transgender identity. In an upset, the show also won Best TV series in the musical or comedy category. This proves that the show is a critics darling, but the win has provided more exposure to the show, which could prompt more people to check it out on Amazon Prime Instant Video. One of the strengths of the show is the subject matter, which is not tackled that often in popular media. Because the story follows a transgender woman coming out to her family, if the viewers are unfamiliar with this type of situation, it is as if they can experience everything it entails through her children, who exhibit varying emotions and degrees of acceptance. It really is groundbreaking, but at the same time is still grounded in the story of a family whose members are all harboring their own secrets.
Woody Allen
Soon after the Golden Globes, Amazon announced that they had made a deal with Woody Allen to produce a series. So far there are no details on the project, but considering that this is a first for the iconic director, it seems like a coup for Amazon. This deal is a combination of both old and new, with Allen being an established filmmaker trying television for the first time.
Movie Production
The most interesting announcement from Amazon studios is that they will begin producing movies for theatrical release, but then will release these films on Amazon Prime Instant Video after 4 to 8 weeks. According to Hollywonk, the official blog of Amazon studios, studio head Roy Price said, “we hope this program will also benefit filmmakers, who too often struggle to mount fresh and daring stories that deserve an audience.” Anyone can submit ideas to Amazon Studios with a script or video, providing an opportunity for anyone around the world to have access to pitch creative ideas, and to check out the projects that are in development.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Price spoke on the goals of Amazon Studios: “To take chances, not do the obvious thing. To do the interesting thing.” If Amazon can stay true to this idea, then there is the potential for an extremely creative and exciting outlet for ideas that tackle different subject matter and ideas. It could bring a larger diversity to movies and television, which is a great thing for an industry that seems to be constantly remaking and rebooting franchises. It is a refreshing idea at least, so I will be watching to see if Amazon Studios can live up to these goals.