ITV has unveiled a slate of new comedy commissions, most of which will premiere on Itvx, its upcoming free streaming service.
New comedy titles include “Plebs: Soldiers of Rome,” “Deep Fake Neighbour Wars,” “Ruby Speaking Count,” “Abdulla” and “Significant Other.”
“The arrival of Itvx gives us more opportunities to commission a broad range of comedies and a dedicated place for the genre to call home,” said Nana Hughes, ITV’s Head of Comedy. The executive added that ITV aspired to showcase a “huge cross section of contemporary, diverse and inclusive comedy.”
“We want to take risks but most importantly we want our audiences to find shows that reflect them and make them laugh,” Hughes continued.
“Plebs: Soldiers of Rome” is a a feature-length special based on the award-winning comedy series “Plebs” which has had five successful seasons. “Plebs” is directed and written by Sam Leifer and co-written by Tom Basden.
New comedy titles include “Plebs: Soldiers of Rome,” “Deep Fake Neighbour Wars,” “Ruby Speaking Count,” “Abdulla” and “Significant Other.”
“The arrival of Itvx gives us more opportunities to commission a broad range of comedies and a dedicated place for the genre to call home,” said Nana Hughes, ITV’s Head of Comedy. The executive added that ITV aspired to showcase a “huge cross section of contemporary, diverse and inclusive comedy.”
“We want to take risks but most importantly we want our audiences to find shows that reflect them and make them laugh,” Hughes continued.
“Plebs: Soldiers of Rome” is a a feature-length special based on the award-winning comedy series “Plebs” which has had five successful seasons. “Plebs” is directed and written by Sam Leifer and co-written by Tom Basden.
- 8/22/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Oscar-winner Olivia Colman and producer Francesca Moody (Fleabag) are launching The Theatre Community Fund, which will provide grants to UK theatre professionals who have been struggling economically during the coronavirus pandemic.
Donors will contribute through initial lump sums and, innovatively, through fixed, confidential percentages of their incomes over the next two years. The fund will be separated into two priority strands giving grants of up to £3,000:
To help freelancers survive the present by providing hardship grants to those in immediate need. To ensure a healthy future for the industry by providing innovation and creation grants for artists to produce work.
Among first donors to the fund, which has to date received combined pledges of £1M, are Tom Hiddleston, Gillian Anderson, Danny Boyle, Emilia Clarke, Richard Curtis, Kit Harrington, Ian McKellen, Daisy Ridley, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Thompson and Rachel Weisz. Scroll down for the list in full.
Donors will contribute through initial lump sums and, innovatively, through fixed, confidential percentages of their incomes over the next two years. The fund will be separated into two priority strands giving grants of up to £3,000:
To help freelancers survive the present by providing hardship grants to those in immediate need. To ensure a healthy future for the industry by providing innovation and creation grants for artists to produce work.
Among first donors to the fund, which has to date received combined pledges of £1M, are Tom Hiddleston, Gillian Anderson, Danny Boyle, Emilia Clarke, Richard Curtis, Kit Harrington, Ian McKellen, Daisy Ridley, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Thompson and Rachel Weisz. Scroll down for the list in full.
- 7/30/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Kim Cattrall has pulled out of British comedy series The Cockfields due to “unforeseen scheduling issues”. The Sex and The City star, who is fronting Fox’s soapy drama Filthy Rich, had been due to star in the three-part series for UKTV’s Gold channel alongside After Life stars Joe Wilkinson and Diane Morgan.
She has been replaced by Sarah Parish, who recently appeared in ITV drama Bancroft and BBC comedy W1A as well as previous stints on Doctor Who and Atlantis.
The series, which is written by Joe Wilkinson and David Ear, also stars The Royale Family’s Sue Johnston, Chariots of Fire’s Nigel Havers and Not Going Out’s Bobby Ball. It is produced by Yellow Door Productions, the production company set up by former Sky comedy chief Lucy Lumsden.
Wilkinson plays Simon, who is taking girlfriend Donna, played by Morgan back home to the Isle of...
She has been replaced by Sarah Parish, who recently appeared in ITV drama Bancroft and BBC comedy W1A as well as previous stints on Doctor Who and Atlantis.
The series, which is written by Joe Wilkinson and David Ear, also stars The Royale Family’s Sue Johnston, Chariots of Fire’s Nigel Havers and Not Going Out’s Bobby Ball. It is produced by Yellow Door Productions, the production company set up by former Sky comedy chief Lucy Lumsden.
Wilkinson plays Simon, who is taking girlfriend Donna, played by Morgan back home to the Isle of...
- 6/17/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Kim Cattrall is to star in a British comedy series alongside two of the stars of Ricky Gervais’ After Life. The Sex and the City star, who is also fronting Fox’s soapy drama Filthy Rich, is starring in three-part series The Cockfields for UKTV’s Gold channel.
The series stars Joe Wilkinson and Diane Morgan, who both featured in Gervais’ Netflix comedy, and it is written by Wilkinson and David Ear. The Royale Family’s Sue Johnston, Chariots of Fire’s Nigel Havers and Not Going Out’s Bobby Ball.
The Cockfields is produced by Yellow Door Productions, the production company set up by former Sky comedy chief Lucy Lumsden.
Wilkinson plays Simon, who is taking girlfriend Donna, played by Morgan back home to the Isle of Wight for the very first time. There they’ll spend a long weekend as guests of his ever-doting mother Sue, played by Johnston,...
The series stars Joe Wilkinson and Diane Morgan, who both featured in Gervais’ Netflix comedy, and it is written by Wilkinson and David Ear. The Royale Family’s Sue Johnston, Chariots of Fire’s Nigel Havers and Not Going Out’s Bobby Ball.
The Cockfields is produced by Yellow Door Productions, the production company set up by former Sky comedy chief Lucy Lumsden.
Wilkinson plays Simon, who is taking girlfriend Donna, played by Morgan back home to the Isle of Wight for the very first time. There they’ll spend a long weekend as guests of his ever-doting mother Sue, played by Johnston,...
- 6/3/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Overall and first-look deals still drive the television business.
Although some mega-producers have moved to the streaming world, including Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes at Netflix, the overwhelming majority of pacts are still at the studio and linear network level. These deals help lock in show services, as well as keep the development pipeline flowing.
Here is a snapshot at most of the deals currently in place across Hollywood, as of mid-May.
A+E Studios
Appletree Pictures
Ross Fineman
Sarah Gertrude Shapiro
Thruline (Ron West/Chris Henze/Jb Roberts)
ABC Studios
Eli Attie
Alec Baldwin/Mallory Schwartz El Dorado Pictures
Kenya Barris Khalabo Ink Society
Julie Bean
Kevin Biegel
Sherry Bilsing-Graham/Ellen Kreamer
Bluegrass Fanfare
Chris Brancato Churchill Road Prods.
Jeremy Bronson
Danny Chun
Adam Ciralsky
Eliza Coupe
Liz Craft/Sarah Fain
Carlton Cuse
Paul Davies
Viola Davis/Kaylon Hunt JuVee Prods.
Tim Doyle
Dan Dworkin/Jay Beattie
Randall Einhorn...
Although some mega-producers have moved to the streaming world, including Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes at Netflix, the overwhelming majority of pacts are still at the studio and linear network level. These deals help lock in show services, as well as keep the development pipeline flowing.
Here is a snapshot at most of the deals currently in place across Hollywood, as of mid-May.
A+E Studios
Appletree Pictures
Ross Fineman
Sarah Gertrude Shapiro
Thruline (Ron West/Chris Henze/Jb Roberts)
ABC Studios
Eli Attie
Alec Baldwin/Mallory Schwartz El Dorado Pictures
Kenya Barris Khalabo Ink Society
Julie Bean
Kevin Biegel
Sherry Bilsing-Graham/Ellen Kreamer
Bluegrass Fanfare
Chris Brancato Churchill Road Prods.
Jeremy Bronson
Danny Chun
Adam Ciralsky
Eliza Coupe
Liz Craft/Sarah Fain
Carlton Cuse
Paul Davies
Viola Davis/Kaylon Hunt JuVee Prods.
Tim Doyle
Dan Dworkin/Jay Beattie
Randall Einhorn...
- 5/16/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Remember Kinvig, Clone, Not With A Bang? These are the UK sci-fi sitcoms you’re unlikely to see on comedy best-of lists…
With E4 sci-fi comedy commissions, Tripped and Aliens, and in-development Channel 4 projects, Space Ark and Graham Linehan/Adam Buxton collaboration The Cloud, in the works, a new crop of sci-fi sitcom could be making its way to UK TV.
Making funny sci-fi on a small-screen budget is tough enough without the additional pressure of having to attract viewers more traditionally down-to-earth in their sitcom tastes. Sci-fi sets and effects can be seen as prohibitively expensive by comedy commissioners (which is perhaps why the best UK sci-fi sitcoms of recent years has been on BBC Radio), and the genre’s niche status doesn’t scream mainstream hit. Over the years, one or two stand-outs have managed to straddle the sci-fi and comedy TV worlds, but plenty more have stumbled in the attempt.
With E4 sci-fi comedy commissions, Tripped and Aliens, and in-development Channel 4 projects, Space Ark and Graham Linehan/Adam Buxton collaboration The Cloud, in the works, a new crop of sci-fi sitcom could be making its way to UK TV.
Making funny sci-fi on a small-screen budget is tough enough without the additional pressure of having to attract viewers more traditionally down-to-earth in their sitcom tastes. Sci-fi sets and effects can be seen as prohibitively expensive by comedy commissioners (which is perhaps why the best UK sci-fi sitcoms of recent years has been on BBC Radio), and the genre’s niche status doesn’t scream mainstream hit. Over the years, one or two stand-outs have managed to straddle the sci-fi and comedy TV worlds, but plenty more have stumbled in the attempt.
- 7/23/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Alan Partridge's Mid-Morning Matters is definitely coming back to Sky Atlantic for a new series in 2015.
Steve Coogan's comic creation will also be back in a one-off "hard-hitting documentary special", which will also air on Sky Atlantic.
Partridge returned to TV in 2013 with specials Welcome To The Places Of My Life and Open Books With Martin Bryce, which won a BAFTA and Rts Award.
Mid Morning Matters started on YouTube as a series of videos for Foster's Funny, but was then picked up and turned into a series by Sky.
The six new episodes will premiere exclusively on Sky Atlantic. The series is written by Steve Coogan, Neil Gibbons and Rob Gibbons and produced by Ted Dowd
"I am both thrilled, humbled, gladdened and excited to be bringing Mid Morning Matters back to Sky Atlantic," said Partridge.
"I expect those who doubted its success feel suitably chastened to...
Steve Coogan's comic creation will also be back in a one-off "hard-hitting documentary special", which will also air on Sky Atlantic.
Partridge returned to TV in 2013 with specials Welcome To The Places Of My Life and Open Books With Martin Bryce, which won a BAFTA and Rts Award.
Mid Morning Matters started on YouTube as a series of videos for Foster's Funny, but was then picked up and turned into a series by Sky.
The six new episodes will premiere exclusively on Sky Atlantic. The series is written by Steve Coogan, Neil Gibbons and Rob Gibbons and produced by Ted Dowd
"I am both thrilled, humbled, gladdened and excited to be bringing Mid Morning Matters back to Sky Atlantic," said Partridge.
"I expect those who doubted its success feel suitably chastened to...
- 7/1/2014
- Digital Spy
James Tarpey leads the young cast in a new Sky1 sitcom series After Hours which has just started filming in Manchester.
He stars as Willow Hannigan, an 18 year-old jobless music lover who's just had his heart broken for the first time.
James (represented by United Agents) is a graduate of the Brit School, he played a young Eddie Marsan in Brit sci-fi comedy feature film World's End, and will next be seen in sci-fi action feature Our Robot Overlords.
Georgina Campbell (represented by Bloomfields Welch Management) plays Willow's ex-girlfriend Jasmine. Georgina, appeared in ITV's The Ice Cream Girls, and can currently be seen starring in the harrowing BBC Three docudrama Murdered By My Boyfriend.
Newcomer Fergus Van Gelder plays Willow's best friend Chris.
There are no jobs in the small Northern town Willow lives in, his beautiful ex-girlfriend has moved on to someone new and most of his mates have...
He stars as Willow Hannigan, an 18 year-old jobless music lover who's just had his heart broken for the first time.
James (represented by United Agents) is a graduate of the Brit School, he played a young Eddie Marsan in Brit sci-fi comedy feature film World's End, and will next be seen in sci-fi action feature Our Robot Overlords.
Georgina Campbell (represented by Bloomfields Welch Management) plays Willow's ex-girlfriend Jasmine. Georgina, appeared in ITV's The Ice Cream Girls, and can currently be seen starring in the harrowing BBC Three docudrama Murdered By My Boyfriend.
Newcomer Fergus Van Gelder plays Willow's best friend Chris.
There are no jobs in the small Northern town Willow lives in, his beautiful ex-girlfriend has moved on to someone new and most of his mates have...
- 6/23/2014
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Ardal O'Hanlon and John Thomson are to star in a new Sky1 sitcom.
After Hours will be directed by The Royle Family's Craig Cash, and will be centred around growing up in a small Northern English town.
Jaime Winstone will also star in the six-episode series, alongside newcomer James Tarpey.
The show will follow Willow Hannigan (Tarpey), an 18-year-old music fan who has just had his first heartbreak. O'Hanlon will play his father Peter, who is an unemployed former milkman.
Thomson will star as Peter's best friend Geoff, while Winston will play Lauren, who runs the local internet station from a canal boat. The only thing that keeps Willow sane is listening to Lauren's radio show After Hours.
After Hours is written by Molly Naylor and John Osborne, who previously staged the Fringe show John Peel's Shed.
The series will launch on Sky1 in 2015.
Lucy Lumsden, Sky's head of comedy,...
After Hours will be directed by The Royle Family's Craig Cash, and will be centred around growing up in a small Northern English town.
Jaime Winstone will also star in the six-episode series, alongside newcomer James Tarpey.
The show will follow Willow Hannigan (Tarpey), an 18-year-old music fan who has just had his first heartbreak. O'Hanlon will play his father Peter, who is an unemployed former milkman.
Thomson will star as Peter's best friend Geoff, while Winston will play Lauren, who runs the local internet station from a canal boat. The only thing that keeps Willow sane is listening to Lauren's radio show After Hours.
After Hours is written by Molly Naylor and John Osborne, who previously staged the Fringe show John Peel's Shed.
The series will launch on Sky1 in 2015.
Lucy Lumsden, Sky's head of comedy,...
- 6/23/2014
- Digital Spy
Sky and FX have signed a deal to work together on new joint Us and UK post-watershed comedy projects.
A two-year deal involves creating half-hour scripted comedies that will air on Sky1 and Sky Atlantic in the UK and FX in America.
Sky's recent comedy hits have included Charlie Brooker's A Touch of Cloth, Moone Boy and Alan Partridge's Mid-Morning Matters.
Meanwhile, FX famously gave the world Louie and cult favourite It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
"We're hugely excited about working with FX Networks to develop distinctive brand new comedy and further strengthen our commitment to original home-grown programming," said Sky's head of comedy Lucy Lumsden.
"Partnering with the world's most renowned broadcasters lets us bring Sky customers something truly special, and we look forward to working with the most talented comedy writers and performers in both Britain and the Us."...
A two-year deal involves creating half-hour scripted comedies that will air on Sky1 and Sky Atlantic in the UK and FX in America.
Sky's recent comedy hits have included Charlie Brooker's A Touch of Cloth, Moone Boy and Alan Partridge's Mid-Morning Matters.
Meanwhile, FX famously gave the world Louie and cult favourite It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
"We're hugely excited about working with FX Networks to develop distinctive brand new comedy and further strengthen our commitment to original home-grown programming," said Sky's head of comedy Lucy Lumsden.
"Partnering with the world's most renowned broadcasters lets us bring Sky customers something truly special, and we look forward to working with the most talented comedy writers and performers in both Britain and the Us."...
- 3/20/2014
- Digital Spy
Mount Pleasant is returning to Sky Living for a fourth series, it has been confirmed.
The comedy drama, which stars Sally Lindsay and Daniel Ryan, will return later this year.
Sky Living's director Antonia Hurford-Jones said that the show had been "a big hit with viewers".
Nigel Harman, Bobby Ball, George Sampson and Samantha Womack will return for the fourth series, alongside Neil Fitzmaurice, Nicola Millbank and Ainsley Howard.
New cast members include Daniel Ings (Psychoville) and Naomi Bentley (Primeval).
Sky's head of comedy Lucy Lumsden said: "We're very pleased that the much-loved Mount Pleasant will be back for a fourth series later in the year on Sky Living.
"It's been a joy seeing the cast reunited and welcoming some new faces. Fans of the show have a treat in store."...
The comedy drama, which stars Sally Lindsay and Daniel Ryan, will return later this year.
Sky Living's director Antonia Hurford-Jones said that the show had been "a big hit with viewers".
Nigel Harman, Bobby Ball, George Sampson and Samantha Womack will return for the fourth series, alongside Neil Fitzmaurice, Nicola Millbank and Ainsley Howard.
New cast members include Daniel Ings (Psychoville) and Naomi Bentley (Primeval).
Sky's head of comedy Lucy Lumsden said: "We're very pleased that the much-loved Mount Pleasant will be back for a fourth series later in the year on Sky Living.
"It's been a joy seeing the cast reunited and welcoming some new faces. Fans of the show have a treat in store."...
- 3/6/2014
- Digital Spy
Stella will return to Sky1 for a fourth series.
Ten more hour-long episodes of the Ruth Jones comedy-drama will go into production later this year.
A third series of Stella is currently airing on Friday nights at 9pm, with a Christmas special also scheduled for this December and due to start filming next month.
Lucy Lumsden - Head of Comedy at Sky Entertainment - said: "Stella's continued success has been a massive part of comedy's journey on Sky1 HD. With its Welsh warmth and wit, we are delighted to bring back the fourth series for our customers."
Jones will continue to write and star in the series, as well as executive produce via her company Tidy Productions.
Stella series four will air on Sky1 in early 2015.
Ruth Jones Stella interview: 'Sex on screen is very funny'...
Ten more hour-long episodes of the Ruth Jones comedy-drama will go into production later this year.
A third series of Stella is currently airing on Friday nights at 9pm, with a Christmas special also scheduled for this December and due to start filming next month.
Lucy Lumsden - Head of Comedy at Sky Entertainment - said: "Stella's continued success has been a massive part of comedy's journey on Sky1 HD. With its Welsh warmth and wit, we are delighted to bring back the fourth series for our customers."
Jones will continue to write and star in the series, as well as executive produce via her company Tidy Productions.
Stella series four will air on Sky1 in early 2015.
Ruth Jones Stella interview: 'Sex on screen is very funny'...
- 2/27/2014
- Digital Spy
HBO has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to comedy series Doll & Em from King Bee Prods., a new banner launched by The Newsroom‘s Emily Mortimer and Alessandro Nivola. Originally commissioned by Lucy Lumsden for Sky Living, part of British Sky Broadcasting, the 6-episode half-hour series was created by and stars Mortimer and fellow British actress Dolly Wells (The Mighty Boosh, Spy). A portrait of female friendship, Doll & Em tells the story of a British Hollywood star who hires her childhood friend to be her personal assistant while making a film in Los Angeles. Mortimer and Wells co-wrote Doll & Em along with the show’s director Azazel Jacobs (Terri, Momma’s Man). Nivola produced along with Stacia Peters, Kevin Comer, Mortimer, Dolly Wells and Azazel Jacobs. Revolution Films’ Andrew Eaton executive produced with Lucy Lumsden. Mortimer currently plays MacKenzie McHale on HBO’s The Newsroom. She previously starred in...
- 9/24/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
News Louisa Mellor 25 Jul 2013 - 10:30
From the cast and writers of Horrible Histories comes Yonderland, a new fantasy comedy coming to Sky One later this year...
We don't mind telling you that Yonderland is hovering near the top of the new UK shows we're most looking forward to this year. Puppets, fantasy, and the cast and writing team behind Horrible Histories? You Sir or Madam, are spoiling us.
Judging by their recent sterling UK comedy output (Psychobitches, Alan Partridge, A Touch Of Cloth, Hunderby...), it's no surprise that Sky is home to Yonderland. Comedy commissioner Lucy Lumsden has cash, taste, and a strong eye for original UK talent, three things that make her content top notch.
Yonderland is written by and stars Horrible Histories' Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond. It's the story of Debbie Maddox, a mum of twins who...
From the cast and writers of Horrible Histories comes Yonderland, a new fantasy comedy coming to Sky One later this year...
We don't mind telling you that Yonderland is hovering near the top of the new UK shows we're most looking forward to this year. Puppets, fantasy, and the cast and writing team behind Horrible Histories? You Sir or Madam, are spoiling us.
Judging by their recent sterling UK comedy output (Psychobitches, Alan Partridge, A Touch Of Cloth, Hunderby...), it's no surprise that Sky is home to Yonderland. Comedy commissioner Lucy Lumsden has cash, taste, and a strong eye for original UK talent, three things that make her content top notch.
Yonderland is written by and stars Horrible Histories' Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond. It's the story of Debbie Maddox, a mum of twins who...
- 7/25/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Sky Atlantic HD‘s six-episode comedy series from writer/director Robert B. Weide (Curb Your Enthusiasm), has added five cast members to join Nick Frost who’s playing the titular Mr. Sloane. Olivia Colman (Broadchurch, Hyde Park On Hudson), Ophelia Lovibond (Mr. Popper’s Penguins), Peter Serafinowicz (The Muppets… Again!) and Lawry Lewin (Horrible Histories) have boarded the bittersweet 1960s-set romantic comedy that centers on Frost’s buttoned-down man in crisis. Shooting is underway in London for a 2014 airdate. Sky Atlantic has been pushing deeper into original series, recently partnersing with Starz on drama Fortitude, with Canal Plus on The Tunnel and with BBC America on biopic Fleming. This is Weide’s first UK series. He’ll write and direct all six episodes of Mr. Sloane with Aschlin Ditta (The Catherine Tate Show) and Oliver Lansley (Whites) as co-writers on two episodes. Mr. Sloane is a co-production between Weide’s...
- 4/12/2013
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
Sky1's Moone Boy is to return for a third series.
The Chris O'Dowd comedy was picked up for a second series in June 2012 before the show had premiered.
Sky has now similarly ordered a third run ahead of series two's premiere later this year.
Irish actor and comic O'Dowd - who writes and stars in the semi-autobiographical series - will also make his directorial debut in the third series.
Moone Boy will resume filming in late 2013, picking up the story of the imaginative Martin Moone (David Rawle) as he grows up in rural Ireland.
Sky's Head of Comedy Lucy Lumsden said: "Since launching Sky's push into comedy in 2010 across our four entertainment channels, the genre has flourished under our investment establishing Sky firmly within the television comedy landscape.
"The outstanding talent at the heart of these series demonstrates the range and ambition of our output and our continued commitment to the genre.
The Chris O'Dowd comedy was picked up for a second series in June 2012 before the show had premiered.
Sky has now similarly ordered a third run ahead of series two's premiere later this year.
Irish actor and comic O'Dowd - who writes and stars in the semi-autobiographical series - will also make his directorial debut in the third series.
Moone Boy will resume filming in late 2013, picking up the story of the imaginative Martin Moone (David Rawle) as he grows up in rural Ireland.
Sky's Head of Comedy Lucy Lumsden said: "Since launching Sky's push into comedy in 2010 across our four entertainment channels, the genre has flourished under our investment establishing Sky firmly within the television comedy landscape.
"The outstanding talent at the heart of these series demonstrates the range and ambition of our output and our continued commitment to the genre.
- 3/22/2013
- Digital Spy
Odd List Louisa Mellor Dec 20, 2012
We’ve put a spotlight on some of the UK Christmas telly specials you won’t want to miss this festive season…
You know that pub conversation we’ve all had, the one about what you’d show an alien race on the brink of wiping out planet Earth to convince them we are essentially a well-meaning, productive, and often beautiful species that deserves to live? No contest: a Christmas issue of the Radio Times.
In 1969, an astronaut walked on the moon and someone thought up the Christmas Radio Times, both of them landmarks of brilliant stuff achieved by humans. They must have been thinner then - not astronauts, copies of the Radio Times - back when there were fewer TV channels than there are now Shrek films.
Between the covers of that hefty double edition sits the industry and imagination of generations. It...
We’ve put a spotlight on some of the UK Christmas telly specials you won’t want to miss this festive season…
You know that pub conversation we’ve all had, the one about what you’d show an alien race on the brink of wiping out planet Earth to convince them we are essentially a well-meaning, productive, and often beautiful species that deserves to live? No contest: a Christmas issue of the Radio Times.
In 1969, an astronaut walked on the moon and someone thought up the Christmas Radio Times, both of them landmarks of brilliant stuff achieved by humans. They must have been thinner then - not astronauts, copies of the Radio Times - back when there were fewer TV channels than there are now Shrek films.
Between the covers of that hefty double edition sits the industry and imagination of generations. It...
- 12/20/2012
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
There was plenty to howl about at last night's comedy awards. But while Olivia Colman and Cuckoo missed out, there were well-deserved gongs for The Thick of It, Hunderby and Reeves and Mortimer
There is no justice. That is what a lot of nominated comedians who missed out on a British comedy award last night will be thinking today, despite painting on obligatory smiles at the unusually well-behaved ceremony in London. But actually there is some justice after all. The nearest the painfully unfunny Keith Lemon/Leigh Francis got to taking home an award was when he leapt onstage and attempted to snatch somebody else's mantelpiece-bound slab from the rostrum.
Olivia Colman fans might have good reason to feel that justice took the night off. The 57 judges, drawn from journalism, TV production and performers, shortlisted Colman against herself for best comedy actress in Rev and Twenty Twelve, only for her to go home empty-handed.
There is no justice. That is what a lot of nominated comedians who missed out on a British comedy award last night will be thinking today, despite painting on obligatory smiles at the unusually well-behaved ceremony in London. But actually there is some justice after all. The nearest the painfully unfunny Keith Lemon/Leigh Francis got to taking home an award was when he leapt onstage and attempted to snatch somebody else's mantelpiece-bound slab from the rostrum.
Olivia Colman fans might have good reason to feel that justice took the night off. The 57 judges, drawn from journalism, TV production and performers, shortlisted Colman against herself for best comedy actress in Rev and Twenty Twelve, only for her to go home empty-handed.
- 12/13/2012
- by Bruce Dessau
- The Guardian - Film News
Sky Living has announced a new series of exclusive one-off comedies called Love Matters which includes a 30-minute comedy written by BAFTA award-winning Daran Little.
Filmed in Blackpool, and directed by Andy De Emmony, Kitten Chic tells the tale of a plump, vivacious 17-year-old who will do anything to bag the man of her dreams, even if he's just not into girls.
21 year old Poppy Rush (represented by Independent Talent) from Manchester, stars as Kitten, opposite ex- Coronation Street and Waterloo Road star Lucien Laviscount (represented by Waring and McKenna) as Jake. They star alongside Lynda Baron and Tanya Franks.
Sky's Head of Comedy, Lucy Lumsden, says: "This season of one-off films about love have allowed us to deliver a wide range of original comic voices and fresh tones to Sky Living."
Love Matters comes to Sky Living HD in 2013.
Filmed in Blackpool, and directed by Andy De Emmony, Kitten Chic tells the tale of a plump, vivacious 17-year-old who will do anything to bag the man of her dreams, even if he's just not into girls.
21 year old Poppy Rush (represented by Independent Talent) from Manchester, stars as Kitten, opposite ex- Coronation Street and Waterloo Road star Lucien Laviscount (represented by Waring and McKenna) as Jake. They star alongside Lynda Baron and Tanya Franks.
Sky's Head of Comedy, Lucy Lumsden, says: "This season of one-off films about love have allowed us to deliver a wide range of original comic voices and fresh tones to Sky Living."
Love Matters comes to Sky Living HD in 2013.
- 11/15/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Steve Coogan’s most famous creation Alan Partridge is returning to television in two new shows for Sky Atlantic.
Having been poached from the BBC, the character of Partridge will appear in two original programs as well as a re-edited ”Mid Morning matters,” the popular online Alan Partridge series for Fosters’ Funny.
The two new shows are ‘Alan Partridge: Welcome To The Places of My Life’ which will follow Alan as he tours Norfolk and ‘Alan Partridge on Open Books with Martin Bryce’ where Alan will be interviewed about his literary works.
Steven Coogan commented;
“Alan has been off the TV for too long but he is even more excited than me about his chance to have a second bite of the cherry. Alan feels the second decade of the millennium is the right time.”
As well as this, there is a brand new series of ‘Mid Morning Matters” as...
Having been poached from the BBC, the character of Partridge will appear in two original programs as well as a re-edited ”Mid Morning matters,” the popular online Alan Partridge series for Fosters’ Funny.
The two new shows are ‘Alan Partridge: Welcome To The Places of My Life’ which will follow Alan as he tours Norfolk and ‘Alan Partridge on Open Books with Martin Bryce’ where Alan will be interviewed about his literary works.
Steven Coogan commented;
“Alan has been off the TV for too long but he is even more excited than me about his chance to have a second bite of the cherry. Alan feels the second decade of the millennium is the right time.”
As well as this, there is a brand new series of ‘Mid Morning Matters” as...
- 5/19/2012
- by Amarpal Biring
- Obsessed with Film
Harry Potter and Mad Men stars lead cast for four-part comedy drama set in Russia in 1917
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe and Mad Men's Jon Hamm are to star in a comedy drama about the Russian revolution on Sky Arts.
The pair will play the same doctor at different stages of his life in the four-part series, A Young Doctor's Notebook, by Russian writer and playwright Mikhail Bulgakov.
Hamm will play the older man, who has a series of "bleakly comic" exchanges with his younger self, played by Radcliffe.
The Mad Men actor described the project as "original, dark, funny and moving" and said he was "thrilled to get the opportunity to work on such rich source material with such fantastically talented people whose work I greatly respect".
A Young Doctor's Notebook will air in Sky Arts' Playhouse Presents strand in 2013. Playhouse Presents has featured projects starring Emma Thompson,...
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe and Mad Men's Jon Hamm are to star in a comedy drama about the Russian revolution on Sky Arts.
The pair will play the same doctor at different stages of his life in the four-part series, A Young Doctor's Notebook, by Russian writer and playwright Mikhail Bulgakov.
Hamm will play the older man, who has a series of "bleakly comic" exchanges with his younger self, played by Radcliffe.
The Mad Men actor described the project as "original, dark, funny and moving" and said he was "thrilled to get the opportunity to work on such rich source material with such fantastically talented people whose work I greatly respect".
A Young Doctor's Notebook will air in Sky Arts' Playhouse Presents strand in 2013. Playhouse Presents has featured projects starring Emma Thompson,...
- 5/18/2012
- by John Plunkett
- The Guardian - Film News
The list comprises a mixture of executives, producers, actors and writers, but is it a fair reflection and who has been omitted?
See the list of names in full
No one disputes that women have a long way to go in achieving equal status in broadcasting and film. But it is also easy to fall into the trap of whinging about unfairness, rather than saluting those who win through.
That is the point of the Top 50 Powerlist, relaunched on Thursday by Women in Film & TV, in association with Screen International and Broadcast.
After a first stab in 2010, it is timed to mark and chime with International Women's Day. Tonally, it is striving to change the pitch from minor to major: people of achievement clearly come in both sexes.
Kate Kinninmont, Wftv chief executive, says that in "true womanly style" the list is not arranged in any order, though one ambitious...
See the list of names in full
No one disputes that women have a long way to go in achieving equal status in broadcasting and film. But it is also easy to fall into the trap of whinging about unfairness, rather than saluting those who win through.
That is the point of the Top 50 Powerlist, relaunched on Thursday by Women in Film & TV, in association with Screen International and Broadcast.
After a first stab in 2010, it is timed to mark and chime with International Women's Day. Tonally, it is striving to change the pitch from minor to major: people of achievement clearly come in both sexes.
Kate Kinninmont, Wftv chief executive, says that in "true womanly style" the list is not arranged in any order, though one ambitious...
- 3/8/2012
- by Maggie Brown
- The Guardian - Film News
Sky1 has handed second series to Stella and The Cafe. The two shows will return with new episodes next year. Stella stars Gavin & Stacey's Ruth Jones as a single mother in Wales. "I'm over the moon that Sky want more Stella," Jones said. "I'm looking forward to getting back to Pontyberry, even though the place doesn't exist." Lucy Lumsden, Sky's head of comedy commented: "All hail Ruth Jones. Stella was our first and biggest original comedy commission and we are thrilled that our customers love it as much as we do. (more)...
- 2/9/2012
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Sky Atlantic has commissioned a new show from writer and actress Julia Davis. Hunderby - an 1800s-set black comedy - will tell the story of Helene, a shipwreck survivor who is washed ashore near a small English village. After marrying widowed pastor Edmund, Helene falls under the watchful eye of his housekeeper, the obsessive and interfering Dorothy (Davis). "I'm so excited to be making a series for Sky Atlantic HD, a channel that has so many of my favourite shows from around the world," said Nighty Night star Davis. Sky's head of comedy Lucy Lumsden added: "The genius of Julia Davis comes to Sky Atlantic (more)...
- 1/26/2012
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
Following the success of Kathy Burke's Little Cracker short film, which aired on Sky 1 over Christmas 2010, the actress has written her first ever TV series, which has been picked up by Sky Atlantic.
Young Kathy harboured a dream to be an actress, but circumstance and her upbringing made it an unlikely dream.
The four-part Walking and Talking tells stories inspired from her teenage years - time spent skiving from school with her best friend, talking about boys and planning for the future. Her Little Cracker told of how a chance meeting with The Clash changed her life.
17 year old Ami Metcalf (represented by Kelly Management) will reprise her role starring as the young Kathy with Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Sketch from Skins) again playing her best friend.
Kathy Burke herself will also appear in each episode as Angry Nun, alongside Sean Gallagher (Coronation Street, Linda Green, Death in Paradise) who will play Pretty Nun,...
Young Kathy harboured a dream to be an actress, but circumstance and her upbringing made it an unlikely dream.
The four-part Walking and Talking tells stories inspired from her teenage years - time spent skiving from school with her best friend, talking about boys and planning for the future. Her Little Cracker told of how a chance meeting with The Clash changed her life.
17 year old Ami Metcalf (represented by Kelly Management) will reprise her role starring as the young Kathy with Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Sketch from Skins) again playing her best friend.
Kathy Burke herself will also appear in each episode as Angry Nun, alongside Sean Gallagher (Coronation Street, Linda Green, Death in Paradise) who will play Pretty Nun,...
- 1/19/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Sally Phillips has signed up for a lead role in Sky1's new comedy Parents. The actress, who has previously starred in shows such as Green Wing and Miranda, will appear in the series alongside The Armando Iannucci Shows' Darren Strange. The duo will play a married couple with two teenage children who are forced to move in with their parents, played by Susie Blake and Tom Conti. Sky's head of comedy Lucy Lumsden said: "We've been on the hunt for smart comedies about family life for Sky1 (more)...
- 1/12/2012
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Surreal comedy This Is Jinsy has been granted a second series by Sky Atlantic. Creators Chris Bran and Justin Chubb won critical acclaim for their show earlier this year. It was originally dropped by BBC Three after only a pilot aired. Sky's head of comedy Lucy Lumsden said: "I can't wait to travel back to the wonderful island of Jinsy for another series of insanely brilliant comedy. Chris and Justin's creation is the perfect fit for Sky Atlantic HD and its wealth of unique story-telling." Executive Producer Chris Carey added: "We are thrilled that Sky Comedy is bringing This Is Jinsy back to Sky Atlantic. (more)...
- 12/16/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Sky1 has renewed its comedy Spy for a second series. The broadcaster ordered ten more episodes of the show as well as a one-hour Christmas special, Broadcast reports. Spy, which premiered in October, stars Darren Boyd as a man who is inadvertently hired by MI5. Robert Lindsay plays his boss The Examiner, while his son Marcus is played by young actor Jude Wright. The cast also includes Mathew Baynton, Rebekah Staton, Tom Goodman-Hill, Dolly Wells and Ed Coleman. Sky's head of comedy Lucy Lumsden said: "Finding smart (more)...
- 12/14/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
New 6-part comedy series Spy starts on Sky1 on Fri 14th October 2011 at 8:30pm on Sky1.
Newcomer Jude Wright stars as nine year old Marcus, the young son of trainee spy Tim, played by Darren Boyd, alongside Robert Lindsay as the Examiner.
Spy is the story of Tim, a single father trying to win back the respect and affections of his horribly precocious nine year old son, Marcus. In the hope of proving that he is not a complete loser, Tim quits his dead-end job but his life changes forever when he is accidentally recruited as a trainee spy for MI5.
Supervising Tim at work is irrepressible MI5 boss, The Examiner, who teaches the recruits his own unorthodox approach to the espionage game.
Adding to the chaos of Tim's life are his acidic ex-wife, Judith, her enthusiastic new boyfriend Philip and his anti-social friend Chris.
And romance may be...
Newcomer Jude Wright stars as nine year old Marcus, the young son of trainee spy Tim, played by Darren Boyd, alongside Robert Lindsay as the Examiner.
Spy is the story of Tim, a single father trying to win back the respect and affections of his horribly precocious nine year old son, Marcus. In the hope of proving that he is not a complete loser, Tim quits his dead-end job but his life changes forever when he is accidentally recruited as a trainee spy for MI5.
Supervising Tim at work is irrepressible MI5 boss, The Examiner, who teaches the recruits his own unorthodox approach to the espionage game.
Adding to the chaos of Tim's life are his acidic ex-wife, Judith, her enthusiastic new boyfriend Philip and his anti-social friend Chris.
And romance may be...
- 9/25/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Sky 1 comedy Trollied has been renewed for a second and third series. The supermarket-set sitcom, which stars Jane Horrocks and Mark Addy, pulled in almost 2m viewers when it debuted last month. After an eight-week run this year, the second and third series of Trollied will be made up of 13 episodes each. Sky's head of comedy Lucy Lumsden has also ordered a 30-minute Christmas special. "The staff at Valco served you right," said Lumsden. "I'm thrilled Trollied has clearly struck a chord and will back on our screens next year." Co-executive producer Ash Atalla added: "This whole show from start to finish has been (more)...
- 9/15/2011
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
Charlie Brooker has produced a spoof British detective show titled A Touch of Cloth for Sky1. John Hannah, Suranne Jones, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Adrian Bower are among the cast for the classic cop show parody. Based on Boris Starling's Messiah, Brooker and Daniel Maier (Harry Hill's TV Burp) have penned the script, which was commissioned by Sky's Head of Comedy Lucy Lumsden. "Witty, naughty and unashamedly silly - Charlie Brooker gives the British TV detective genre a right good comedy kicking with this one-off special for Sky 1 HD," Lumsden said. Hannah stars as Dci Hack Cloth, a maverick, heavy-drinking loner, who throws himself into work following the mysterious death of his wife, while Jones is cast as no-nonsense sidekick DC Anne Oldman. It is billed as "an all-encompassing parody of every police procedural (more)...
- 8/25/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Filming started today in Enfield on a brand new six part comedy for Sky called Gates, a character based sitcom based around relationships formed between parents at the school gates.
Tom Ellis and Joanna Page play parents Mark and Helen who’ve recently moved to the South East where their nine-year-old daughter is starting at a new primary school. And they’re about to discover what happens when your children choose your friends.
Essentially a character comedy, but with a nod to those sketch-like moments of madness which can only ever happen in the playground, Gates casts an eye on how relationships with parents formed during fifteen minutes of a school drop off and pick up can so easily take over your life. The school gates can be an unforgiving, socially exposed political minefield.
Gates boasts a distinguished cast that also includes:
Sue Johnston (The Royle Family, Waking The Dead), Tony Gardner (Lead Balloon,...
Tom Ellis and Joanna Page play parents Mark and Helen who’ve recently moved to the South East where their nine-year-old daughter is starting at a new primary school. And they’re about to discover what happens when your children choose your friends.
Essentially a character comedy, but with a nod to those sketch-like moments of madness which can only ever happen in the playground, Gates casts an eye on how relationships with parents formed during fifteen minutes of a school drop off and pick up can so easily take over your life. The school gates can be an unforgiving, socially exposed political minefield.
Gates boasts a distinguished cast that also includes:
Sue Johnston (The Royle Family, Waking The Dead), Tony Gardner (Lead Balloon,...
- 7/25/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Sky has announced that it has commissioned new eight-part comedy series Trollied. The supermarket-set sitcom, helmed by Shameless director Paul Walker, will focus on the staff of the fictional 'Valco' budget store in the North West. Jane Horrocks will lead the cast, appearing alongside Game of Thrones star Mark Addy, Being Human's Jason Watkins and This Is England actress Chanel Cresswell. Sky's head of comedy Lucy Lumsden said: "Trollied is the first of a number of brand new British comedies for Sky and we're extremely excited by the talent around the show, on and off screen." Executive (more)...
- 4/14/2011
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
Gavin & Stacey stars Mathew Horne and James Corden are making a sketch show series for BBC Three.
The six-part run is described as "a traditional comedy entertainment show in the style of Morecambe and Wise". The pair will perform sketches and stand-up in front of a studio audience.
The Bbc's controller of comedy commissioning, Lucy Lumsden, said: "We're so pleased that James and Mat discovered each other through Gavin & Stacey and are delighted to have their new comedy sketch . . .
The six-part run is described as "a traditional comedy entertainment show in the style of Morecambe and Wise". The pair will perform sketches and stand-up in front of a studio audience.
The Bbc's controller of comedy commissioning, Lucy Lumsden, said: "We're so pleased that James and Mat discovered each other through Gavin & Stacey and are delighted to have their new comedy sketch . . .
- 4/24/2008
- by Dave_West_imdb_@digitalspy.co.uk (Dave West)
- Digital Spy
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