• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, October 3, 2013

If not quite keeping pace with traditional networks, new-age TV programmers are greenlighting pilots at an unprecedented rate. Adding to its first round of comedies last April, Amazon on Thursday gave the go-ahead on three new half-hour pilots.

The brightest new star is "Mozart in the Jungle," written by Oscar-nominated writer and director Roman Coppola, actor Jason Schwartzman, and Tony-nominated writer and director Alex Timbers.

Based on the memoir "Mozart in the Jungle" by Blair Tindall, the project is all about sex, drugs, and classical music -- yes, classical music -- and shows the shady side of the symphony business. Of note, Amazon Prime subscribers will be encouraged to offer show feedback, and help Amazon Studios decide which pilots to produce.

“We are excited to hear what customers think of the shows,” Roy Price, director of Amazon Studios, stated. Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series.

Whichever shows make the cut are expected to air exclusively on Prime Instant Video and Amazon’s LOVEFiLM in the UK in early 2014. The pilots will be available on Amazon Instant Video early next year for all customers to watch and provide feedback.

From Netflix to Amazon to Hulu, premium video platforms have realized the best way to stand out is with quality original programming. Trying to hold its own against networks new and old, Amazon is investing serious resources into original content.

Another new contender from Amazon is “The Outlaws,” which tackles the ins and outs of professional football from the perspective of the players and the back office. Written by Jeremy Garelick and Jon Weinbach, the show could be considered a cross between "Monday Night Football" and “Downton Abbey.”

The third new comedy pilot is "Transparent," a darkly comedic story about an LA family written and directed by Emmy-nominee and 2013 Sundance Best Director winner Jill Soloway. The pilots will be available on Amazon Instant Video in early next year for all customers to watch and provide feedback.

While experienced writers are clearly favored, the studio encourages anyone to upload their script for consideration. Recently, Amazon Studios announced six new kids’ pilots including “Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street,” “Grid Smasher,” “Hard-Boiled Eggheads,” “The Jo B. & G. Raff Show,” “The Maker Shack Agency” and “Wishenpoof!”

This fall, Amazon Studios will also debut its first full comedy series “Alpha House,” and Betas,” which will be available exclusively on Prime Instant Video and Amazon LOVEFiLM in the UK.

Since launch, more than 18,000 movie scripts and 4,000 series projects have been submitted to Amazon Studios.