Amazon (AMZN 3.43%) Studios, the original film and series production arm of Amazon.com, will begin production on its eighth original series, "Betas."
Set in Silicon Valley among start-ups, "Betas" follows four computer geeks and their quest for fame by cracking the ultimate computer algorithm. Written by Evan Endicott and Josh Stoddard, it includes Ed Begley Jr., Jon Daly, Jon Dinicol, Margo Harshman, Charlie Saxton, and Karan Soni. Michael Lehmann ("True Blood," "Dexter," "American Horror Story") will direct and produce the pilot along with Alan Freedland and Alan Cohen ("King of the Hill," "American Dad") and Michael London ("Sideways," "The Informant").
"Betas" joins the lineup of seven previously announced Amazon productions: "Alpha House," "Browsers," "Dark Minions," "Onion News Empire," "Supanatural," "Those Who Can't," and "Zombieland." Similar to these Amazon productions, "Betas" will show for free on Amazon Instant Video, LOVEFiLM UK, and LOVEFiLM Germany.
Amazon Studios invites customers to view the pilots and provide feedback. Customer reviews will help Amazon Studios determine which shows will make it into full-season productions for viewing on Prime Instant Video.
