MUMBAI: From only streaming to now producing, Amazon has taken a leap. One of the top OTT video content providers, Amazon, is financing the production of three Funny Or Die (FOD) comedy shorts to be available exclusively worldwide on Prime Video. This is happening for the first time that it is investing in the development of original, exclusive partner content.
The deal has given creators, studios and distributors different options for distributing content on Amazon’s video platforms.
Under the partnership, Prime Video will debut three new original FOD shorts on Nov. 10:
Lovebirds
Written and directed by Ahamed Weinberg (“Comedy Bang! Bang!”, “Quincy Jones: Burning the Light”), the short film tells the story of a lonely young man who buys a bird feeder to attract birds to the window of his studio apartment. When that doesn’t work, he’s compelled to fall in love with a woman in his apartment complex.
The Jury
Written and directed by Anna Kerrigan (“Hot Seat,” web series “The Impossibilities”), it brings viewers into a roomful of bored strangers called for jury duty awaiting their assignments, when a mysterious, foul odour unites — and then threatens to divide — them in a quest to find the source.
Soojung Dreams of Fiji
Documentary satire written by SJ Son and directed by Hye Yun Park about first-generation Korean-American Soojung Yoon, a renowned nail salon owner, who elevates her craft to an art form — an unexpected profession that puts her into conflict with her immigrant mother.
According to the source Variety, Funny Or Die VP partner content Brian Toombs said, “We have had great success with showcasing our content on Prime Video through Amazon Video Direct.” Our comedy has really resonated with the Amazon audience and we look forward to showcasing these original shorts on the service.”
Amazon Video Direct, launched in 2016, provides four options to content owners. They can make their content available: in Prime Video at no additional charge to Prime members; as an add-on subscription to Prime Video; for a one-time rental or a one-time purchase price; or available to all Amazon customers on an ad-supported basis. The new FOD shorts will be distributed on Prime Video globally.
Funny Or Die was founded 10 years ago by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Chris Henchy as a comedy website destination. The company, whose investors include CAA and AMC Networks, has increasingly branched into TV and film projects.
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