Microsoft has announced that they are moving forward with original programming. Bloomberg reports that production at Xbox Entertainment Studios will commence this June, under the leadership of Nancy Tellem. Tellem was hired by Microsoft in 2012. Previously, Tellem was president of CBS Entertainment, where she supervised the network's programming lineup. Shows like CSI, Everybody Loves Raymond and Survivor all aired under her watch.
Xbox Entertainment Studios was founded in L.A. last year to create 'true interactive content' for the Xbox brand, not long before the unveiling of the Xbox One. Back then, Microsoft already began talking about a Steven Spielberg produced series based on the megahit franchise Halo. While details have yet to materialize regarding that project, the renewed commitment to original programming comes with the reveal of their first series, entitled 'Humans.'
'Humans' is based on a Swedish series, Äkta människor or 'Real Humans.' A collaboration between Xbox Entertainment Studios (XES) and the UK's Channel 4, the series will be set in an alternate present where robotic servants have become a household accessory. Drama unfolds when a busy father purchases a second-hand model that conceals its own secrets. An eight episode order has been given, and will air on Channel 4 with XES holding exclusive broadcast rights in North America.
"Humans not only questions personal relationships, we loved how this sci-fi show toys with reality and our connection to technology," said Tellem. "This deal with Channel 4 and Kudos underscores Xbox Entertainment Studios' commitment to programming premium TV series with global partners and creating engaging interactive experiences." Other programs on the slate at XES include "Every Street United," a street football reality show and a sketch comedy show from Sarah Silverman and Michael Cera.
Tellem later told Bloomberg that Microsoft is open to creating programs based on the "rich amount" of intellectual property the company already owns ."Whether it's from a game like Fable or Age of Empires or Gears of War or Forza, which is an amazing car racing game, or Halo. These are the things that frankly if we weren't attached to Microsoft everyone would yearn to have."
Microsoft is just one of a handful of tech companies diversifying into original video content. Netflix has already seen success with their Netflix Originals, which includes shows like Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. The online retailer Amazon has already begun greenlighting shows for the first season of its Amazon Originals. Sony is also developing its own programming for the Playstation service, but so far has only one show in its stable, the high concept procedural Powers. — TJD, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
