Amazon continues its push into the TV market. In 2016, the E-commerce giant will roll out two high profile original series backed by some of the biggest names in entertainment. They discussed their upcoming slate at a panel yesterday and faced questions regarding the off-screen behavior of their new stars.
The first project is a new television show being created by two time Academy Award Winner Woody Allen. The second is their highly publicized automotive show featuring the BBC's recently axed Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson and his co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May.
Allen and Clarkson have been fixtures in the news recently, courting controversy for their questionable actions.
Allen is facing sexual assault allegations from his daughter Dylan Farrow, whom he adopted during his marriage to actress Mia Farrow two decades ago. A reporter asked Amazon Studios Chief Roy Price whether the company considered these facts when making a deal with the filmmaker. This was his response:
"I think you have to look at the whole picture but - yeah, take everything into account, but our focus is on the fact that he is a great filmmaker and storyteller," he said. "And so we look forward to the show in 2016."
Clarkson on the other hand, was sacked from his 20+ year stint as host of the wildly popular motoring show 'Top Gear' after getting into a physical altercation with one of the program's producers. During his time on the show, Clarkson was also criticized for his insensitive and offensive statements towards Argentinians, Mexicans, and Indians among others. On this subject Price said:
"There is a lot to focus on other than that. I can't comment on all the details of our discussions or contracts or things like that, but we're bullish on the show and think it will tour out well."
