Amazon Launches Online Movie Studio

angry tapir writes "Amazon.com is getting into the movie business by opening Amazon Studios, with the goal of using the Internet to put fresh movies on the big screen. The new Internet movie studio will allow writers to upload screenplays to its website where the global Internet audience can read them and offer feedback, or producers/directors can use them to make test movies. The test movies, which must be at least 70 minutes in length, can also be uploaded."

Comments

Re:This could mean good things

[AHuxley]

Do you really want a ~$40 to $x00 computer game with a remote delete option and compulsory limited activation keys?

Re:This already exists

[wvmarle]

Great but they miss the marketing push and existing mind share Amazon has.

Like not so long ago was mentioned again: there is only room for monopolies on the Internet.

independent publishing

[talcite]

I'm noticing that recently there has been a growing trend towards independent publication of books, music, movies, and other creative works.

I really hope this continues to take off (with enthusiastic support from our wallets and voices) because it weakens the influence of the *IAAs and various copyright consortia that have an annoying habit of lobbying governments for legislation in no one's favour (not even the artists) but their own.

Re:Screenplays with Moderation?

[tehcyder]

So you can read screenplays of other people? Are you allowed to moderate them up or down? If so, Hollywood could just buy the highest moderated screenplay :P What could possibly go wrong?

Reading a screenplay gives you very little indication of whether it will make a good film. It's like just seeing the lyrics to a rock song without the music.