Spike Lee's 'Chi-raq' to be Amazon's first feature film
theGRIO REPORT - Amazon, perhaps in an attempt to compete with rival Netflix in the video market, has announced that it plans to produce a dozen films this year, and the first of those films will be Spike Lee's Chi-raq.
Amazon has announced that it plans to produce a dozen films this year.
The first of those films will be Spike Lee’s upcoming picture Chi-raq, according to the The Hollywood Reporter.
Chi-raq reportedly focuses on the violence in inner-city Chicago and takes its name from the derogatory nickname many victims of violence have given to their area.
It stars big names like Nick Cannon, Jennifer Hudson, Common, Wesley Snipes, Dave Chappelle and John Cusack, and Amazon has reported that filming finished just last week.
Although the film has faced much criticism for its title, which some feel reflects too negatively on the people of Chicago and others (especially politicians) feel will discourage tourism to Chicago, the film seems to be moving right along toward completion.
Amazon’s plans to produce movies extend beyond what competitor Netflix is currently doing. While Netflix has been creating new content that airs specifically on its website, Amazon is looking to set up distribution deals with theaters, with the movies being released a few month after their theatrical release to Amazon’s movie platforms. In addition to Spike Lee, Amazon has already launched deals with Woody Allen and Doonesbury comic strip creator Garry Trudeau.
