Amazon, Sky team on first drama copro

Amazon in the US has joined European satcaster Sky on its Roman drama Britannia, marking the first coproduction between the two firms.

Anne Mensah

The series, written by Jez Butterworth (Jerusalem, Spectre), is set in 43AD as the Roman Imperial Army returns to crush the Celtic heart of Britannia.

Britannia is shooting on location in Prague and Wales and will air on Sky1 in the UK and Ireland, as previously announced. Streaming service Amazon Prime Video in the US will launch the series in 2017.

The drama is produced by Vertigo Films and All3Media-owned Neal Street Productions.

In the US, Britannia adds to Amazon’s Original Series portfolio, which includes The Man in the High Castle, Bosch and Hand of God, as well as forthcoming series Goliath, Good Girls Revolt, Sneaky Pete and Patriot.

The drama was commissioned by Sky head of drama Anne Mensah, commissioning editor Cameron Roach and Sky1 director Adam MacDonald, alongside Amazon Studios VP of digital video Roy Price.

International distribution rights (excluding the US) will be handled by Sky Vision, Sky’s international production and distribution arm.