GeekWire photo illustration.
GeekWire photo illustration.

Amazon Studios’ new pilot season kicks off June 17 and the e-commerce-giant-turned-production-studio is once again asking Prime members to help select its lineup of original series.

Pilots for eight new programs — two hour-long dramas and six kids shows — will be available to stream for all Prime members. Feedback from members and viewership numbers help inform which pilots will be picked up as Amazon Originals.

Jefrey Tambor in 'Transparent.' Credit: Amazon Studios
Jefrey Tambor in ‘Transparent.’ Credit: Amazon Studios

The process has helped Amazon select popular shows “Transparent,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” and “The Man in the High Castle.”

“The Interestings,” a series based on a New York Times best-selling novel, is one of the hour-long dramas up for consideration. It follows a group of teenage artists who meet at a summer camp in 1974 as they transition into adulthood. Lauren Ambrose of “Six Feet Under” and Jessica Pare from “Mad Men” are the most recognizable stars.

Amazon is also debuting “The Last Tycoon,” a drama set in 1930s Hollywood. The plot centers on a battle for a film studio in the face of the Great Depression and the specter of war. Kelsey Grammer and Matt Bomer star in the series, alongside Lily Collins.

logo_AmazonStudios_692Pilots for children’s shows “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters,” Little Big Awesome,” “Morris and the Cow,” “Toasty Tales,” “The Curious Kitty and Friends,” and “Jazz Duck” will be released June 17 as well. The first four are suggested for kids ages six to 11 and the last two are recommended for preschool-aged children.

Amazon has been building out its original content since the launch of Amazon Studios in 2010. Recognition for Amazon Originals at the Golden Globes and Emmys has been a boon for the company. CEO Jeff Bezos likes to joke that Amazon is “the first company to have figured out how to make winning a Golden Globe pay off in increased sales of power tools and baby wipes.”

The line has become one of Bezos’ go-to explanations for Amazon’s wide-ranging and varied business.

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