Amazon looking to produce TV comedies, children's shows

(CBS News) Amazon.com is looking to get into the television business.

On Wednesday, the online retailer announced an open call to submit scripts that could serve as pilots for comedies or children's shows.

Anyone can send in a proposal and pilot script for a series, according to the Wall Street Journal. If a script is picked, Amazon would produce the show and distribute it through its online-video service.

Amazon "wants to discover great talent and produce programming that audiences will love," Roy Price, director of Amazon Studios (the division overseeing the programming effort), said in prepared remarks, the WSJ reports.

The company launched a similar venture with film production in late 2010, Variety notes. Amazon currently has 15 movies in development, culled from 7,000 submitted scripts.

Amazon may be looking to provide some competition for Netflix and Hulu, which both distribute original series online.

Netflix's lineup of original programming includes "Lilyhammer," the upcoming drama series "House of Cards" and the highly-anticipated fourth season of "Arrested Development," which will debut next year. Hulu's offerings include the scripted series "Battleground," Morgan Spurlock's documentary series "A Day in the Life" and the travel show "Up to Speed."