Channel 4, Xbox to adapt Swedish sci-fi

UK broadcaster Channel 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox Entertainment Studios are readying Humans, a sci-fi series based on an SVT drama from Sweden.

The deal will see Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley (Spooks) writing English-language scripts based on SVT’s drama Real Humans.

The 8x60mins series will launch in UK on Channel 4 and on the Xbox video platform in North America. Filming will begin this summer, with casting to be announced, ahead of a 2015 launch.

Shine Group’s Kudos Film & Television is producing the show in association with the original series’ creator Matador Films, and Shine International will handle international sales.

Kudos’ Jane Featherstone is executive producing alongside Derek Wax (The Hour). Henrik Widman and Lars Lundström exec produce for Matador, and Chris Fry (The Smoke) is the producer.

“Exploring themes of love, discrimination and integration, this thrilling, beautifully written series allows us to get under the skin of what it means to be human in the most compelling way,” said Featherstone. “The bold, innovative storylines and subject matter lend themselves perfectly to this pioneering collaboration with Channel 4 and Xbox.”

Dan Isaacs, COO of Kudos, brokered the deal with Ben McLean, senior VP of business affairs for Xbox Entertainment Studios, Channel 4’s director of commercial affairs Martin Baker and by Matt Vassello and Gordon Synn on behalf of Shine International.

Channel 4’s head of drama Piers Wenger and Beth Willis commissioned Humans, with Nancy Tellem doing the same for Xbox.

Stefan Baron, SVT Drama’s co-manager said it was ”incredibly enjoyable” Swedish scripted dramas were being made internationally, as well as the originals selling too.

Last week, TBI reported Kudos co-founder chairman Stephen Garrett is stepping down.