Amazon signs first-look deal with Viola Davis prodco

Amazon Studios has signed an exclusive first-look deal with Widows star Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions.

The deal will focus on feature films. Upcoming title Troupe Zero is already in the works between the two companies and is set to be released in 2019.

Davis has become one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation, having appeared in titles such as Shonda Rhimes’ How to Get Away With Murder and The Help.

Amazon’s deal with the duo makes it the latest in a string of agreements signed with high-profile stars.

The company has already inked partnerships with Blumhouse Television, for a series of eight feature titles, Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films and Jordan Peele.

As the streaming space gets more competitive, entertainment companies are scrambling to strike deals with first-class talent. Netflix has struck multi-million dollar deals with Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy, while Apple – which is yet to even launch – has bagged talent such as Oprah Winfrey.

“Amazon Studios is passionate about building a home for both new and established filmmakers of all backgrounds, who share the same vision in telling incredible and engaging human stories,” Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios.

“Viola and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions brings distinctive, fresh voices and high-quality content to our customers in both theaters and on Prime Video.”