Amazon has announced the launch of a free, cloud-based program that makes it easier for budding writers to create movie and TV screenplays. Amazon Storywriter will let users submit work directly to Amazon Studios, and the company says it will store an unlimited number of scripts imported into and written on the platform.
In addition to the new software, Amazon says it will now be accepting drama submissions and will no longer take a free option on scripts submitted directly to the Amazonstudios.com site. Previously, Amazon only accepted submissions for feature films, primetime comedy series for adults, and series for children aged 2 to 14.
Amazon Storywriter will automatically format and save scripts as they're written, and Chrome users will have the option to install an app that makes the software available offline. Additionally, the app lets writers import scripts they're already working on. It supports PDF and RTF file formats, as well as FDX (Final Draft filetype) and Fountain (a screenwriting markup language). The program can also export work in these formats.
"Amazon is thrilled to support the evolution of our creative community by offering advanced tools like Amazon Storywriter to assist both established and aspiring writers in telling their stories," Roy Price, vice president of Amazon Studios, said in a statement. "Amazon is dedicated to producing high-quality, original films and television series that customers love, and enabling more writers to obtain access to creative resources will ultimately help us discover great new talent."
Before the Amazon Studios Submission Agreement was updated, the company would take a 45-day unpaid option when receiving scripts and it would pay $10,000 if it wanted to extend that period. Now, if the company is interested in a script, it will offer a paid option that matches or exceeds any applicable guild minimum, and the writer can choose to accept or reject the offer, according to TechCrunch.
Amazon's children's TV show 'Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street,' which has just been renewed for a second season, is a series that came to the company via its script submission program.
"Amazon Studios is looking for movie and series ideas to turn into great entertainment, and has an open door for every talented creator," Amazon said on its website. "You can submit your finished movie or TV script to Amazon Studios from directly within Amazon Storywriter by selecting 'Submit to Amazon Studios' from the drop-down menu on the right side of any script or draft."