Amazon's second wave of original pilots

[SideEffect34]

Amazon's pilot season is back, and this time it's bringing shows that have Netflix in the center of its crosshairs.

The latest batch includes hour-long dramas for the first time, and Amazon Studios will again crowdsource content decisions, picking the ones to make full series based on customer viewing data and reviews.

"Bosch" - Based on Michael Connelly's best-selling Harry Bosch series and written by Eric Overmyer and Michael Connelly, drama pilot "Bosch" follows a relentless LAPD homicide detective as he pursues the killer of a 13-year-old boy while standing trial in federal court on accusations that he murdered a suspected serial killer in cold blood. Bosch is played by Titus Welliver ("Argo," "The Good Wife") and stars Annie Wersching, Amy Price-Francis, and Jamie Hector. Henrik Bastin of Fabrik Entertainment ("The Killing") produced and Jim McKay directed the pilot.

"The After" - Written and directed by Emmy-nominee Chris Carter ("The X-Files") executive produced by Marc Rosen of Georgeville Television and produced by Gabe Rotter, "The After" follows eight strangers who are thrown together by mysterious forces and must help each other survive in a violent world that defies explanation. Aldis Hodge, Andrew Howard, Arielle Kebbel, Jamie Kennedy, Sharon Lawrence, Jaina Lee Ortiz, Adrian Pasdar, and Louise Monot star in the pilot.

"Mozart in the Jungle" - Dramatic comedy, "Mozart in the Jungle" was written by Oscar-nominated writer and director Roman Coppola ("Moonrise Kingdom," "The Darjeeling Limited"), actor and musician Jason Schwartzman ("Saving Mr. Banks," "Moonrise Kingdom," "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"), and Tony-nominated writer and director Alex Timbers ("Peter and the Starcatcher"). The project is based on the memoir "Mozart in the Jungle" by Blair Tindall. Mozart in the Jungle is all about sex, drugs -- and classical music -- and shows that what happens behind the curtains at the symphony can be just as captivating as what happens on stage. Paul Weitz ("About a Boy," "Admission") directed the pilot and executive produced. Gael Garcia Bernal, Saffron Burrows, Lola Kirke, Malcom McDowell, Bernadette Peters, and Peter Vack star.

"Transparent" - Written and directed by Emmy-nominee and 2013 Sundance Best Director winner Jill Soloway ("Afternoon Delight,"" Six Feet Under" and "United States of Tara"), "Transparent" is a darkly comedic story about an LA family with serious boundary issues. In this exploration of sex, memory, gender and legacy, the past and future unravel when a dramatic admission causes everyone's secrets to spill out. Jeffrey Tambor, Judith Light, Gaby Hoffmann, Amy Landecker ,and Jay Duplass star in the pilot.

"The Rebels" - Written by Jeremy Garelick and Jon Weinbach, sports comedy "The Rebels" follows Julie Levine (Natalie Zea) after her husband suddenly dies and leaves her as the sole owner of a pro-football team. The Rebels creative team also includes executive producer, Matt Alvarez ("Ride Along"), musician and actor Ice Cube and Michael Strahan, former football player for the New York Giants and host of "Live with Kelly and Michael."

via CNET

Pilot Season on Amazon Instant Video

2014 Amazon Originals Primetime Pilots Sizzle - YouTube

Has anyone watched any of these yet? I watched Bosch and The After and would like to see both picked up for full seasons. Bosch has a pretty good cast with Titus Welliver, Annie Wersching ("24"), Scott Wilson ("The Walking Dead"), Lance Reddick ("Fringe"), and Jamie Hector.

[theusher]

Yep. I really liked Bosch. The After was terrible, IMO. Just another Lost wannabe, full of cliches and bad acting. I was expecting something better from Carter.

[EricJ]

Not to mention a slate of original kids' pilots (Annebots, Wishenpoof, Life on Normal Street, JB and G. Raffe)
Nice to see that not ALL streaming original content series are dreary CBC and BBC castoffs, the way they are on Hulu.

[chris_sc77]

Mozart in the jungle sounds fantastic.
The new chris Carter show sounds really lame.

[wvuwhat]

I watched Bosch, The After, and The Rebels this evening.


Bosch was excellent. Happy to see Lance Reddick and Marlo Stanfield back from "The Wire" and "Fringe." Also, the old guy from "The Walking Dead" makes an appearance. Definitely shows promise.

The After was just meh. The main French actress was pretty much unwatchable. I usually like end of days/zombie types of shows/movies, but this just felt forced. I've seen many pilots that were worse that got a full season. I'd probably watch the 2nd and 3rd episodes to give it a chance.

The Rebels was pretty good. I'm a big fan of 30 minute comedies. I'm not a big Peck fan, but I'd probably watch this. The monkey was probably the best part.

[Outlander]

I loved Bosch. Really need this to be picked up. Everything was great!

The After was ok. Nothing spectacular......I would probably watch a few more episodes.

[rickah88]

Promo looks pretty good. Definitely going to have to check these out.

[Destinys Memory]

Saw Mozart in the Jungle, Transparent and The After.

Transparent has potential, although the pilot didn't really go anywhere.
Mozart was a cute little half hour. I'd watch more episodes of both.
Both shows were interesting and something network television wouldn't be interested in.

But... The After was awful. I get that people love The X-Files (and so do I), but this is not that. Stereotypes and lazy writing. Feels sort of like it's trying to be a weird mash-up of LOST and Under the Dome.

Unfortunately, I predict if any of them get picked up to series, it will be The After. I know I won't be watching.

[burner xxx]

+1 for Bosch and Mozart

[Rixx]

Glad they have ordered Mozart in the Jungle