You might not need to have an Amazon Prime Video subscription to watch some of Amazon’s biggest streaming hits in the future.
Amazon announced this week it would be ramping up the licensing of Amazon Originals and other titles to third-party platforms. The company has launched Amazon MGM Studios Distribution which will oversee the sales.
The news means titles including Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Coming 2 America or The Marvelous Mrs Maisel will be made available to other media outlets. New Amazon shows and films will only become available to other broadcasters and streaming platforms after their initial run on Prime Video.
Amazon has already distributed a limited number of titles to third-parties, but the latest move will see the company ramping up sales.
Media companies that are set to benefit include streaming services as well as traditional TV channels. As a result, broadcasters including ITV, Channel 4 or Sky will be able to bid for the rights to show Amazon Originals or add programmes to their on-demand libraries.
Rivals have already struck similar deals with third-party broadcasters. For example, a deal between ITV and Warner Bros Discovery gave ITVX access to Arrow and Smallville.
Jen Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said:
“The launch of Amazon MGM Studios Distribution reinforces our commitment to bringing the very best content to audiences everywhere worldwide.”
Marc Thornham