Amazon Studios Taps 2 Pilots To Become Series

Amazon Studios, which let Amazon Prime subscribers take a look at five pilot episodes of possible series and cast votes for and against, picked two -- drama "Hand of God" and comedy "Red Oaks," which will begin on the content provider's service next year.

What happened to the other three? Amazon's release did not say, and did not respond to an email inquiry. 

"Hand of God" is an offbeat, dark drama starring Ron Perlman as a judge who suffers a nervous breakdown and has a religious conversion while searching for the person who raped his daughter. "Red Oaks" is a coming-of-age comedy set in the mid-'80s, about a young tennis pro at a country club who is soon headed to college. It stars Craig Roberts, Paul Reiser and Richard Kind.

Amazon never quite says viewers pick the winners, but that "feedback" from viewers in the U.S. and United Kingdom help determine which shows get picked.

Amazon has used it to successfully launch political comedy "Alpha House," now entering its second season. A new drama transgender-themed comic drama, "Transparent," also recently premiered on the service. Sitcom "Mozart in the Jungle" is coming soon and two others begin next year.

Viewers also had a hand in picking several children's-oriented programs. After noticing a subscriber has viewed the pilots, Amazon emails a survey soliciting opinions.

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