Amazon’s latest move is the launch of a new Amazon MGM Studios Distribution unit that will handle the licensing of Amazon Originals and MGM titles. In principle, the creation of this division could make it possible for users of other streaming services to watch movies and shows that usually require a Prime Video subscription.
Amazon has been making a number of interesting moves recently. For example, just last week Amazon confirmed that it was making a number of its originals available to Freevee users. Unlike Prime Video, Freevee doesn’t require a paid subscription as it is a completely free-to-use streaming service.
While making some of its original programming available on its own free streaming service is one thing, the creation of the new Amazon MGM Studios Distribution division is quite another. According to the details, the division will initially be offering a selection of Amazon Originals to MGM’s distribution partners. Even though ‘distribution partners’ doesn’t explicitly mean other streaming services, it does open up that possibility.
Examples of some of the movies and shows that have been confirmed to be available for distribution via the new division include 7500, All the Old Knives, Bliss, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Coming 2 America, Goliath, I Want You Back, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Tender Bar, The Tomorrow War, The Voyeurs, and Without Remorse.
For background, Amazon acquired MGM in 2021. After the deal closed in 2022, Amazon began making some changes including the rebranding of Epix to MGM Plus. The deal also included MGM’s distribution arm and it is that unit that’s now evolving into the wider Amazon MGM Studios Distribution division.
This, along with the Freevee news, is starting to provide insight into how Amazon now views its place within the streaming industry. While it will continue to make its Originals available to Prime Video subscribers, and without ads, Amazon also clearly feels that opening them up to free users, and even users of other streaming services, is the right path going forward.
Of course, Amazon is not alone in this thinking. Earlier in the year, Warner Bros. Discovery struck a deal that resulted in a number of its original programing moving from HBO Max to Tubi and The Roku Channel. Both of these streaming service are available to watch for free, unlike HBO Max.
