Big Bill: We're discussing apples and oranges. As NoJustice pointed out, Amazon has no presence in or capability for the traditional distribution of theatrical films to theaters -- which is the only thing that has ever made Hollywood "the movie industry." And that was my point.
If you're talking about a massive direct-to-DVD (Amazon) or VOD market, that is a different business. Maybe Amazon hopes the industry will turn that way, but the studios will obviously do everything they can to protect their business model, even if the number of films that gets made shrinks every year -- which is indeed already happening.
Amazon has a "first look" deal with WB -- EXCEPT, as has been pointed out in numerous media reports, unlike most first look deals with prodcos, Amazon has gotten zero $$$ and no office on the lot, etc. -- which shows how much WB thinks of what they're doing, so far at least. They're simply willing to look at what Amazon submits to them. And so far, absolutely nothing has come of that.
AND, based on the general quality of the scripts I've read so far at Amazon, IF they were to submit any of them, the WB deal wouldn't last for very long.
But my primary point was about the "test movies," which I just find to be a ridiculous exercise in spending money. If I ran the place -- and wanted a return on my investment, based on the longstanding Hollywood business model -- I'd use the same $1 million to purchase 10 scripts at the WGA minimum -- and get 10 new writers into the WGA at the same time. Then, just as studios do, I'd put those scripts into development and come up with something I could sell to WB and get made.
Does that not make more sense?
$1 million for best test movie
$100,000 for best script
either of which may or may not get made in a full theatrical release, but who cares? seriously! a couple of people are gonna get their bills paid and amazon is going to pay it!
the studios will obviously do everything they can to protect their business model, even if the number of films that gets made shrinks every year -- which is indeed already happening.
The studios don't need to protect the business model. The model was created by the market. They still like going to the movies. That's the format feature film is, was and has always been, designed for. A night out. It was never intended for the small screen, and individual sales. That will only ever be a poor cousin.
for those of you who were wondering whether anyone from AS has found representation, the annual winner for best script (not the test movie) just signed with Circle of Confusion.
If I ran the place -- and wanted a return on my investment, based on the longstanding Hollywood business model -- I'd use the same $1 million to purchase 10 scripts at the WGA minimum
But you have to ask, how many of the people who have submitted screenplays to amazon have gone on to purchase products from amazon? I'm sure they've already recouped that $1 million selling guru books, dvd's etc...
Sometimes the business model isn't obvious. If they really wanted to make movies they wouldn't be running a silly content.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue
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