As someone with content repped through Filmhub, I got an email today regarding changes over at Amazon/Prime/Freevee. I thought this might be of interest to those who have questions about streaming content over there. Here's the email:
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Dear Producer,
Amazon is rolling out changes to the two streaming services it operates in the US, Prime Video & Freevee, affecting all content providers. As of now, these changes only apply to the US and not to any other territories:
Ads on Prime Video: Consumers who view Prime Video content on a subscription basis will now also see ads displayed.
Required Rights: Titles pitched to Prime Video’s new subscription + ad-supported offering now require subscription & ad-supported rights. Titles solely with subscription rights cannot be pitched.
To pitch a title to the solely ad-supported Freevee, it must first be licensed by Prime Video across subscription and ad-supported rights types.
Here are some additional questions answered:
Is Freevee going to shut down?
There have also been recent news reports that Amazon is considering shutting down Freevee, which Amazon has denied. Filmhub confirmed with Amazon that Freevee will remain active.
My title is on Amazon’s Prime Video subscription service with only subscription rights. Will it be taken down since it doesn’t have ad-supported rights?
Yes, Amazon will soon begin removing titles from their subscription service without subscription and ad-supported rights. Contact us using the Contact Button in our Help Center to update your rights.
Are there any changes to Prime Video's buy/rent (transactional) offering?
No.
Can I upload my title to Amazon’s Prime Video Direct portal and avoid these changes?
No. These changes impact everyone who submits content to Amazon in the US. Only certain distributors, including Filmhub, can pitch titles to Amazon Freevee.
As always, we promise to be transparent and forthcoming with significant changes or updates that may impact your titles.
Filmhub Acquisitions Team
Thanks for sharing, Mike Boas.