When it distributes Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq later this year, Amazon Studios will make its first significant foray into the world of film distribution. In order to keep up any momentum it gains from its first few movies, Amazon will need to acquire an impressive library of upcoming projects, and it has hired a new executive to help accomplish that goal. Julie Rapaport, formerly of The Weinstein Company, will join Amazon Studios in a role Variety calls “development executive.”
Rapaport joins the growing team at Amazon Original Movies, which is led by veteran film executive Ted Hope. Hope’s film development division also includes former Variety critic Scott Foundas, another recent hire.
TWC, Rapaport’s previous home, is known for producing films that ultimately bring in large hauls at the Oscars and Golden Globes. Amazon is certainly interested in using awards recognition to get the word out about its original programs; it ran an extensive Emmy campaign to support Transparent, its most critically-acclaimed original series.
Films acquired by Rapaport and her team will join those already set within Amazon Original Movies’ development pipeline. In addition to Chi-Raq, the fledgling studio will also distribute Elvis & Nixon, which will star Kevin Spacey and Michael Shannon.
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