At the top of the year Patently Apple reported that Apple could be working on original movies and TV series for their Apple TV subscription service rumored to be on track for later this year. Apple then hired top executives from Sony with experience delivering top quality TV shows. And earlier this month we learned that the co-founder of DreamWorks made a pitch to Apple about a new kind of TV content idea with short 10-minute episodes. We know something big could be in the works but it seems like it's taking forever to become public. While we await Apple's big media push, Variety is report today that "Amazon is moving into self-distributing its own movies, putting it on the path to becoming a full-fledged film studio."

Variety reports today that Amazon "will release Woody Allen's 'Wonder Wheel' without bringing in a distribution partner. The film opens in theaters on Dec. 1, 2017, and is expected to be an Oscar contender.

Amazon began buying and producing films in 2015, working with filmmakers such as Whit Stillman and Spike Lee, and earning Academy Awards for last year's 'Manchester By the Sea' and 'The Salesman.' However, it has relied on independent studios such as Bleecker Street, Roadside Attractions, and Lionsgate to bring its film to theaters.

With their deep pockets and big ambitions, Amazon and Netflix have upended the film distribution landscape, although they have taken different approaches. Netflix is solely focused on servicing its streaming service subscribers. Amazon believes in premiering movies in theaters before offering them on its Prime digital service. With the move into self-distribution, Amazon now offers all of the services that a traditional film studio boasts — from financing to production to rolling out a picture in cinemas.

Variety also has confirmed that 'Wonder Wheel' will be the closing night film of this year's New York Film Festival, which is presented by Film Society of Lincoln Center." The Film Festival begins on September 28.

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