...and it's on the lookout for ideas

An unexpected new player has entered the sitcom business – internet retailer Amazon.

The company has invited writers to submit ideas and sample scripts for shows that could go into production for its on-demand video service Instant Play.

Amazon Studios is planning to option one idea per month to place on to its production slate, for which they will pay $10,000. If the show makes it to distribution, the creator is paid $55,000 plus five per cent royalties on any merchandising sales.

‘Generally speaking, we like character-driven ideas in well-defined worlds. We want shows that are smart, original, loud in concept and most of all, funny; think Archer or Curb Your Enthusiasm.

‘For live-action, we prefer shows with some level of serialisation. We are not looking for sketch, reality or talk shows. All scripts should be within the normal television standards for content and language.’

The quest for new sitcoms follows the success of a similar project for films, launched in 2010, which has led to 15 potential movies in development.

Entrants for the sitcom project must submit a pilot script and a brief document explaining the main characters, five or six episode ideas, and the storyline for the entire series. Click here for more information.

Writers also have the option to submit scripts for public review, so other website users can made comments and revisions to make the sitcom a more collaborative project.

Published: 3 May 2012