Calling All Screenwriters! Calling All Directors! Amazon Moving in on Youtube Territory
…or is it TV network territory? Hard to say, but if it succeeds it’ll make waves in both.
Amazon Studios is seeking scripts for a 22-minute primetime comedy or an 11-22-minute series for children. Entries should be “smart, character-driven series” that’ll be subjected for a 45-day option and evaluation period.
Promo videos can also be entered for a potential $7000 in awards. They can be from 10-60 seconds and should briefly communicate the show idea and its visual style. In terms of format, looks like sky’s the limit.
If you fall into the Development pool, you’ll get $10K plus guidance for developing the pilot. And if your show makes it into series production, you get $55,000 plus 5% of net merchandising receipts from toy and T-shirt licensing. Not to mention distribution on Amazon Instant Video — something we don’t take lightly.
In our childhoods, direct-to-DVD programming was considered a mark of shame (although some did pretty well, like the Aladdin sequels). Direct-to-‘net programming is a little like its pixel-packed cousin, except that it makes overheads lower for producers while broadening the distribution pool significantly. Success is a matter of marketing and storytelling prowess.
Consider the success of “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” during its brief life online; it’s now available in Blu-Ray on Amazon, as well as on iTunes.
