Channel 4 and Microsoft to co-produce new original series

Channel 4 and Microsoft Xbox Entertainment Studios have announced a co-production deal for a new original series based on the Swedish sci-fi drama, Real Humans.

Set to premiere in 2015 on both Channel 4 in the UK and the Xbox platform in North America, Humans will be set in a parallel present where the latest must-have gadget is a ‘Synth’ – a highly-developed robotic servant.

The news follows an announcement last week that Channel 4 will be investing in international drama co-productions as part of a new strategy to complement its “home-grown drama” offering, alongside bringing in international talent to give British writers, directors and producers an international platform.

Commenting on the partnership, Channel 4’s head of drama, Piers Wenger, said that Humans is the first co-production commission to benefit from the broadcaster’s increased investment in drama, reaffirming Channel 4’s “commitment to ambitious, highly original drama series.”

Nancy Tellum, president of Xbox Entertainment Studios, said: “This deal with Channel 4 underscores Xbox Entertainment Studios’ commitment to programming premium TV series with global partners and creating engaging experiences – and sits alongside other original commissions including a Halo TV series executive produced by Steven Spielberg.”

Filming for Humans will begin in the UK in the summer, with casting to be announced in due course.