SEATTLE, 2016-Aug-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon and Sky today announced it has added Britannia to its lineup of dramatic Amazon Original Series in the US and Sky Original Dramas in the UK. Britannia is written by the multi-award winning Jez Butterworth (Jerusalem, Spectre) and stars Kelly Reilly (True Detective, Sherlock Holmes), David Morrissey (The Walking Dead, The Hollow Crown) and Zoe Wanamaker (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, My Family). Filmed completely abroad, Britannia is set in 43 AD as the Roman Imperial Army, determined and terrified in equal measure, returns to crush the Celtic heart of Britannia, a mysterious land ruled by wild warrior women and powerful Druids who can channel the powerful forces of the underworld. Britannia is scheduled to premiere on Sky 1 in the UK and Ireland, and on Prime Video in the U.S. in 2017.
“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Sky on this series entirely produced overseas,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Digital Video and Amazon Studios. “Our customers will experience a cinematic world with bold characters anchored in a ruthless period of history.”
“This is one of the most ambitious dramas we’ve ever made and one of the most exciting,” said Anne Mensah, Sky’s Head of Drama. “Jez Butterworth has written an incredible drama that is entertaining and emotional but also asks important questions about what drives men and women to stand and fight; this is a battle for the heart of Britain like you’ve never seen before.”
Britannia is produced by Rick McCallum (Star Wars) and executive produced by Vertigo Films’ James Richardson (Monsters, Bronson) with Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown from Neal Street Productions (Penny Dreadful, Call the Midwife) and Anne Thomopolous (Rome, Band of Brothers). The series is written by Jez and Tom Butterworth (Fortitude, Tin Star) with Richard McBrien (Spooks, Merlin).
In the US, Britannia adds to a growing roster of dramatic Amazon Original Series, including The Man in the High Castle, Bosch and Hand of God, as well as upcoming series Goliath, Good Girls Revolt, Sneaky Pete and Patriot. In the UK, Britannia joins 12 original drama series already on air or set to air over the next couple of years on Sky Atlantic and Sky 1 including The Young Pope, Hooten & The Lady, Guerrilla, Tin Star, Delicious, Riviera, Jamestown and The Last Dragon slayer, as well as returning series including Fortitude and Agatha Raisin. The news also follows a successful year for Sky original drama, with BAFTA nominations for The Last Panthers and The Enfield Haunting and record-breaking audiences for Stan Lee’s Lucky Man on Sky 1.
The international distribution rights (excluding the US) for Britannia will be handled by Sky Vision, Sky’s international production and distribution arm. WME and Sky Vision negotiated the deal with Amazon.
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Sky has annual revenues of over £11 billion and is Europe’s leading investor in television content with a combined programming budget of £4.9 billion. The group employs 30,000 people and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (SKY).
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