Amazon takes on TV broadcasters by making web-only programmes
- Retailer producing pilots for at least 11 shows
- Stars signed up include John Goodman and Bill Murray
- Viewers will vote on which shows receive a full series
- Will be watchable on tablets, computers and TVs through LoveFilm and Amazon's other services
Amazon has revealed more details of its plan to take on TV broadcasters.
The firm is developing at least 11 programmes, including 5 childrens shows, and has signed up stars including John Goodman and Bill Murray for pilots.
It hopes to take on an increasing threat from Hulu,which already produces its own content, Netflix, which recently revealed House of Cards starring Kevin Spacey (its first original show), and YouTube, which is believed to be readying subscription channels.
Ther Big Lebowski: The Dude (Jeff Bridges) and Walter (John Goodman) in the cult film. Goodman is now filming a pilot series for Amazon, which will be available online
HOW IT WILL WORK
The shows will be available via Amazon's online streaming service, which in the UK is branded as LoveFilm.
It will be viewable on a range of devices, from desktop computers and iPads to internet connected TVs.
The pilot episodes will be available for free, with users voting on which gets a full commission.
Completed series will be exclusive to Amazon Prime customers in the United States and LoveFilm customers in the United Kingdom.
Amazon will launch the programmes on LoveFilm, its internet video business, and on similar platforms in the U.S and Germany.
Depending on the reaction, the company will decide which of its pilots - which have each cost $1million - to develop in full.
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The Amazon shows include Alpha House, starring John Goodman, the Hollywood actor known for his roles in The Big Lebowski and Argo.
Bill Murray, of Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, also appears.
Roy Price, director of Amazon Studios, the unit that is creating the shows, said: ‘I think the distinction between a regular TV show and an online TV show will soon fade away.
‘It just makes sense that if you’re trying to decide what TV show to make, it might be a good idea to ask customers which one they like.’
Each pilot is available on Amazon Instant Video for free, with viewer feedback deciding which show will get a full series order from the company.
The completed series, however, will be exclusive to just Amazon Prime customers in the United States and LoveFilm customers in the United Kingdom.
'House of Cards' with Robin Wright as Claire Underwood and Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood is Netflix's first original.
Amazon joins Netflix, the digital video company, and Microsoft, the software giant, which are also known to be producing their own series in the hope that they will be able to attract and retain more customers.
Netflix recently launched 'House of Cards' with Robin Wright as Claire Underwood and Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood as its first original show.
Hulu has also produced and co-produced several shows, most recently working with the BBC on the latest series of In The Thick Of It.
AMAZON'S NEW COMEDY SHOWS
John Goodman, pictured, said 'this is just the same as a TV set ¿ full production values, great director, good technical people.
Alpha House: Alpha House was written by Academy Award nominee and Pulitzer-Prize winner Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury, Tanner ’88). Alpha House follows four senators who live together in a rented house in Washington DC.
Browsers: Written by 12-time Emmy-winning comedy writer David Javerbaum (The Daily Show) and to be directed by Don Scardino (30 Rock), Browsers is a musical comedy set in contemporary Manhattan that follows four young people as they start their first jobs at a news website.
Dark Minions: Written by Big Bang Theory co-stars Kevin Sussman and John Ross Bowie, Dark Minions is an animated workplace series about two slackers just trying to make a paycheck working an intergalactic warship. The pilot will be produced by Principato-Young (Reno 911).
The Onion Presents: The News: The Onion Presents: The News is a smart, fast-paced scripted comedy set behind the scenes of The Onion News Network that shows just how far journalists will go to stay at the top of their game. The Onion Presents: The News is from The Onion’s Will Graham & Dan Mirk (The Onion News Network, The Onion Sportsdome).
Supanatural: Supanatural is an animated comedy series about two outspoken divas who are humanity's last line of defense against the supernatural, when they're not working at the mall. The series, written by Lily Sparks, Price Peterson and Ryan Sandoval, will be produced by Jason Micallef (Butter) and Kristen Schaal (The Daily Show).
Those Who Can’t: Written by Andrew Orvedahl, Adam Cayton-Holland and Benjamin Roy (Grawlix), who were discovered through Amazon Studios online open door process, Those Who Can’t is a comedy about three juvenile, misfit teachers who are just as immature, if not more so, than the students they teach.
Google, Apple, Intel and Twitter are reported to be considering their own projects too.
Speaking about his role in Alpha House, Mr Goodman said: ‘I’m always worried I’m going to be in a YouTube Video. But this is just the same as a TV set — full production values, great director, good technical people.’
Alpha House revolves around four American lawmakers who live in the same rented Washington home, and filming has already begun in New York.
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