In a recent statement, Amazon revealed that it would no longer be accepting documentary and short-form film submissions via Prime Video Direct. Read on to learn more about what this policy means, and whether it could affect your future earnings. As the only major streaming service to accept unsolicited film submissions, Amazon has helped many independent filmmakers reach global audiences in recent years. For a lot of us, in fact, self-publishing to the company’s Prime Video Direct (PVD) platform will seem like an easy call. After all, the service is free to submit to. It also lets indie filmmakers see their work alongside blockbusters, without the need to negotiate complex licensing deals. Plus, it earns content providers 50% net revenue – making for a relatively easy way to build a solid income stream. The Underground Railroad. Image credit: Amazon Amazon Prime Video Direct positions indie filmmakers alongside directors like Oscar winning Barry Jenkins, who recently produced a new series called “The Underground Railroad” (image above). Most importantly of all, though, PVD gives direct access to Amazon’s massive audience for more reach. That’s especially true after 2020, which saw Amazon Prime Video outperform its competitors with the highest growth in new subscriptions by Q2 alone. Filmmakers and Amazon: trouble in paradise However, earlier this month Amazon made a surprise policy change that could come as a blow to indie filmmakers and distribution companies. At this time, we’re no longer accepting unsolicited licensing submissions via Prime Video Direct for non-fiction and...
Published By: CineD - Tuesday, 2 March, 2021