12 Xbox Original TV shows unveiled, including a Halo film

" Microsoft has announced no less than 12 original TV shows or features for Xbox Live, all of which "will offer interactive capabilities, as well as unique interactive features customized on a per-show basis, making it a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience you won't find anywhere else."

"Created or overseen by the recently founded Xbox Entertainment Studios, the pickings include the previously announced Halo TV series, plus a Halo "digital feature" executive produced by Ridley Scott, director of Alien and Blade Runner. There's also a reality TV show about up-and-coming football players, a couple of shows based on famous tabletop games, and a 2015-bound Channel 4 series about machines that look like humans. It's a bit of a spread."

http://www.totalxbox.com/75629/12-xbox-original-tv-shows-unveiled-including-a-halo-film-from-ridley-scott/

-

http://news.xbox.com/2014/04/ent-xbox-originals-unveil

"Starting this June, you’ll have more reasons to love your Xbox: Xbox Originals – premium dramas, comedies, documentaries, animation, unscripted shows, and live events. Available only on Xbox 360, Xbox One, and other Microsoft devices, every Xbox Originals show will offer interactive capabilities, as well as unique interactive features customized on a per-show basis, making it a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Xbox Entertainment Studios has attracted a slew of top Hollywood talent to develop its original programming slate, with names like Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott attached to two separate scripted projects based on the “Halo” franchise – but that's only the beginning. Other shows in production include an unscripted series about international street soccer, an original drama about robotic servants in a dystopian world, and a documentary about the search for discarded Atari games in a desert landfill – which were unearthed yesterday in New Mexico – amongst several others.

“We are developing premium, original content for the Xbox community which is an audience we are incredibly respectful of,” said Nancy Tellem, President of Xbox Entertainment Studios. “We believe Xbox Originals should embrace the way our fans think about traditional TV.” Tellem’s creative vision involves year-round, high-quality programs based on subjects gamers care about, with interactive features tailored to each show."

Confirmed shows

"Halo" television series

The "Halo" television series is a groundbreaking original series based on the award-winning "Halo" franchise. Award-winning filmmaker, director and producer Steven Spielberg will executive produce the live-action TV series, created in partnership with 343 Industries and Amblin Television.

"Every Street United"

"Every Street United" is an unscripted series of eight, thirty-minute episodes and a one-hour finale, featuring legendary soccer players Thierry Henry and Edgar Davids, focused on the global search for soccer's most gifted and undiscovered street stars scouted across eight countries (United States, England, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, the Netherlands, Ghana and South Korea). The series culminates this July in a 4v4 street game finale in the shadow of the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro.

Each episode will feature unique and incisive narratives about the grassroots street stars and the communities that shaped them. Industry veteran and eight-time Emmy-Award winning producer, director, writer and editor Jonathan Hock ("Streetball," "30 for 30: The Best That Never Was") is directing the series. Emmy-Award winning producer Mike Tollin and Mandalay Sports Media are executive producing. Professional soccer luminaries, Henry and Davids, will serve as coaches for the 4v4 street game in Rio. "Every Street United" will premiere in June 2014. All episodes will be available through Xbox Video for Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows 8 (PC and Surface) and Windows Phone 8.

Bonnaroo

Xbox owners around the globe can experience the magic of the 13th annual Bonnaroo music and arts festival with a live concert destination on Xbox Live Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15, 2014, brought to viewers in partnership with Superfly Presents. With the Bonnaroo app, fans can enjoy live music like never before, with a virtual experience featuring the best performances, multiple stages, biggest artists and amazing SuperJams, and explore this year's lineup to see the best of Bonnaroo's past with exclusive performances. Fans can also join the conversation with fellow virtual-Bonnaroovians and get connected to their friends and the festival. Xbox is the exclusive broadcasting partner for Bonnaroo and the only location to get all of the interactive features.

"Signal to Noise"/"Atari: Game Over"

Xbox is creating a new six film documentary series, "Signal to Noise," (working title) with two-time Academy Award winning producer Simon Chinn ("Searching for Sugar Man" and "Man on Wire") and Emmy winning producer Jonathan Chinn (FX's "30 Days" and PBS's "American High"), through their multi-platform media company, Lightbox. The series will expose little known stories of how modern technology has radically altered the way we interact with our world.

The first installment, "Atari: Game Over" (working title), explores the fabled Atari mystery, dubbed "The Great Video Game Burial of 1983." As the legend goes, the Atari Corporation, faced with overwhelmingly negative response to the E.T. video game, disposed of millions of unsold game cartridges by burying them in the small town of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Fuel Entertainment took an interest in the legend, and in December 2013, with help from local garbage contractor Joe Lewandowski, acquired the exclusive rights to excavate the Alamogordo landfill. Fuel Entertainment then brought the opportunity to Xbox Entertainment Studios. The team will head to the landfill in question to determine if the story is true, interviewing a cast of characters related to the game and its mystery along the way. "Atari: Game Over" is directed by writer/director Zak Penn ("X-Men 2," "Avengers," and "Incident at Loch Ness"). It will air exclusively on Xbox One and Xbox 360 in 2014.

"Humans"

"Humans" is a bold new drama co-produced with UK broadcaster Channel 4. Award-winning UK production company Kudos ("The Hour," "Utopia," "Broadchurch") will produce the hour-long, eight-episode series, which will share a premiere broadcast window on the Xbox platform and Channel 4 in the UK in 2015.

Executive produced by Jane Featherstone ("Life on Mars," "Broadchurch") and Derek Wax ("The Hour," "Sex Traffic"), and written by British writing team Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley ("Spooks," "Spooks: The Greater Good"), "Humans" is an English-language adaptation of Sveriges Television and Matador Film's acclaimed Swedish series, "Real Humans." "Humans" is set in a parallel present where the latest must-have gadget for any busy family is a 'Synth' - a highly-developed robotic servant eerily similar to its live counterpart. In the hope of transforming the way they live, one strained suburban family purchases a refurbished synth only to discover that sharing life with a machine has far-reaching and chilling consequences. Casting for "Humans" will begin in May 2014, and production will commence later this summer.

"Halo" digital feature

343 Industries and Scott Free Productions are creating a "Halo" digital feature to be released later this year. The project will be executive produced by Ridley Scott and Scott Free TV President, David Zucker. Sergio Mimica-Gezzan ("Battlestar Galactica," "Pillars of the Earth," "Heroes") will direct.

Other projects in development

"Deadlands"

Xbox Entertainment Studios has committed to a script based on the successful pen-and-paper role playing game created by Shane Lacy Hensley. "Deadlands" is a genre-bending alternative history of the Weird West, filled with undead gunfighters, card-slinging sorcerers, mad scientists, secret societies, and fearsome abominations.

"Extraordinary Believers"

Xbox Entertainment Studios is developing an innovative, hybrid stop-motion show dubbed "Extraordinary Believers" (working title) with Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, creators of the Emmy-Award winning "Robot Chicken," the longest running stop-motion show on television. The executive producers on the project are Seth Green, Matt Senreich, and creators/writers/executive producers are Eric Towner and John Harvatine IV.

"Fearless"

"Fearless," (working title) is an unscripted series currently in pilot production starring Paul de Gelder, an Australian Navy bomb clearance diver and shark attack survivor who takes on an adrenaline-fueled quest to aid individuals who risk their lives to make the world a better place. "Fearless" will be produced by Australia's International Emmy-Award winning production company, Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder (CJZ).

"Gun Machine"

Xbox Entertainment Studios acquired the rights to "Gun Machine," a hardboiled detective thriller based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Warren Ellis. Ellis will executive produce with Brett Conrad ("The Killing," "Sons of Anarchy," Netflix's upcoming "Marco Polo") who has signed on to write the pilot script about a detective tracking a serial killer who is tied to a mysterious collection of guns used in infamous New York murders.

Untitled JASH Comedy/Variety Half Hour

In this unique comedy format developed by Xbox Entertainment Studios with JASH (a comedy collective founded by Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera, Tim and Eric and Reggie Watts), the biggest names in comedy will showcase the people that make them laugh. Each week, a different comedian will host/curate a show featuring new and unsung talent, in various video formats. Sarah Silverman will host the pilot episode and Daniel Kellison ("Late Night/Late Show with David Letterman," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "Crank Yankers") will executive produce. The series has a pilot commitment and will begin shooting in June.

"Winterworld"

Xbox Entertainment Studios and IDW Entertainment are co-developing a limited event live-action series based on Chuck Dixon and artist Jorge Zaffino's seminal graphic novel series "Winterworld," in which our world has been encased in ice from pole-to-pole. The surviving humans have formed tribes that war, enslave and trade with one another in an effort to survive the infinite winter. Ted Adams and David Ozer from IDW Entertainment, and Rick Jacobs and Dave Alpert from Circle of Confusion ("Walking Dead") will executive produce.

let the games BEGIN...well, let the TV begin...it begins....TV.

THOUGHTS??

At least 5 of those shows look interesting to me, and they've got some nice diversity there. They always intended to add original programming so its all good to me. Get all the TV and Kinect feature news out before E3 so that they can concentrate on gaming there. Its a good look and a smart move.

Like last gen, MS deliver the biggest bang for your living room entertainment buck - good stuff.

they are remaking blakes 7 as well, can't wait

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23712001

Much rather see games, but that's asking a lot considering it isn't the x1's main focus.

Cows are coming

Lol, OP's comment was funny. Thanks for Djax btw!

Upwards of 65% TV shows this gen?

To quote Jeff Goldblum from the modern classic Jurassic Park: "That is one big pile of shit."

Mat wrote..@MonsieurX: nice

tehe, Seconded

Not really interested.....games please?

ouch...ur a cold cruel man Chute.

Djax is going to try and torch the Eagles in every damn game we play next season. win to lose it'll be fun or watch...goodluck next season.

i added a youtube commentary to the opening post. its an alright watch...some more details on some of the shows. Humans has potential to be really good.

Is this supposed to make me want to buy an X1?

All those shows will be available on piratebay :D

no...but it is an asset for the system.

I'd go as far as say it's the purpose of the system at this point. It's got nothing else going for it.

I'll just watch them on youtube. Nah! shows don't sound promising.

Calling it now, guys, killer app. This is a game changer. This is a system seller.

@tymeservesfate:

Say that again when the shows pop up online. At least with exclusive games, you still need the system to play them.

All shows pop up online, but people still pay subscriptions gt watch original programming they are interested in. MS just needs the right people involved and if the shows are good this will be a success. House of Cars can be pirated or whatever but its been a great hit for netflix. MS wants in on that, and with this being free for Live members its an added bonus content wise to the Xbox eco-system. I have high for hopes the Halo series and that at least 3 or 4 of the other shows turn out great. MS needs to continue adding value to Live and this helps in that regard.

and maybe instead of showing game trailers in local stores in Xbones section, they can show TV show trailers!!!! :P

@shawn30:

None of those subs require a $500 game console. Nice try.

Login to Xbox Live on Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows phone, Surface tablet, or likely online eventually. Nice try.

@shawn30:

Regardless, the service will not reach as many people as the competition, and cannot offer the same level of content.

HBO Go without HBO shows.

Damn I never really thought about that. Bye bye to that added value to the system I guess.

tv, tv, tv, tv! we have systemsellers ladies and gentleman

plz understand

there's alotta DC in here over this....yikes.

Is this a joke? There are over 31 million Live subscribers WW - http://www.statisticbrain.com/xbox-statistics/

and those on Windows phones add to it. MS has the money to secure the right people, so this could end up being a wild success, we just don't know yet until multiple projects air. What we do know is that these shows will be available to those 31 million Live subscribers around the world, and that these shows add value to being on Live. The potential is great if the projects are handled by the right people, and MS has more!!!! than enough money to fund them. MS can offer the same or more content as they see fit on a show by show/movie basis. Its up to MS to prove themselves, but to say they can't with the money and resources they have is silly. They will reach a very healthy audience that will continue to grow, especially if the shows are high quality.

So my question now stands. Did you buy a $500 gaming console for gaming or Original TV that will end up everywhere else?

I've had this discussion before. It doesn't add value or any bonuses or nothing. Especially when it'll be available other places and by shows end most likely watchable on your PS4/PC/Wii-U/Iphone Samsung tablet/Ipad and so on and so forth on some other service.

@shawn30:

Look, I dont think its the worst idea ever, I just think its pointless. I have xblg for gaming. I have netflix for tv shows and movies. I would be much happier to see MS invest their money in areas that improves the gaming experience. Nobody that has xblg now asked for original tv programming, and there is no guarantee they will access it.

And yes, services like Netflix CAN reach more people. They are available on significantly more devices not to mention the Xbox platforms.

I bought the Xbox One for what it was advertised for, the All in One Entertainment system. Bought it for Ryse, Dead Rising 3, Quantum Break, Titanfall, Sunset Overdrive, Forza Horizon 2, Fable Legends, Killer Instinct, Halo 5, Gears of War 4, next-gen multiplayer games, Kinect games for my son, new IP's, Xbox Fitness, Snap, NFL App, voice commands for navigation of the full console and all apps, Skype, the potential of cloud gaming, and the exclusive LIve television shows and documentaries discussed last May. And if you choose to pay for Live, provided MS does this, and they allow you to watch their original programs on all other phones/consoles/tablets that's fine and you will still be paying them. This is exclusive content for Live members and if you like one of MS original shows why not pay and watch it. If Sony makes original content I can view on something non-Sony if it interests me I will pay. So yeah, a dozen or so new original shows available to me on Live, when none are available now, does indeed offer added value to me. Especially if those shows end up first on the One/360/MS Devices. Early on its likely that unless you pirate it will only be available on MS systems. That adds value.

@wolverine4262: Hey, no one is saying you have to watch. But if you already pay for Live and suddenly new programs start airing, and you end up liking a couple and this doesn't add to your Live monthly charge, why not enjoy it? You never know what you will like until it airs, so we'll have to see the quality of the programming. MS has the money to do anything, and if something becomes successful, they'll invest more. And while its true Netflix reaches more people, 31 million potential viewers isn't to shabby at all for original content. Netflix didn't become Netflix over night and its constantly evolving. Live does too.

Ummm, the gaming market is small? Is that why these consoles are the fastest selling of all time? Also just look at the PS4, it's only focusing on games and it's already nearly on 10 million sold.

@FastRobby:

The Xbox one was designed to work in conjunction with a cable box, so I dont know what you are talking about.

Yes, all consoles are increasingly providing multimedia functions, but xblg has always been first and foremost about facilitating gaming, and if you think these shows will draw in new subscribers, I think you are mistaken.

I never said Sony was doing better.

Xbox one us becoming the one stop entertainment box.

So basically after "Bu..bu..bu..Titanfall will surely save Xbone!!!!"

We now have: "Bu..bu..bu..TV showsss will save Xbone!!!"

LMFAO, lemmings...how low can you go.

That's not what I asked you. And you're usually better to give me the crock of shit PR statement. Also we know Microsofts history of abandoning consoles pretty regularly into the consoles respective cycle.

Is this what the one's legacy will become? A bunch of great exclusives and after about 6 years original TV content. I don't know but look at the website you're on.

Also can you tell me where I can find an Xbox One in any department store or any specialty story? I'd really like to know the answer to that question.

Also A) I have availability as I have an Xbox 360

B) It doesn't add value when the value is immediately decreased by being available elsewhere. Trust me it will be the goal of any video content is to have it syndicated as much as possible for the maximum profit ( General value applies, you can sit and show bias saying it's valuable to you. But a single individual=/= the population)

C) See Halo:Forward unto dawn It was released on live and released via other media outlets less than two months later.

D) Nobody has bought a video game console because of a TV show.

Sorry if I sound like a jerk. It's been a whirlwind of a morning.

@shawn30:

MS doesn't have infinite resources. Like I said before, Id be much happier if they focused on improving gaming. Ill probably check out the Halo show, but I dont think ill turn on my Xbox to do it.

Wow, all these shills.

Last I checked vidya was bringing in more revenue than Hollywood.

No, it is what you asked, you just don't agree and can't seem to express it. You asked why I bought the One, I answered with my reasons. If the answer to your questions feels like PR to you, oh well, lol. That';s honestly why I bough the damn thing. As for console cycles, I still play my 360 7 years after I bought it, so I'm fine with their support. As for legacy, I play games and watch TV for fun. The word legacy is only related to relationships, friends, and family. My Xbox One was purchased to entertain me and my family and so long as it does that, I'm fine. I'm not yanking out a crystal ball about how many years this or that will happen. Games and features are out now that I am enjoying, while games/features/original TV shows are coming I intend to enjoy. I will let 5 or 6 years down the line take care of itself.

All of what the One does is a value in my eyes. Its as simple as that. TV adds to it, is an ingredient, but that's all.

But that's not the point i'm making.

The point i'm trying to make is people don't buy these things for TV shows and that these TV shows cannot add any value whatsoever when they're syndicated withing a couple of months.

It's great it has great capabilities such as that. But again these are all things that OTHER things do.

I may look at it differently cause i'm not a family man and I get it why it can be so great. But inherently as a game TV doesn't enhance the experience for me what so ever.

@shawn30: @Animal-Mother:

Get me out of your quote chain, please.

A) Why?
B) it'll bounce you in the next quote it looks like

@Animal-Mother:

A)Massive quote chains are annoying

B)I dont like constantly getting notifications for a conversation im not a part of.

Im not saying edit your posts, just clean up the huge quote chains in the future.

Lol, this troll has not made any sense since the Xbox One launched.

sig

___

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=161288635428