At my screenwriters workshop on Monday, we had quite a discussion about whether or not we should submit material to Amazon Studios for consideration. Some felt it was a new way to get exposure for your work, while others disagreed with Amazon's 18-month options and how they don't recognize WGA agreements. Have you had any experiences--good or bad--with Amazon Studios? Here is their FAQ page: http://studios.amazon.com/getting-started
Screenwriting : Amazon Studios by Montgomery Burt
Amazon Studios
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I think Amazon lowers the difficulty in getting exposure. The trade-off is that you drastically limit the top-end for what you can make off your script. If that appeals to you, go for it.
There was a discussion thread a couple months ago about Amazon and someone recommending to try to shop your script first and if you don't seem to get any traction then try Amazon. If they option your script then they can effectively option it up for three years. You'll get $10k for the initial option (18 months) and then they can extend it for another 18 month for another $10k.
I can certainly see it as a fallback, but I wouldn't take a script there until you believe you've exhausted all other avenues.
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I think it depends on the resources you have. If you have connections to producers and directors and get can through the door with your script, then Amazon is a waste of time because you can possibly get a better deal somewhere else. However, those screenwriters who haven't yet broken through, this is a great opportunity for them.
They scrapped the 18month option in favour of 45 days and became a WGA signatory over a year ago.