Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) announced that its film production division — Amazon Studios — plans to produce an adult comedy pilot series — Really — written and directed by Jay Chandrasekhar.
Really features four couples trying to explore the psychological and emotional complexities of marriage and friendship. The star cast includes Chandrasekhar, Sarah Chalke, Selma Blair, Travis Schuldt, Hayes MacArthur, Collette Wolfe, Luka Jones, Lindsay Sloane and Rob Delaney.
Amazon claimed that Really is an adult comedy where characters openly talk about subjects like sex, alcohol, addiction, drugs, race and politics.
Really along with other pilots including The Cosmopolitans from Whit Stillman and Hand of God starring Ron Perlman will be available later this year.
Management stated that the pilots will be available for free on Amazon Instant Video streaming service. Amazon Studios will decide which shows to produce, going forward, depending on viewers’ feedback. Amazon Instant Video is a digital video streaming and download service that lets users rent, buy or subscribe to a range of video content.
Amazon is firing on all cylinders to boost its digital media sales and attract new users. In this regard, the company is focusing on comedy and kids’ programs to expand its content line-up and make its Prime Instant video service more attractive to viewers.
The pilots, once completed, will be exclusively available to Prime members through Prime Instant Video and Lovefilm in the U.K, at no additional charges.
Last year, Amazon Studios released Alpha House and Betas, its first prime-time shows. Alpha House received positive response and so more episodes were broadcast, whereas Betas was called off after the first season.
These pilots will further extend the archive of comedy shows on Amazon's video streaming library, making it a significant force in the segment and increasing competition for Netflix Inc. (NFLX) and Apple Inc. (AAPL). At the same time, it will help Amazon to expand its footprint into the growing streaming market at a much faster rate.
Amazon is one of the major players in an extremely fast-growing market. In the third quarter, Amazon’s revenues of $19.74 billion were within the company’s guidance but beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Management attributed the increase in revenues to the growing consumption of digital content across different categories owing to the advantageous value proposition that it offered.
Currently, Amazon carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Another stock that looks attractive is Exar Corp. (EXAR), sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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