Amazon is debuting 10 pilots for show that will be available through their Amazon Instant Video.
The popularity of Netflix has skyrocketed since the company began streaming multiple seasons of popular television shows and movies. However, Amazon is taking a different approach to the "binge-watching" method Netflix offers.
The Internet retailer is allowing users to watch 10 pilots for free on Thursday. The shows include two hour-long dramas, comedies, kids' shows and more.
"Given the evidence we have, we believe the whole process worked well," Amazon Studios chief Roy Price told TheWrap. "Amazon customer and IMDb users are interested in giving feedback on pilots and seeing new things in development."
Amazon and the show creators told TheWrap the shows will be on par to quality work seen on networks such as HBO or Showtime. The goal of Amazon Instant Video is to give viewers quality internet at affordable prices.
"I'm thrilled to be able to see actors of that caliber doing work you'd see on HBO or Showtime or in indie movies," Jill Soloway, a veteran writer and director who created "Transparent," one of the new pilots, told TheWrap. "There's a big middle space being filled by Amazon. You don't need to make the $50 million blockbuster or a $40,000 independent film." (Watch the Amazon Instant Video pilots here)
Amazon isn't limiting itself to just films and web series when it comes to entertainment. The retail giant has recently acquired a video game development studio called Double Helix Games.
"Amazon has acquired Double Helix as part of our ongoing commitment to build innovative games for customers," Amazon said in a statement to TechCrunch.
Double Helix Games is the studio behind games like "Killer Instinct," "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," "Green Latern: Rise of the Manhunters" and "Silent Hill: Homecoming."
What do you think about the Amazon Instant Video pilots and the company acquiring a gaming studio? Let us know in the comments section below.
