In brief: Humans; Left Bank; Sky; UKTV; Left Bank; Chewing Gum; S+V

Amazon picks up Humans

Kudos’ sci-fi series Humans has been picked up for distribution in the US by Amazon Prime from Endemol Shine International. The eight-part series, which was co-produced by AMC and Channel 4, will be made available to subscribers of the online giant’s VoD service from next spring across a range of platforms including connected TVs, tablets and mobiles. The show gripped an average of 3.7m (14.3%) when it aired on C4 from June.   

Left Bank to produce WWII drama for ITV

Andy Harries’ Left Bank Pictures is making a World War II drama for ITV. The Sony-backed indie is producing The Halycon, an 8 x 60-minute series, which is set in a glamourous air raid shelter in London. The drama, which will be distributed by Sony Pictures Television, is written by The Palace writer Charlotte Jones. It was commissioned by ITV drama chief Steve November.

Sky backs VoD start-up

Sky has invested £200,000 in online channel operator TV4 Entertainment. The LA-based business distributes around 12 special interest channels, including factual channel DocComTV, automotive channel Motorland and combat sports channel Ultimate Champion Project, across US platforms including Amazon, Hulu, Roku and YouTube. TV4, which was founded by Jon Cody, has licenced over 5000 titles from over 200 content partners.

UKTV heads to Freesat

UKTV free-to-air channels Drama, Really and Yesterday are to launch on Freesat later this month. The scripted, lifestyle and factual channels will air in slot 162 to 164, growing Freesat’s portfolio of entertainment channels to more than 60.  UKTV chief executive Darren Childs said: ““We work hard to secure platform deals that give more people our channels, and ultimately grow UKTV’s footprint.”

Chewing Gum returns to E4

E4 comedy Chewing Gum is to return for a second series next year. The first series, adapted by writer/performer Michaela Coel from her National Theatre production Chewing Gum Dreams, played to critical acclaim this autumn. Channel 4 comedy commissioning editor Rachel Springett praised the “fresh viewpoint [of] multi-talented” Coel. The 6 x 30 minute series will be produced by Fremantle UK label Retort and executive produced by its managing director Jon Rolph.

Sunset + Vine scores BBC bowls deal

Sunset + Vine has secured a three-year contract from the BBC to produce the World Indoor Professional Bowls Championships The deal, which runs from 2016 to 2018, will be overseen from S+V’s Glasgow office and comprise live coverage and highlights. The annual event gets underway on 18 January in Great Yarmouth.