‘Am I Being Unreasonable?’ Producer’s Development Boss Joins Sky
The Head of Development at Am I Being Unreasonable? producer Boffola Pictures is joining Sky Studios next month. Emily Allen will become Commissioning Executive for Comedy within Alex Moody’s Sky Studios comedy commissioning team and will have responsibility for ordering Sky original comedies from indies. She will join from Boffola Pictures, the indie run by former BBC comedy heads Shane Allen and Kate Daughton that produces BAFTA-winning Daisy May Cooper show Am I Being Unreasonable?. Prior to Boffola, she worked in the BBC comedy team. Sky original comedies launching in 2024 include Mr Bigstuff, which stars Danny Dyer, and comedy-drama Small Town, Big Story, written and directed by Chris O’Dowd, and starring Christina Hendricks and Paddy Considine. Brassic will also return for a sixth season. The news comes a few days after Sky Studios slimmed down its structure by unifying...
The Head of Development at Am I Being Unreasonable? producer Boffola Pictures is joining Sky Studios next month. Emily Allen will become Commissioning Executive for Comedy within Alex Moody’s Sky Studios comedy commissioning team and will have responsibility for ordering Sky original comedies from indies. She will join from Boffola Pictures, the indie run by former BBC comedy heads Shane Allen and Kate Daughton that produces BAFTA-winning Daisy May Cooper show Am I Being Unreasonable?. Prior to Boffola, she worked in the BBC comedy team. Sky original comedies launching in 2024 include Mr Bigstuff, which stars Danny Dyer, and comedy-drama Small Town, Big Story, written and directed by Chris O’Dowd, and starring Christina Hendricks and Paddy Considine. Brassic will also return for a sixth season. The news comes a few days after Sky Studios slimmed down its structure by unifying...
- 2/12/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BAFTA has pulled the curtain back on its Television Awards nominations, and This Is Going To Hurt and The Responder are leading the chase for a famous bronze mask.
The BBC dramas each have six nominations across the BAFTA Television Awards and BAFTA Television Craft Awards, including Leading Actor for Ben Whishaw and Martin Freeman.
Whishaw plays junior doctor Adam Kay in This Is Going To Hurt, which was co-produced by AMC. Freeman features as an urgent response police officer in The Responder.
This Is Going To Hurt is nominated for Mini Series, while The Responder will compete in the Drama Series race. Adam Kay and Tony Schumacher will both do battle in the Writer: Drama category at the BAFTA Television Craft Awards.
The BBC has a total of 81 nominations, putting it comfortably ahead of its nearest rival Channel 4, which has 33 nominations. Netflix scooped 24 nominations, while Apple TV+ was...
The BBC dramas each have six nominations across the BAFTA Television Awards and BAFTA Television Craft Awards, including Leading Actor for Ben Whishaw and Martin Freeman.
Whishaw plays junior doctor Adam Kay in This Is Going To Hurt, which was co-produced by AMC. Freeman features as an urgent response police officer in The Responder.
This Is Going To Hurt is nominated for Mini Series, while The Responder will compete in the Drama Series race. Adam Kay and Tony Schumacher will both do battle in the Writer: Drama category at the BAFTA Television Craft Awards.
The BBC has a total of 81 nominations, putting it comfortably ahead of its nearest rival Channel 4, which has 33 nominations. Netflix scooped 24 nominations, while Apple TV+ was...
- 3/22/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Hulu has acquired Daisy May Cooper’s hit BBC comedy-thriller Am I Being Unreasonable?
The streamer has taken U.S. rights to all six episodes of the genre-bending comedy, which was written by the This Country creator and Selin Hizli (Mum), and exec produced by Jack Thorne. Show will debut as a Hulu original on April 11. BBC Studios struck the deal, having shopped the show at Mipcom Cannes.
Am I Being Unreasonable?, which has been recommissioned for a second season, aired to critical acclaim on the BBC last September and is considered a frontrunner for the upcoming UK TV awards season.
The six-parter from Boffola Pictures and Happy Valley producer Lookout Point follows Nic (Cooper), a mother grieving a loss that she can’t share with anyone whilst stuck in a depressing marriage. Only her son, Ollie, keeps her going. But when Jen (Hizli) arrives in town,...
The streamer has taken U.S. rights to all six episodes of the genre-bending comedy, which was written by the This Country creator and Selin Hizli (Mum), and exec produced by Jack Thorne. Show will debut as a Hulu original on April 11. BBC Studios struck the deal, having shopped the show at Mipcom Cannes.
Am I Being Unreasonable?, which has been recommissioned for a second season, aired to critical acclaim on the BBC last September and is considered a frontrunner for the upcoming UK TV awards season.
The six-parter from Boffola Pictures and Happy Valley producer Lookout Point follows Nic (Cooper), a mother grieving a loss that she can’t share with anyone whilst stuck in a depressing marriage. Only her son, Ollie, keeps her going. But when Jen (Hizli) arrives in town,...
- 2/21/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Shane Allen’s Boffola Pictures Names Comedy Head
Shane Allen’s Boffola Pictures has hired Ladhood producer Joe Nunnery as its Head of Comedy. Established by former Channel 4 and BBC Comedy boss Allen and Kate Daughton in 2021, the indie is behind Daisy May Cooper BBC comedy thriller series Am I Being Unreasonable? and is shooting Undoing Martin Parker for BBC One. It is written by Sian Gibson and Paul Coleman, and stars Conleth Hill, Gibson and Rosie Cavaliero. Allen said Nunnery, known for developing BBC Three comedy Ladhood into a TV series after its radio run and Alexi Sayle’s Imaginary Sandwich Bar, was “a class act; beloved by talent, agents and broadcasters alike.”
‘Sex Education’, ‘House of the Dragon’ Among Casting Awards Nominations
The UK and Ireland’s Casting Directors’ Guild has unveiled the nominees for the 2023 CDG Casting Awards. Sex Education, House of the Dragon, Bad Sisters,...
Shane Allen’s Boffola Pictures has hired Ladhood producer Joe Nunnery as its Head of Comedy. Established by former Channel 4 and BBC Comedy boss Allen and Kate Daughton in 2021, the indie is behind Daisy May Cooper BBC comedy thriller series Am I Being Unreasonable? and is shooting Undoing Martin Parker for BBC One. It is written by Sian Gibson and Paul Coleman, and stars Conleth Hill, Gibson and Rosie Cavaliero. Allen said Nunnery, known for developing BBC Three comedy Ladhood into a TV series after its radio run and Alexi Sayle’s Imaginary Sandwich Bar, was “a class act; beloved by talent, agents and broadcasters alike.”
‘Sex Education’, ‘House of the Dragon’ Among Casting Awards Nominations
The UK and Ireland’s Casting Directors’ Guild has unveiled the nominees for the 2023 CDG Casting Awards. Sex Education, House of the Dragon, Bad Sisters,...
- 1/23/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, Steven Knight’s “Sas: Rogue Heroes” starts shooting, Agnieszka Holland’s “Charlatan” cleans up at Czech Lion Awards, BBC Comedy hires “I May Destroy You” producer Tanya Qureshi, Content Catalyst Fund adds executives and reveals slate and George Takei’s “Allegiance” streams on BroadwayHD.
Filming is underway on BBC One drama series “Sas: Rogue Heroes,” from “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight. Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book of the same name, “Sas: Rogue Heroes” is a dramatized account of how a Special Forces unit, the Sas, was formed under extraordinary circumstances during WWII.
The lead cast includes Connor Swindells (“Sex Education”), Jack O’Connell (“Skins”), Alfie Allen (“Game of Thrones”), Sofia Boutella (“Modern Love”) and Dominic West (“The Wire”).
The six-part series will be directed by Tom Shankland (“The Serpent”), with Stephen Smallwood (“Patrick Melrose”) as producer. The series will be executive produced by Karen Wilson,...
Filming is underway on BBC One drama series “Sas: Rogue Heroes,” from “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight. Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book of the same name, “Sas: Rogue Heroes” is a dramatized account of how a Special Forces unit, the Sas, was formed under extraordinary circumstances during WWII.
The lead cast includes Connor Swindells (“Sex Education”), Jack O’Connell (“Skins”), Alfie Allen (“Game of Thrones”), Sofia Boutella (“Modern Love”) and Dominic West (“The Wire”).
The six-part series will be directed by Tom Shankland (“The Serpent”), with Stephen Smallwood (“Patrick Melrose”) as producer. The series will be executive produced by Karen Wilson,...
- 3/9/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Mackenzie Crook will write and direct the BBC’s upcoming “Worzel Gummidge” dramas. He will also star as the lead character – a walking, talking scarecrow – in Worzel’s return to British screens in two hour-long specials. They are expected to bow at the end of the year.
Barbara Euphan Todd wrote the Worzel Gummidge books, which were the foundation for a classic British series starring Jon Pertwee in the title role in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Leopard Pictures, part of the Argonon Group, has partnered with Treasure Trove Productions and Lola Entertainment for the new adaptation.
The first episode in the new run, “The Scarecrow of Scatterbrook,” sees two youngsters, Susan and John, encounter Worzel Gummidge, the Scarecrow of Ten Acre Field. Their world is sent spinning into confusion when they realize Gummidge comes to life. The only person more shocked is Worzel when he discovers that the...
Barbara Euphan Todd wrote the Worzel Gummidge books, which were the foundation for a classic British series starring Jon Pertwee in the title role in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Leopard Pictures, part of the Argonon Group, has partnered with Treasure Trove Productions and Lola Entertainment for the new adaptation.
The first episode in the new run, “The Scarecrow of Scatterbrook,” sees two youngsters, Susan and John, encounter Worzel Gummidge, the Scarecrow of Ten Acre Field. Their world is sent spinning into confusion when they realize Gummidge comes to life. The only person more shocked is Worzel when he discovers that the...
- 6/6/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Pirates of the Caribbean star Mackenzie Crook is writing, directing and starring in an adaptation of classic British scarecrow story Worzel Gummidge.
Crook, who made his name in the BBC comedy The Office and created The Detectorists, is adapting Barbara Euphan Todd into two-hour long films. He will star as Gummidge, a scarecrow that can come to life.
The first film, The Scarecrow Of Scatterbrook, sees two young strangers, Susan and John, arrive in the village of Scatterbrook, where they encounter Gummidge. Their world is sent spinning into confusion when they realize Gummidge comes to life. The only person more shocked is Worzel, when he discovers that the children are not in fact fellow scarecrows but humans.
The second film, The Green Man, welcomes another mysterious arrival to Scatterbrook. The Green Man is the creator of scarecrows and keeper of scarecrow lore. He isn’t at all happy that Worzel is consorting with humans.
Crook, who made his name in the BBC comedy The Office and created The Detectorists, is adapting Barbara Euphan Todd into two-hour long films. He will star as Gummidge, a scarecrow that can come to life.
The first film, The Scarecrow Of Scatterbrook, sees two young strangers, Susan and John, arrive in the village of Scatterbrook, where they encounter Gummidge. Their world is sent spinning into confusion when they realize Gummidge comes to life. The only person more shocked is Worzel, when he discovers that the children are not in fact fellow scarecrows but humans.
The second film, The Green Man, welcomes another mysterious arrival to Scatterbrook. The Green Man is the creator of scarecrows and keeper of scarecrow lore. He isn’t at all happy that Worzel is consorting with humans.
- 6/6/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Under-the-radar feature to be broadcast by the BBC over Christmas.
Free Fire director Ben Wheatley’s mysterious seventh feature, Happy New Year, Colin Burstead, which was shot under-the-radar in the UK at the beginning of the year, has secured an international sales deal and UK distribution.
The film will be released in partnership with BBC Films, BBC Comedy and BBC Two. Following its world premiere in Competition at the BFI London Film Festival in October, it will screen around the UK in a limited run of Q&A sessions with Wheatley and the cast before being broadcast on BBC Two over the Christmas holiday.
Free Fire director Ben Wheatley’s mysterious seventh feature, Happy New Year, Colin Burstead, which was shot under-the-radar in the UK at the beginning of the year, has secured an international sales deal and UK distribution.
The film will be released in partnership with BBC Films, BBC Comedy and BBC Two. Following its world premiere in Competition at the BFI London Film Festival in October, it will screen around the UK in a limited run of Q&A sessions with Wheatley and the cast before being broadcast on BBC Two over the Christmas holiday.
- 9/8/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Goalpost Film has boarded British director Ben Wheatley’s latest movie, “Happy New Year, Colin Burstead,” and is presenting it to buyers in Toronto. Separately, the BBC has picked it up for TV and on-demand in the U.K., and will air it this Christmas.
The film plays in competition at the BFI London Film Festival next month. It will then have a limited festival and theatrical run in the U.K. before airing on the BBC. It will be on the pubcaster’s catch-up and on-demand service, iPlayer, for 12 months after its TV bow. Wheatley is also writing a series for the BBC featuring the characters from the film.
The movie centers on Colin Burstead (Neil Maskell), who hires a lavish country manor in which his extended family can celebrate the New Year. Unfortunately for Colin, his position of power in the family is under serious threat from the...
The film plays in competition at the BFI London Film Festival next month. It will then have a limited festival and theatrical run in the U.K. before airing on the BBC. It will be on the pubcaster’s catch-up and on-demand service, iPlayer, for 12 months after its TV bow. Wheatley is also writing a series for the BBC featuring the characters from the film.
The movie centers on Colin Burstead (Neil Maskell), who hires a lavish country manor in which his extended family can celebrate the New Year. Unfortunately for Colin, his position of power in the family is under serious threat from the...
- 9/8/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
The film-maker weighs in on the controversy surrounding BBC comedy chief Shane Allen’s comment about ‘six Oxbridge white blokes’
Terry Gilliam has responded to the BBC diversity debate which referenced Monty Python by saying: “I tell the world now I’m a black lesbian.”
Gilliam was commenting on the row over diversity triggered by the BBC’s unveiling of its new comedy programming, announced in June, at which the BBC’s controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen emphasised the corporation’s commitment to “the stories that haven’t been told and the voices we haven’t yet heard”. In response to a question about Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Allen said: “If you’re going to assemble a team now, it’s not going to be six Oxbridge white blokes. It’s going to be a diverse range of people who reflect the modern world.”...
Terry Gilliam has responded to the BBC diversity debate which referenced Monty Python by saying: “I tell the world now I’m a black lesbian.”
Gilliam was commenting on the row over diversity triggered by the BBC’s unveiling of its new comedy programming, announced in June, at which the BBC’s controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen emphasised the corporation’s commitment to “the stories that haven’t been told and the voices we haven’t yet heard”. In response to a question about Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Allen said: “If you’re going to assemble a team now, it’s not going to be six Oxbridge white blokes. It’s going to be a diverse range of people who reflect the modern world.”...
- 7/4/2018
- by Guardian film
- The Guardian - Film News
Terry Gilliam joked about changing his gender during an appearance at the 2018 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which included the director’s “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote” in this year’s lineup. Gilliam said he no longer wants to be a white man. The filmmaker was responding to comments made by former BBC comedy chief Shane Allen last month in which Allen said Gilliam’s iconic comedy troupe Monty Python wouldn’t be acceptable today because its members are “too white.”
“If we’re going to assemble a team now it’s not going to be six Oxbridge white blokes,” Allen told The Times. “It’s going to be a diverse range of people who reflect the modern world and have got something to say that’s different and we haven’t seen before.”
Gilliam was asked about Allen’s comment at the Karlovy Vary festival during a press conference.
“If we’re going to assemble a team now it’s not going to be six Oxbridge white blokes,” Allen told The Times. “It’s going to be a diverse range of people who reflect the modern world and have got something to say that’s different and we haven’t seen before.”
Gilliam was asked about Allen’s comment at the Karlovy Vary festival during a press conference.
- 7/4/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Louisa Mellor Aug 24, 2017
Radio Norfolk's finest is coming back to the Beeb for a 25th anniversary special this year...
Speaking at the Edinburgh Television Festival, BBC Comedy Controller Shane Allen has announced that, after straying to Sky for a period, Mr Alan Partridge will be returning to the BBC.
See related Game Of Thrones season 7 finale images Game Of Thrones: how the Battle Of The Bastards was made When newsreader Jon Snow met Game Of Thrones' Jon Snow
First up, a one-hour special to commemorate the Steve Coogan and Armando Iannucci-created character's twenty-fifth anniversary will air on BBC Two later this year, marking a quarter of a century since Partridge first broadcast on BBC Radio all the way back in 1992.
Following that will be a brand new series, due to air in 2018. More news on that as it arrives.
In the meantime, please join us in an obligatory 'aha!
Radio Norfolk's finest is coming back to the Beeb for a 25th anniversary special this year...
Speaking at the Edinburgh Television Festival, BBC Comedy Controller Shane Allen has announced that, after straying to Sky for a period, Mr Alan Partridge will be returning to the BBC.
See related Game Of Thrones season 7 finale images Game Of Thrones: how the Battle Of The Bastards was made When newsreader Jon Snow met Game Of Thrones' Jon Snow
First up, a one-hour special to commemorate the Steve Coogan and Armando Iannucci-created character's twenty-fifth anniversary will air on BBC Two later this year, marking a quarter of a century since Partridge first broadcast on BBC Radio all the way back in 1992.
Following that will be a brand new series, due to air in 2018. More news on that as it arrives.
In the meantime, please join us in an obligatory 'aha!
- 8/24/2017
- Den of Geek
Just 11% of top talent from diverse background.
Just one-tenth of the BBC’s top on-screen talent is from a black, ethnic, minority background (Bame), the corporation’s Annual Report has revealed (reports Broadcast).
Bame stars make up 11% of the corporation’s top earners, with the likes of BBC Radio DJ Trevor Nelson and newsreader George Alagiah among the highest paid, with salaries of between £250,000 and £300,000.
Radio 4 Today programme presenter Mishal Husain earns between £200,000 and £250,000, less than half than her colleague John Humphrys’ £600,000-£650,000 salary.
Across the BBC, some 14% of its workforce is from a Bame background, in line with the national average.
Bame stars’ salaries pale in comparison with some of the corporation’s biggest earners, which include Radio 2 presenter and former Top Gear host Chris Evans, who topped the payroll with a salary of around £2.2m.
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, who also hosted a Michael Buble special at Christmas and Film 2016, was the highest...
Just one-tenth of the BBC’s top on-screen talent is from a black, ethnic, minority background (Bame), the corporation’s Annual Report has revealed (reports Broadcast).
Bame stars make up 11% of the corporation’s top earners, with the likes of BBC Radio DJ Trevor Nelson and newsreader George Alagiah among the highest paid, with salaries of between £250,000 and £300,000.
Radio 4 Today programme presenter Mishal Husain earns between £200,000 and £250,000, less than half than her colleague John Humphrys’ £600,000-£650,000 salary.
Across the BBC, some 14% of its workforce is from a Bame background, in line with the national average.
Bame stars’ salaries pale in comparison with some of the corporation’s biggest earners, which include Radio 2 presenter and former Top Gear host Chris Evans, who topped the payroll with a salary of around £2.2m.
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, who also hosted a Michael Buble special at Christmas and Film 2016, was the highest...
- 7/19/2017
- ScreenDaily
Just 11% of top talent from diverse background.
Just one-tenth of the BBC’s top on-screen talent is from a black, ethnic, minority background (Bame), the corporation’s Annual Report has revealed (reports Broadcast).
Bame stars make up 11% of the corporation’s top earners, with the likes of BBC Radio DJ Trevor Nelson and newsreader George Alagiah among the highest paid, with salaries of between £250,000 and £300,000.
Radio 4 Today programme presenter Mishal Husain earns between £200,000 and £250,000, less than half than her colleague John Humphrys’ £600,000-£650,000 salary.
Across the BBC, some 14% of its workforce is from a Bame background, in line with the national average.
Bame stars’ salaries pale in comparison with some of the corporation’s biggest earners, which include Radio 2 presenter and former Top Gear host Chris Evans, who topped the payroll with a salary of around £2.2m.
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, who also hosted a Michael Buble special at Christmas and Film 2016, was the highest...
Just one-tenth of the BBC’s top on-screen talent is from a black, ethnic, minority background (Bame), the corporation’s Annual Report has revealed (reports Broadcast).
Bame stars make up 11% of the corporation’s top earners, with the likes of BBC Radio DJ Trevor Nelson and newsreader George Alagiah among the highest paid, with salaries of between £250,000 and £300,000.
Radio 4 Today programme presenter Mishal Husain earns between £200,000 and £250,000, less than half than her colleague John Humphrys’ £600,000-£650,000 salary.
Across the BBC, some 14% of its workforce is from a Bame background, in line with the national average.
Bame stars’ salaries pale in comparison with some of the corporation’s biggest earners, which include Radio 2 presenter and former Top Gear host Chris Evans, who topped the payroll with a salary of around £2.2m.
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, who also hosted a Michael Buble special at Christmas and Film 2016, was the highest...
- 7/19/2017
- ScreenDaily
Rob Leane Kirsten Howard Jun 21, 2017
Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones are back in front of cameras for the third season of The Detectorists...
Monday was a good day for fans of BBC's The Detectorists, as it was confirmed that production had officially begun on the third and final series.
See related Doctor Who: Moffat on budget issues, advice for Chibnall Doctor Who: the next Doctor has apparently been cast
The show, which stars Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, has won plenty of hearts in the last few years, with many ranking it up there with their 'must-watch' TV.
Rest assured, Andy and Lance will be back on screens soon - armed with their trusty metal detectors - in one last bid to strike gold.
Filming started on Series 3 of Detectorists today. https://t.co/Z7zfhssY7V pic.twitter.com/l4R626Xpv2
— British Comedy Guide (@BritishComedy) June 19, 2017
More as we have it.
Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones are back in front of cameras for the third season of The Detectorists...
Monday was a good day for fans of BBC's The Detectorists, as it was confirmed that production had officially begun on the third and final series.
See related Doctor Who: Moffat on budget issues, advice for Chibnall Doctor Who: the next Doctor has apparently been cast
The show, which stars Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, has won plenty of hearts in the last few years, with many ranking it up there with their 'must-watch' TV.
Rest assured, Andy and Lance will be back on screens soon - armed with their trusty metal detectors - in one last bid to strike gold.
Filming started on Series 3 of Detectorists today. https://t.co/Z7zfhssY7V pic.twitter.com/l4R626Xpv2
— British Comedy Guide (@BritishComedy) June 19, 2017
More as we have it.
- 4/4/2017
- Den of Geek
Graham Linehan has confirmed that the BBC has dropped The Walshes after one series.
The Father Ted writer's sitcom was brought over from Irish channel Rte One to BBC Four and later BBC Two in 2014. However, it will no longer be shown on the BBC.
The Walshes there, which BBC2 dropped because it didn't find an audience after three episodes and zero publicity. Anyway...
— Graham Linehan (@Glinner) January 20, 2015
Linehan continued: "I should say that [comedy commissioner] Shane Allen, who brought The Walshes over to BBC2, always fought hard for it. The order to nix it came from higher up."
Bemoaning the decision to drop the show, he added: "But I really struggle to grasp the point of putting out a three-episode series, giving it no publicity, and then pulling it. Befuddling.
"Ta for all the kind words on The Walshes, folks. Really appreciated. Working now to make sure it's not the last you've seen of them.
The Father Ted writer's sitcom was brought over from Irish channel Rte One to BBC Four and later BBC Two in 2014. However, it will no longer be shown on the BBC.
The Walshes there, which BBC2 dropped because it didn't find an audience after three episodes and zero publicity. Anyway...
— Graham Linehan (@Glinner) January 20, 2015
Linehan continued: "I should say that [comedy commissioner] Shane Allen, who brought The Walshes over to BBC2, always fought hard for it. The order to nix it came from higher up."
Bemoaning the decision to drop the show, he added: "But I really struggle to grasp the point of putting out a three-episode series, giving it no publicity, and then pulling it. Befuddling.
"Ta for all the kind words on The Walshes, folks. Really appreciated. Working now to make sure it's not the last you've seen of them.
- 1/22/2015
- Digital Spy
Brendan O'Carroll has denied reports that Mrs Brown's Boys won't return for any more full series.
BBC comedy controller Shane Allen was recently quoted as saying that it would be "hard to get another series" of the hit sitcom.
However, when asked on Alan Carr: Chatty Man if he was ending the show, O'Carroll said: "You must be kidding!
"My son Danny was doing a charity function, and one of the papers called him about the celebrities that were doing it, etc, and during it they said, 'So how's things going with Mrs Brown?' and he said, 'Oh we're finished with Mrs Brown'.
"So they ran with the story that Mrs Brown was over, but what he meant was we've just finished the Christmas specials - and it's 30 phone calls from different people, and it's the BBC s**tting themselves."
O'Carroll quipped: "So no, it's not [ending], I'm going to milk this dry.
BBC comedy controller Shane Allen was recently quoted as saying that it would be "hard to get another series" of the hit sitcom.
However, when asked on Alan Carr: Chatty Man if he was ending the show, O'Carroll said: "You must be kidding!
"My son Danny was doing a charity function, and one of the papers called him about the celebrities that were doing it, etc, and during it they said, 'So how's things going with Mrs Brown?' and he said, 'Oh we're finished with Mrs Brown'.
"So they ran with the story that Mrs Brown was over, but what he meant was we've just finished the Christmas specials - and it's 30 phone calls from different people, and it's the BBC s**tting themselves."
O'Carroll quipped: "So no, it's not [ending], I'm going to milk this dry.
- 12/19/2014
- Digital Spy
Ruth Jones is developing a new sitcom for BBC One, it has been revealed.
BBC comedy controller Shane Allen has confirmed that the Gavin & Stacey co-creator and star will front a new show, that may form part of a second season of Comedy Playhouse projects in 2015.
He added that Jones's company Tidy Productions may choose to produce a non-transmission pilot episode.
"Ruth is fantastic and we'd love to do something with her," he told Broadcast. "We were talking studio shows and she would be absolutely perfect for that."
Meanwhile, Allen has ordered six episodes of The Kennedys, a sitcom written by Celebrity MasterChef winner Emma Kennedy. The show will be based on her family life.
iPlayer will also stream a second series of comedy shorts, following this year's sketches from the likes of Frankie Boyle and Micky Flanagan. They will be released around Valentine's Day.
On BBC Two, Morgana Robinson...
BBC comedy controller Shane Allen has confirmed that the Gavin & Stacey co-creator and star will front a new show, that may form part of a second season of Comedy Playhouse projects in 2015.
He added that Jones's company Tidy Productions may choose to produce a non-transmission pilot episode.
"Ruth is fantastic and we'd love to do something with her," he told Broadcast. "We were talking studio shows and she would be absolutely perfect for that."
Meanwhile, Allen has ordered six episodes of The Kennedys, a sitcom written by Celebrity MasterChef winner Emma Kennedy. The show will be based on her family life.
iPlayer will also stream a second series of comedy shorts, following this year's sketches from the likes of Frankie Boyle and Micky Flanagan. They will be released around Valentine's Day.
On BBC Two, Morgana Robinson...
- 12/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Citizen Khan is to return for a fourth series.
The renewal was confirmed by BBC comedy controller Shane Allen to Broadcast.
Created by and starring Adil Ray, the family sitcom is set in Sparkhill, Birmingham and follows Mr Khan - a loud-mouthed local businessman and community leader.
Citizen Kane first launched in August 2012.
It will air its third series finale tomorrow (Friday, December 12) on BBC One, with a Christmas special following next week.
The programme also stars Shobu Kapoor, Matthew Cottle, Maya Sondhi and Bhavna Limbachia.
The renewal was confirmed by BBC comedy controller Shane Allen to Broadcast.
Created by and starring Adil Ray, the family sitcom is set in Sparkhill, Birmingham and follows Mr Khan - a loud-mouthed local businessman and community leader.
Citizen Kane first launched in August 2012.
It will air its third series finale tomorrow (Friday, December 12) on BBC One, with a Christmas special following next week.
The programme also stars Shobu Kapoor, Matthew Cottle, Maya Sondhi and Bhavna Limbachia.
- 12/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Mrs Brown's Boys is unlikely to return for a full series, according to BBC comedy controller Shane Allen.
The popular comedy's future may be limited to Christmas specials, due to creator Brendan O'Carroll's busy schedule.
He told Broadcast that it would be "hard to get another series" of the BBC Productions sitcom.
Allen added that he is currently talking to O'Carroll about other projects, and that the comic "wants to stay on with the BBC".
Mrs Brown's Boys will return for two specials on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, while two more festive episodes will air next year.
The series transferred to the big screen this year in Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie, topping the UK box office on its release.
The popular comedy's future may be limited to Christmas specials, due to creator Brendan O'Carroll's busy schedule.
He told Broadcast that it would be "hard to get another series" of the BBC Productions sitcom.
Allen added that he is currently talking to O'Carroll about other projects, and that the comic "wants to stay on with the BBC".
Mrs Brown's Boys will return for two specials on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, while two more festive episodes will air next year.
The series transferred to the big screen this year in Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie, topping the UK box office on its release.
- 12/11/2014
- Digital Spy
You haven’t seen the last of Mackenzie Crook’s new comedy Detectorists, the BBC just confirmed more episodes…
Here’s one we’re particularly happy about here at DoG Towers – Detectorists will definitely be returning for a second series.
The show, which stars Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, broke BBC Four’s record viewing numbers for a new comedy, so perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised.
The metal-detecting comedy only premiered last month, so this quick turnaround suggests heaps of BBC confidence to us.
“I couldn’t be happier with how Detectorists has gone down and the response it has got from audiences,” said Crook. “The opportunity to meet these characters again and tell some more of their stories is very exciting.”
BBC comedy commissioner Shane Allen added that “we’re proud that Mackenzie’s labour of love has connected so deeply with the BBC Four audience, who...
Here’s one we’re particularly happy about here at DoG Towers – Detectorists will definitely be returning for a second series.
The show, which stars Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, broke BBC Four’s record viewing numbers for a new comedy, so perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised.
The metal-detecting comedy only premiered last month, so this quick turnaround suggests heaps of BBC confidence to us.
“I couldn’t be happier with how Detectorists has gone down and the response it has got from audiences,” said Crook. “The opportunity to meet these characters again and tell some more of their stories is very exciting.”
BBC comedy commissioner Shane Allen added that “we’re proud that Mackenzie’s labour of love has connected so deeply with the BBC Four audience, who...
- 11/14/2014
- by rleane
- Den of Geek
Filming has commenced on The Wrong Mans series two.
Creators and co-stars James Corden and Mathew Baynton, who play Phil and Sam, are currently filming new episodes in the Us.
The new series sees the pair on an "international quest" to prove once again they are 'The Wrong Mans', and they will encounter "deeper, darker danger than ever before".
Corden and Baynton said of the new series: "We're thrilled to be bringing The Wrong Mans back to the BBC, who along with Hulu have supported the show so passionately.
"This new series is bigger and bolder, and presumably a total nightmare for our director. If series one was the frying pan, this is the fire."
Dawn French returns as Phil's mum Linda, while Rebecca Front will appear as Cox, the head of MI5.
Meanwhile, Anastasia Griffith (Damages), Raoul Trujillo (Apocalypto), John Ross Bowie (Big Bang Theory) and Bertie Carvel...
Creators and co-stars James Corden and Mathew Baynton, who play Phil and Sam, are currently filming new episodes in the Us.
The new series sees the pair on an "international quest" to prove once again they are 'The Wrong Mans', and they will encounter "deeper, darker danger than ever before".
Corden and Baynton said of the new series: "We're thrilled to be bringing The Wrong Mans back to the BBC, who along with Hulu have supported the show so passionately.
"This new series is bigger and bolder, and presumably a total nightmare for our director. If series one was the frying pan, this is the fire."
Dawn French returns as Phil's mum Linda, while Rebecca Front will appear as Cox, the head of MI5.
Meanwhile, Anastasia Griffith (Damages), Raoul Trujillo (Apocalypto), John Ross Bowie (Big Bang Theory) and Bertie Carvel...
- 8/22/2014
- Digital Spy
The BBC has released a first-look image of Paul Whitehouse in new comedy drama Nurse.
The image follows the BBC's announcement earlier today (July 10) that the sitcom has begun filming.
The series is based on the acclaimed Radio 4 series of the same name, which features Esther Coles as community psychiatric nurse Liz. The Fast Show comedian takes on multiple roles as Liz's patients, as the show sees a mixture of returning characters from the radio series as well as many new additions.
Whitehouse and David Cummings, who have collaborated previously on The Fast Show, Down the Line and Happiness, have written the comedy.
"Nurse has gone down very successfully on radio and we are very excited about the TV version," Shane Allen, comedy commissioning for the BBC, said.
"Paul is the leading character comedian of his generation and he has the ability to make you cry with laughter one minute...
The image follows the BBC's announcement earlier today (July 10) that the sitcom has begun filming.
The series is based on the acclaimed Radio 4 series of the same name, which features Esther Coles as community psychiatric nurse Liz. The Fast Show comedian takes on multiple roles as Liz's patients, as the show sees a mixture of returning characters from the radio series as well as many new additions.
Whitehouse and David Cummings, who have collaborated previously on The Fast Show, Down the Line and Happiness, have written the comedy.
"Nurse has gone down very successfully on radio and we are very excited about the TV version," Shane Allen, comedy commissioning for the BBC, said.
"Paul is the leading character comedian of his generation and he has the ability to make you cry with laughter one minute...
- 7/10/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC Three will debut nine comedy pilots on iPlayer as part of this year's Comedy Feeds.
Ashley Walters (Top Boy) and Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker) are among the actors involved in the project, which will launch exclusively through the on-demand service in July.
The Comedy Feeds are now in their third year following two successful runs, which saw BBC Three commission full series of People Just Do Nothing, Nick Helm's Heavy Entertainment and Impractical Jokers.
Among the nine pilots is In Deep, which follows two junior police officers on an undercover operation that goes wrong. Walters stars alongside Adam Deacon (Kidulthood) in the comedy, which has been written by Tom Joseph and Thomas Eccleshare.
Meanwhile, Novak has written and stars in Parents' Evening, a multi-character comedy set over the course of one evening in a school.
Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy, said: "This exciting range of shows and new...
Ashley Walters (Top Boy) and Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker) are among the actors involved in the project, which will launch exclusively through the on-demand service in July.
The Comedy Feeds are now in their third year following two successful runs, which saw BBC Three commission full series of People Just Do Nothing, Nick Helm's Heavy Entertainment and Impractical Jokers.
Among the nine pilots is In Deep, which follows two junior police officers on an undercover operation that goes wrong. Walters stars alongside Adam Deacon (Kidulthood) in the comedy, which has been written by Tom Joseph and Thomas Eccleshare.
Meanwhile, Novak has written and stars in Parents' Evening, a multi-character comedy set over the course of one evening in a school.
Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy, said: "This exciting range of shows and new...
- 6/20/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC One has revealed casting and a first image for Matt Lucas's new comedy series Pompidou.
The six-parter - now shooting for broadcast in 2015 - is inspired by Lucas's passion for classic silent comedy, such as the works of Charlie Chaplin.
Billed as a "visual comedy series", Pompidou will star the Little Britain comic as the title character - an elderly oddball aristocrat who has fallen on hard times.
Alex MacQueen (The Inbetweeners) plays Hove - Pompidou's long-suffering butler - while the likes of Bella Emberg, Roy Barraclough, Jane Asher and Tony Way will make cameo appearances.
"Matt has worked incredibly hard on creating a unique comedy universe for Pompidou," said Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy Commissioning for the BBC.
"Only someone of his immense talent and experience could achieve something that feels so modern and inventive which also has an underlying nod to past classic comedy masters like Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy.
The six-parter - now shooting for broadcast in 2015 - is inspired by Lucas's passion for classic silent comedy, such as the works of Charlie Chaplin.
Billed as a "visual comedy series", Pompidou will star the Little Britain comic as the title character - an elderly oddball aristocrat who has fallen on hard times.
Alex MacQueen (The Inbetweeners) plays Hove - Pompidou's long-suffering butler - while the likes of Bella Emberg, Roy Barraclough, Jane Asher and Tony Way will make cameo appearances.
"Matt has worked incredibly hard on creating a unique comedy universe for Pompidou," said Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy Commissioning for the BBC.
"Only someone of his immense talent and experience could achieve something that feels so modern and inventive which also has an underlying nod to past classic comedy masters like Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy.
- 6/17/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC One has commissioned a third film based on David Walliams's series of children's books.
Boy in the Dress will air on the channel during the Christmas period, following Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink.
Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley will adapt the hour-long special, alongside Walliams.
The story is centred on a 12-year-old boy who enjoys cross-dressing, and how his family and friends react to it.
Walliams said: "I am over the moon that my first novel for children is going to be on BBC One at Christmas.
"I was very pleased with the adaptations of Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny, and I trust Boy in The Dress will delight and surprise a family audience."
The BBC's Shane Allen said: "Boy in the Dress is a very touching, hilarious and poignant story of why being different is something to celebrate. As with David's other novel adaptations I have no...
Boy in the Dress will air on the channel during the Christmas period, following Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink.
Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley will adapt the hour-long special, alongside Walliams.
The story is centred on a 12-year-old boy who enjoys cross-dressing, and how his family and friends react to it.
Walliams said: "I am over the moon that my first novel for children is going to be on BBC One at Christmas.
"I was very pleased with the adaptations of Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny, and I trust Boy in The Dress will delight and surprise a family audience."
The BBC's Shane Allen said: "Boy in the Dress is a very touching, hilarious and poignant story of why being different is something to celebrate. As with David's other novel adaptations I have no...
- 5/23/2014
- Digital Spy
Paul Whitehouse is to front a new TV comedy on BBC Two.
The Fast Show comic will star in an adaptation of his BBC Radio 4 sitcom Nurse, according to Radio Times.
The radio series stars Esther Coles as a community psychiatric nurse, with Whitehouse taking on multiple roles as her patients.
Coles, Whitehouse and other members of the radio cast - including Rosie Cavaliero and Simon Day - are expected to reprise their roles for the TV remake.
Shane Allen - BBC controller of comedy commissioning - said: "Nurse has gone down a storm on radio and we are very excited about the TV version."
Whitehouse's last regular TV project was BBC One sketch show Harry & Paul, which saw him reunited with comedy cohort Harry Enfield.
The Fast Show comic will star in an adaptation of his BBC Radio 4 sitcom Nurse, according to Radio Times.
The radio series stars Esther Coles as a community psychiatric nurse, with Whitehouse taking on multiple roles as her patients.
Coles, Whitehouse and other members of the radio cast - including Rosie Cavaliero and Simon Day - are expected to reprise their roles for the TV remake.
Shane Allen - BBC controller of comedy commissioning - said: "Nurse has gone down a storm on radio and we are very excited about the TV version."
Whitehouse's last regular TV project was BBC One sketch show Harry & Paul, which saw him reunited with comedy cohort Harry Enfield.
- 4/8/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC One has announced details of a new Comedy Playhouse season.
Three new half-hour one-off specials will be broadcast on the channel later this year, featuring the likes of Hugh Dennis, My Mad Fat Diary star Sharon Rooney and Mark Heap.
Steptoe and Son, Till Death Us Do Part, Are You Being Served? and Last of the Summer Wine are among classic BBC sitcoms which were born out of former BBC Comedy Playhouse seasons.
Comedy commissioning controller Shane Allen said: "BBC One delivers enormous audiences for comedy and this season revival reflects our commitment in mainstream to do new and daring projects.
"We want BBC One to fly the flag of popular British comedy and want this dedicated space to promote tomorrow's classic comedy today."
Dennis and Neil Morrissey will star in Over To Bill, a sitcom from Red Dwarf writer Doug Naylor.
BBC weatherman Bill Onion (Dennis) is fired...
Three new half-hour one-off specials will be broadcast on the channel later this year, featuring the likes of Hugh Dennis, My Mad Fat Diary star Sharon Rooney and Mark Heap.
Steptoe and Son, Till Death Us Do Part, Are You Being Served? and Last of the Summer Wine are among classic BBC sitcoms which were born out of former BBC Comedy Playhouse seasons.
Comedy commissioning controller Shane Allen said: "BBC One delivers enormous audiences for comedy and this season revival reflects our commitment in mainstream to do new and daring projects.
"We want BBC One to fly the flag of popular British comedy and want this dedicated space to promote tomorrow's classic comedy today."
Dennis and Neil Morrissey will star in Over To Bill, a sitcom from Red Dwarf writer Doug Naylor.
BBC weatherman Bill Onion (Dennis) is fired...
- 3/18/2014
- Digital Spy
Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer's BBC Two comedy House of Fools has been renewed.
The sitcom - written by and starring the Shooting Stars duo - will return for a second series, the pair confirmed today (March 18).
Co-stars Daniel Simonsen, Morgana Robinson, Matt Berry and Dan Skinner are all expected to return for a second outing.
The BBC's controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen said: "House of Fools is a much needed big old rainbow of daftness in a world that is too grey and sensible.
"Those two loveable twits work very hard at making something that looks so effortlessly silly and it's a thrill to know there's plenty more where that came from."
BBC Commission 2Nd Series Of House Of Fools!!
— bob mortimer (@RealBobMortimer) March 18, 2014
Vic and Bob said in a statement: "We are overjoyed and thankful to our great corporation for their diligence in this matter."
House of Fools...
The sitcom - written by and starring the Shooting Stars duo - will return for a second series, the pair confirmed today (March 18).
Co-stars Daniel Simonsen, Morgana Robinson, Matt Berry and Dan Skinner are all expected to return for a second outing.
The BBC's controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen said: "House of Fools is a much needed big old rainbow of daftness in a world that is too grey and sensible.
"Those two loveable twits work very hard at making something that looks so effortlessly silly and it's a thrill to know there's plenty more where that came from."
BBC Commission 2Nd Series Of House Of Fools!!
— bob mortimer (@RealBobMortimer) March 18, 2014
Vic and Bob said in a statement: "We are overjoyed and thankful to our great corporation for their diligence in this matter."
House of Fools...
- 3/18/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC Four has announced details of four new shows to be broadcast later this year.
Mackenzie Crook will star in the six-part series Detectorists, in which he uses his own experiences as a metal detector enthusiast.
Crook will "tap into the world of the male hobby which is very funny and touching", BBC controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen said.
The BBC is looking to announce a "big name" star to appear opposite Crook in the series, according to Radio Times.
The pair will "embark on a journey of greed, betrayal, rejection and redemption as they hurtle towards Danbury Metal Detecting Club's greatest ever find".
Meanwhile, Miles Jupp will write and star as cookery writer Damien Trench in In and Out of the Kitchen, a three-part series based on the Radio 4 comedy.
Each episode follows Damien and his partner Anthony (Justin Edwards), their builders Mr Mullaney and Steven, and Damien's "terrifying" agent Ian.
Mackenzie Crook will star in the six-part series Detectorists, in which he uses his own experiences as a metal detector enthusiast.
Crook will "tap into the world of the male hobby which is very funny and touching", BBC controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen said.
The BBC is looking to announce a "big name" star to appear opposite Crook in the series, according to Radio Times.
The pair will "embark on a journey of greed, betrayal, rejection and redemption as they hurtle towards Danbury Metal Detecting Club's greatest ever find".
Meanwhile, Miles Jupp will write and star as cookery writer Damien Trench in In and Out of the Kitchen, a three-part series based on the Radio 4 comedy.
Each episode follows Damien and his partner Anthony (Justin Edwards), their builders Mr Mullaney and Steven, and Damien's "terrifying" agent Ian.
- 1/31/2014
- Digital Spy
Only Fools and Horses star Roger Lloyd-Pack has died at the age of 69.
The actor was born in Islington, North London on February 8, 1944. His father Charles Lloyd-Pack was known for several appearances in Hammer horror films.
At a young age he performed glove puppet shows, before his Hampshire school Bedales allowed him to take part in small theatre productions.
He began concentrating on acting during his studies, inspired by his drama teacher Rachel Carey-Field. Having achieved three A-levels, he successfully enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada).
Lloyd-Pack made his stage debut in a Northampton production of The Shoemaker's Holiday by Thomas Dekker. After a number of stage productions across the UK, he made his screen debut in the 1968 film The Magus.
For the next three decades he played several small roles in films including The Go-Between, 1984 and Vanity Fair.
He finally had his breakthrough in 1981, when...
The actor was born in Islington, North London on February 8, 1944. His father Charles Lloyd-Pack was known for several appearances in Hammer horror films.
At a young age he performed glove puppet shows, before his Hampshire school Bedales allowed him to take part in small theatre productions.
He began concentrating on acting during his studies, inspired by his drama teacher Rachel Carey-Field. Having achieved three A-levels, he successfully enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada).
Lloyd-Pack made his stage debut in a Northampton production of The Shoemaker's Holiday by Thomas Dekker. After a number of stage productions across the UK, he made his screen debut in the 1968 film The Magus.
For the next three decades he played several small roles in films including The Go-Between, 1984 and Vanity Fair.
He finally had his breakthrough in 1981, when...
- 1/16/2014
- Digital Spy
Digital Spy has been in a charitable mood this festive season and has already selected its top TV shows of the year, but now we're in that post-Christmas lull, it's time to put the foul mood brought on by our hangover to good use and give some of 2013's worst telly a tongue-lashing...
Here's our picks for the top 10 TV Turkeys of 2013
Warning: This list contains scenes of a sexual nature, jokes about poo and Micky Flanagan.
The Wright Way
It's becoming harder and harder to remember the days when Ben Elton was funny - his latest comedic misfire was thankfully axed after a single series, with the BBC's controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen blaming Twitter for "crucifying" the show.
What Shane forgot is that Twitter is full of people - it was people that hated The Wright Way. All of the people.
Father Figure
There's a long and...
Here's our picks for the top 10 TV Turkeys of 2013
Warning: This list contains scenes of a sexual nature, jokes about poo and Micky Flanagan.
The Wright Way
It's becoming harder and harder to remember the days when Ben Elton was funny - his latest comedic misfire was thankfully axed after a single series, with the BBC's controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen blaming Twitter for "crucifying" the show.
What Shane forgot is that Twitter is full of people - it was people that hated The Wright Way. All of the people.
Father Figure
There's a long and...
- 12/29/2013
- Digital Spy
London – The BBC is turning to one of Britain's best-known TV satirists to take a look at the U.K. public broadcaster itself. BBC Two controller Janice Hadlow and Shane Allen, controller of comedy commissioning at the BBC, have ordered W1A, writer John Morton’s follow-up to hit comedy series Twenty Twelve, a satire tied to the London 2012 Summer Olympics. The show from BBC In-House Comedy will see actor Hugh Bonneville's Twenty Twelve character Ian Fletcher, the now ex-head of the fictional "Olympic Deliverance Commission," take up his next big job -- the again fictional
read more...
read more...
- 12/6/2013
- by Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeff Pope, who shared the Venice Film Festival best screenplay prize with his Philomena co-writer Steve Coogan, is prepping a biopic about legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. The 90-minute TV movie Stan And Ollie will reteam Pope with Philomena distributor The Weinstein Co. It’s also a reteam for TWC with the BBC and UK production outfit Lookout Point (Ripper Street). The trio are collaborating on Stan And Ollie, and are already partnered on a six-part adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s War And Peace which signaled TWC’s serious push into the European TV arena when it was announced in October. Stan And Ollie will center on Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy’s 1953 UK tour. At the time, the superstars, who had made 106 films together, were facing declining popularity and a series of personal issues. The UK tour was a redeeming success until Hardy was sidelined by a heart attack.
- 12/3/2013
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
BBC has ordered a biopic of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy produced by the BBC’s comedy arm and Harvey Weinstein’s Us indie.
The broadcaster has commissioned Stan and Ollie from BBC’s in-house comedy division, in association with The Weinstein Company and Lookout Point.
Stan and Ollie is a 90-minute one-off biopic that will be written by Mrs Biggs screenwriter Jeff Pope. It will tell the story of the duo’s 1953 UK tour, which followed a split from their mentor, studio politics and a run of poorly received films.
After the tour and following an acrimonious divorce and alimony battles, Hardy became ill, suffered a heart attack and eventually died, while Laurel never performed again.
Stan and Ollie was ordered by Shane Allen, controller of comedy commissioning and former BBC1 controller Danny Cohen. It will be produced by BBC’s Saurabh Kakkar, Lookout Point’s Simon Vaughan and Harvey Weinstein.
It will be...
The broadcaster has commissioned Stan and Ollie from BBC’s in-house comedy division, in association with The Weinstein Company and Lookout Point.
Stan and Ollie is a 90-minute one-off biopic that will be written by Mrs Biggs screenwriter Jeff Pope. It will tell the story of the duo’s 1953 UK tour, which followed a split from their mentor, studio politics and a run of poorly received films.
After the tour and following an acrimonious divorce and alimony battles, Hardy became ill, suffered a heart attack and eventually died, while Laurel never performed again.
Stan and Ollie was ordered by Shane Allen, controller of comedy commissioning and former BBC1 controller Danny Cohen. It will be produced by BBC’s Saurabh Kakkar, Lookout Point’s Simon Vaughan and Harvey Weinstein.
It will be...
- 12/3/2013
- ScreenDaily
The BBC has a Laurel and Hardy biopic in the works.
Stan and Ollie - a 90-minute one-off drama - will be penned by Mrs Biggs writer Jeff Pope, reports Broadcast.
The biopic will pick up at the tail end of the pair's comedy career in 1953, as they embark on an ill-fated UK tour.
"Stan and Ollie is Jeff's love letter to two pioneers and enduring giants of screen comedy," said Shane Allen, controller of comedy commissioning at the BBC.
"It beautifully captures the deep emotional bond forged over a lifelong partnership as they reflect on their rollercoaster careers through the prism of this final UK farewell tour.
"An epic story about the world's most famous comedy double-act to date told with great insight and heart."
A comedy duo of the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema, Englishman Stan Laurel and the Us-born Oliver Hardy rose to fame in...
Stan and Ollie - a 90-minute one-off drama - will be penned by Mrs Biggs writer Jeff Pope, reports Broadcast.
The biopic will pick up at the tail end of the pair's comedy career in 1953, as they embark on an ill-fated UK tour.
"Stan and Ollie is Jeff's love letter to two pioneers and enduring giants of screen comedy," said Shane Allen, controller of comedy commissioning at the BBC.
"It beautifully captures the deep emotional bond forged over a lifelong partnership as they reflect on their rollercoaster careers through the prism of this final UK farewell tour.
"An epic story about the world's most famous comedy double-act to date told with great insight and heart."
A comedy duo of the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema, Englishman Stan Laurel and the Us-born Oliver Hardy rose to fame in...
- 12/3/2013
- Digital Spy
New pictures of Miranda Hart, Robbie Williams and David Walliams in the Christmas TV comedy Gangsta Granny have been released by the BBC.
An adaptation of Walliams's best-selling book of the same name, the show will air on BBC One over the festive period.
Julia McKenzie, Joanna Lumley and Rob Brydon will also star.
Gangsta Granny follows the story of Ben (Reece Buttery), who is bored staying with his granny (McKenzie) until it is revealed that she used to be an international jewel thief.
"Gangsta Granny has proved to be the most popular of all my books," said Walliams. "It is an adventure story about two unlikely thieves, Granny and her grandson Ben. It should make for exciting family viewing at Christmas."
BBC Comedy boss Shane Allen added: "The story delivers on David's penchant for being outrageously funny, yet poignant and tender as well. This will be a wonderful family...
An adaptation of Walliams's best-selling book of the same name, the show will air on BBC One over the festive period.
Julia McKenzie, Joanna Lumley and Rob Brydon will also star.
Gangsta Granny follows the story of Ben (Reece Buttery), who is bored staying with his granny (McKenzie) until it is revealed that she used to be an international jewel thief.
"Gangsta Granny has proved to be the most popular of all my books," said Walliams. "It is an adventure story about two unlikely thieves, Granny and her grandson Ben. It should make for exciting family viewing at Christmas."
BBC Comedy boss Shane Allen added: "The story delivers on David's penchant for being outrageously funny, yet poignant and tender as well. This will be a wonderful family...
- 11/26/2013
- Digital Spy
Jennifer Saunders has declared that an Absolutely Fabulous movie adaptation will "never happen".
The 55-year-old creator and star of the hit BBC comedy revealed that she fears the long-running sitcom may be ruined if a feature film were to be made.
Speaking to Glamour magazine about the prospect of a movie, Saunders replied: "It'll never happen.
"We've been talking about it for so long and now I've just got this feeling that Ab Fab is in such a nice place now - if we made the film there would be such a danger that we could ruin it."
Saunders - who plays Edina Monsoon - and co-star Joanna Lumley reprised their roles in a number of Ab Fab specials, including an Olympics-themed one-off episode in 2012.
Lumley, who plays Patsy Stone in the show, has previously said that she would be happy to star in a film adaptation of the comedy.
The 55-year-old creator and star of the hit BBC comedy revealed that she fears the long-running sitcom may be ruined if a feature film were to be made.
Speaking to Glamour magazine about the prospect of a movie, Saunders replied: "It'll never happen.
"We've been talking about it for so long and now I've just got this feeling that Ab Fab is in such a nice place now - if we made the film there would be such a danger that we could ruin it."
Saunders - who plays Edina Monsoon - and co-star Joanna Lumley reprised their roles in a number of Ab Fab specials, including an Olympics-themed one-off episode in 2012.
Lumley, who plays Patsy Stone in the show, has previously said that she would be happy to star in a film adaptation of the comedy.
- 10/8/2013
- Digital Spy
Jennifer Saunders has declared that an Absolutely Fabulous movie adaptation will "never happen".
The 55-year-old creator and star of the hit BBC comedy revealed that she fears the long-running sitcom may be ruined if a feature film were to be made.
Speaking to Glamour magazine about the prospect of a movie, Saunders replied: "It'll never happen.
"We've been talking about it for so long and now I've just got this feeling that Ab Fab is in such a nice place now - if we made the film there would be such a danger that we could ruin it."
Saunders - who plays Edina Monsoon - and co-star Joanna Lumley reprised their roles in a number of Ab Fab specials, including an Olympics-themed one-off episode in 2012.
Lumley, who plays Patsy Stone in the show, has previously said that she would be happy to star in a film adaptation of the comedy.
The 55-year-old creator and star of the hit BBC comedy revealed that she fears the long-running sitcom may be ruined if a feature film were to be made.
Speaking to Glamour magazine about the prospect of a movie, Saunders replied: "It'll never happen.
"We've been talking about it for so long and now I've just got this feeling that Ab Fab is in such a nice place now - if we made the film there would be such a danger that we could ruin it."
Saunders - who plays Edina Monsoon - and co-star Joanna Lumley reprised their roles in a number of Ab Fab specials, including an Olympics-themed one-off episode in 2012.
Lumley, who plays Patsy Stone in the show, has previously said that she would be happy to star in a film adaptation of the comedy.
- 10/8/2013
- Digital Spy
Absolutely Fabulous
The BBC's controller of comedy series commissioning Shane Allen says that the "door is always open for more Ab Fabs."
Allen went on to elaborate in the same interview that he'd commission more specials (like the recent batch of three) rather than a full six-episode season of the long-running sitcom. [Source: The Guardian]
The Strain
Sean Astin ("The Lord of the Rings" trilogy) has joined the cast of Guillermo del Toro and Carlton Cuse's "The Strain" series on FX.
Astin plays Jim Kent, an open political operative of the Canary Group and best friends of the two lead characters (Mia Maestro, Corey Stoll). [Source: Twitter]
Outlander
Starz and Sony Pictures Television have officially confirmed reports that Sam Heughan will play the lead role of Jamie Fraser in "Outlander".
The time travel drama comes from "Battlestar Galactica" executive producer Ronald D. Moore. Source: Starz
3D TV
While The BBC and Espn are scrapping their 3D TV initiatives,...
The BBC's controller of comedy series commissioning Shane Allen says that the "door is always open for more Ab Fabs."
Allen went on to elaborate in the same interview that he'd commission more specials (like the recent batch of three) rather than a full six-episode season of the long-running sitcom. [Source: The Guardian]
The Strain
Sean Astin ("The Lord of the Rings" trilogy) has joined the cast of Guillermo del Toro and Carlton Cuse's "The Strain" series on FX.
Astin plays Jim Kent, an open political operative of the Canary Group and best friends of the two lead characters (Mia Maestro, Corey Stoll). [Source: Twitter]
Outlander
Starz and Sony Pictures Television have officially confirmed reports that Sam Heughan will play the lead role of Jamie Fraser in "Outlander".
The time travel drama comes from "Battlestar Galactica" executive producer Ronald D. Moore. Source: Starz
3D TV
While The BBC and Espn are scrapping their 3D TV initiatives,...
- 7/10/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
London -- The BBC's head of comedy has called on audiences to give new shows a chance to prove themselves instead of instantly "crucifying" them on social media. Some talent are "scared of the glare" of a primetime comedy as "things can get slaughtered quite quickly," the Guardian quoted Shane Allen, the BBC's controller of comedy commissioning, as saying. "Comedy provokes massive reactions." Photos: THR Emmy Roundtable: Behind the Scenes With TV's Hilarious Comedy Actresses He cited the example of BBC One sitcom The Wright Way, which has just been canceled. Allen said its creator, Ben Elton, who also co-
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- 7/10/2013
- by George Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The BBC has declared that it will always be happy for Absolutely Fabulous to return to screens.
The classic comedy recently aired a number of new specials, including one for the Olympics.
BBC executive Shane Allen said at the Broadcasting Press Guild Lunch that Jennifer Saunders is currently working on a new project but that the "door is always open for more Ab Fab".
"Obviously," he added. "[Jennifer] is brilliant. I'd do anything she wants. [Absolutely Fabulous] is in the national fabric, isn't it? The door's wide open."
Allen clarified that if the sitcom was to return it would be for more specials, rather than an entire series.
He also confirmed that The Royale Family could still come back for specials, despite not broadcasting one this Christmas.
Watch a clip of Absolutely Fabulous below:...
The classic comedy recently aired a number of new specials, including one for the Olympics.
BBC executive Shane Allen said at the Broadcasting Press Guild Lunch that Jennifer Saunders is currently working on a new project but that the "door is always open for more Ab Fab".
"Obviously," he added. "[Jennifer] is brilliant. I'd do anything she wants. [Absolutely Fabulous] is in the national fabric, isn't it? The door's wide open."
Allen clarified that if the sitcom was to return it would be for more specials, rather than an entire series.
He also confirmed that The Royale Family could still come back for specials, despite not broadcasting one this Christmas.
Watch a clip of Absolutely Fabulous below:...
- 7/9/2013
- Digital Spy
The BBC has suggested that Miranda will not be returning any time soon.
The show, written by and starring Miranda Hart, has proved a huge hit with viewers and made the move from BBC Two to BBC One for its third series.
However, BBC executive Shane Allen admitted at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch: "She is doing a live tour and then has film plans.
"The fourth series will probably be a long way off."
Hart recently laughed off polls naming her as viewers' favourite choice for a female Doctor on Doctor Who.
"Really? Who, me? Are you serious? That's hilarious," she said.
"I'm just surprised constantly by [my] popularity, let alone the fact [people] want me to be Doctor Who."
> Miranda Hart: 'Matthew Perry is my ideal romantic lead'
Watch a behind-the-scenes clip from Miranda below:...
The show, written by and starring Miranda Hart, has proved a huge hit with viewers and made the move from BBC Two to BBC One for its third series.
However, BBC executive Shane Allen admitted at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch: "She is doing a live tour and then has film plans.
"The fourth series will probably be a long way off."
Hart recently laughed off polls naming her as viewers' favourite choice for a female Doctor on Doctor Who.
"Really? Who, me? Are you serious? That's hilarious," she said.
"I'm just surprised constantly by [my] popularity, let alone the fact [people] want me to be Doctor Who."
> Miranda Hart: 'Matthew Perry is my ideal romantic lead'
Watch a behind-the-scenes clip from Miranda below:...
- 7/9/2013
- Digital Spy
The Royle Family will not return for a Christmas special in 2013, it has been confirmed.
Broadcast journalist Robin Parker announced the news on Twitter following a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch with BBC comedy boss Shane Allen.
The last Royle Family special 'Barbara's Old Ring' aired on Christmas Day 2012 and attracted an audience of 9.9 million.
Allen confirmed that BBC One's Citizen Khan and Not Going Out would have Christmas specials later this year.
The new comedy boss, who previously worked at Channel 4, also teased that he is in talks with Catherine Tate about new comedy shows with the BBC and that the door is open for more Absolutely Fabulous specials.
The BBC comedy team announced today that Count Arthur Strong has been given a second series.
Meanwhile, Ben Elton's The Wright Way and Sue Perkins's Heading Out have been axed.
Broadcast journalist Robin Parker announced the news on Twitter following a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch with BBC comedy boss Shane Allen.
The last Royle Family special 'Barbara's Old Ring' aired on Christmas Day 2012 and attracted an audience of 9.9 million.
Allen confirmed that BBC One's Citizen Khan and Not Going Out would have Christmas specials later this year.
The new comedy boss, who previously worked at Channel 4, also teased that he is in talks with Catherine Tate about new comedy shows with the BBC and that the door is open for more Absolutely Fabulous specials.
The BBC comedy team announced today that Count Arthur Strong has been given a second series.
Meanwhile, Ben Elton's The Wright Way and Sue Perkins's Heading Out have been axed.
- 7/9/2013
- Digital Spy
Ben Elton's The Wright Way and Sue Perkins's sitcom Heading Out will not be getting second series, BBC comedy boss Shane Allen has revealed.
Allen confirmed the cancellations during an appearance at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch, according to Broadcast journalist Jake Kanter.
Elton's The Wright Way was savaged by critics when it launched earlier this year.
The Guardian said that it would have looked "badly dated in the 1970s", while The Independent billed the comedy as "occasionally so groan-inducing that you want to gather a mob with torches and pitchforks".
Perkins's Heading Out received a warmer critical response, but struggled in the ratings, falling beneath BBC Two's slot average at 10pm.
The BBC comedy team has commissioned a second series of new sitcom Count Arthur Strong and has also green-lit a new comedy from Getting On duo Jo Scanlan and Vicki Pepperdine.
Watch a clip of The Wright Way...
Allen confirmed the cancellations during an appearance at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch, according to Broadcast journalist Jake Kanter.
Elton's The Wright Way was savaged by critics when it launched earlier this year.
The Guardian said that it would have looked "badly dated in the 1970s", while The Independent billed the comedy as "occasionally so groan-inducing that you want to gather a mob with torches and pitchforks".
Perkins's Heading Out received a warmer critical response, but struggled in the ratings, falling beneath BBC Two's slot average at 10pm.
The BBC comedy team has commissioned a second series of new sitcom Count Arthur Strong and has also green-lit a new comedy from Getting On duo Jo Scanlan and Vicki Pepperdine.
Watch a clip of The Wright Way...
- 7/9/2013
- Digital Spy
Count Arthur Strong has been recommissioned for a second series.
The comedy - which debuted on BBC Two last night (July 8) - has received an order for seven more 30-minute episodes.
Co-written by The It Crowd's Graham Linehan, Count Arthur Strong stars Steve Delaney as the title character - an ex-variety star - and Rory Kinnear as Michael, the son of his old performing partner.
Series one's opener pulled in an overnight audience of 971,000 at 8.30pm last night (July 8).
> Count Arthur Strong snap reviews: What critics, Twitter and forums say
"It's a huge privilege to see Count Arthur Strong return," said BBC Controller of Comedy Commissioning Shane Allen. "The combined talents of Graham Linehan, Steve Delaney and Rory Kinnear are too irresistible.
"This series has all the hallmarks of a BBC Two comedy classic with its superb character at the heart of it, brilliant writing and a dream supporting cast.
The comedy - which debuted on BBC Two last night (July 8) - has received an order for seven more 30-minute episodes.
Co-written by The It Crowd's Graham Linehan, Count Arthur Strong stars Steve Delaney as the title character - an ex-variety star - and Rory Kinnear as Michael, the son of his old performing partner.
Series one's opener pulled in an overnight audience of 971,000 at 8.30pm last night (July 8).
> Count Arthur Strong snap reviews: What critics, Twitter and forums say
"It's a huge privilege to see Count Arthur Strong return," said BBC Controller of Comedy Commissioning Shane Allen. "The combined talents of Graham Linehan, Steve Delaney and Rory Kinnear are too irresistible.
"This series has all the hallmarks of a BBC Two comedy classic with its superb character at the heart of it, brilliant writing and a dream supporting cast.
- 7/9/2013
- Digital Spy
After the success of last Christmas' BAFTA-nominated Mr Stink, another adaptation of a David Walliams novel is coming to BBC One.
Gangsta Granny tells the story of schoolboy Ben, who is bored beyond belief after he is made to stay at his grandma’s house; all she wants to do is stay in and play Scrabble and eat cabbage soup. What Ben doesn’t know about his grandma is that she was once an international jewel thief, and for her entire life, she has been plotting to steal the Crown Jewels. Now, she needs Ben’s help…
David Walliams says: “Gangsta Granny has proved to be the most popular of all my books. It is an adventure story about two unlikely thieves, Granny and her grandson, Ben. It should make for exciting family viewing at Christmas.”
Shane Allen, the Controller of BBC Comedy Commissioning said: “The story delivers on David...
Gangsta Granny tells the story of schoolboy Ben, who is bored beyond belief after he is made to stay at his grandma’s house; all she wants to do is stay in and play Scrabble and eat cabbage soup. What Ben doesn’t know about his grandma is that she was once an international jewel thief, and for her entire life, she has been plotting to steal the Crown Jewels. Now, she needs Ben’s help…
David Walliams says: “Gangsta Granny has proved to be the most popular of all my books. It is an adventure story about two unlikely thieves, Granny and her grandson, Ben. It should make for exciting family viewing at Christmas.”
Shane Allen, the Controller of BBC Comedy Commissioning said: “The story delivers on David...
- 4/26/2013
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
BBC One have announced the commission of David Walliams’s popular children’s book Gangsta Granny for Christmas 2013.
The TV special was commissioned by departing controller of BBC One Danny Cohen, as well as newly appointed BBC head of Comedy Shane Allen. The production will be In-House and is scheduled to be screened later this year.
Fronted by the same team who made Mr Stink – which has secured a BAFTA nomination – the script will be written by Kevin Cecil & Andy Riley, who also co wrote Gnomeo & Juliet & Black Books. David Walliams will also be lending his writing hand too.
Speaking in a BBC press release, David Walliams talks about his excitement of seeing Gangsta Granny being made for TV;
“Gangsta Granny has proved to be the most popular of all my books. It is an adventure story about two unlikely thieves, Granny and her grandson, Ben. It should make for exciting family viewing at Christmas.
The TV special was commissioned by departing controller of BBC One Danny Cohen, as well as newly appointed BBC head of Comedy Shane Allen. The production will be In-House and is scheduled to be screened later this year.
Fronted by the same team who made Mr Stink – which has secured a BAFTA nomination – the script will be written by Kevin Cecil & Andy Riley, who also co wrote Gnomeo & Juliet & Black Books. David Walliams will also be lending his writing hand too.
Speaking in a BBC press release, David Walliams talks about his excitement of seeing Gangsta Granny being made for TV;
“Gangsta Granny has proved to be the most popular of all my books. It is an adventure story about two unlikely thieves, Granny and her grandson, Ben. It should make for exciting family viewing at Christmas.
- 4/26/2013
- by Connor Macgregor
- Obsessed with Film
David Walliams's children's book Gangsta Granny is to be adapted for BBC One.
The one-off hour-long comedy-drama will tell the story of schoolboy Ben, who discovers that his apparently boring grandma is actually an international jewel thief plotting to steal the Crown Jewels.
Gangsta Granny is being adapted by the same team that previously brought Walliams's Mr Stink to the small screen in 2012.
"Gangsta Granny has proved to be the most popular of all my books," said Walliams. "It is an adventure story about two unlikely thieves, Granny and her grandson Ben. It should make for exciting family viewing at Christmas."
BBC One's controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen added: "The story delivers on David's penchant for being outrageously funny, yet poignant and tender as well.
"This will be a wonderful family viewing treat for this Christmas and we're thrilled about seeing it make the journey from page to screen.
The one-off hour-long comedy-drama will tell the story of schoolboy Ben, who discovers that his apparently boring grandma is actually an international jewel thief plotting to steal the Crown Jewels.
Gangsta Granny is being adapted by the same team that previously brought Walliams's Mr Stink to the small screen in 2012.
"Gangsta Granny has proved to be the most popular of all my books," said Walliams. "It is an adventure story about two unlikely thieves, Granny and her grandson Ben. It should make for exciting family viewing at Christmas."
BBC One's controller of comedy commissioning Shane Allen added: "The story delivers on David's penchant for being outrageously funny, yet poignant and tender as well.
"This will be a wonderful family viewing treat for this Christmas and we're thrilled about seeing it make the journey from page to screen.
- 4/26/2013
- Digital Spy
Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer have revealed that they are "over the moon" to be back on BBC Two with their new sitcom House of Fools.
The duo, who have starred in Shooting Stars, Bang Bang... and The Smell Of... on BBC Two in the past, will shoot the new series later this year. House of Fools will air in 2014.
Set in "Bob's grubby flat", the studio audience sitcom will feature Matt Berry, Dan Skinner, Daniel Simonsen and Morgana Robinson.
Vic and Bob are flatmates on the show and they will have lots of unwanted visitors including lady-obsessed lothario Beef (Berry), ex-con Bosh (Skinner) and man-eater Julie (Robinson).
In the same way that Shooting Stars bent the rules of the panel show, the duo's sitcom promises to be filled with "uniquely surreal jokes, physical nonsense, daft songs, unimaginable props and impossible situations".
Shane Allen, BBC's new comedy commissioner, said: "Vic...
The duo, who have starred in Shooting Stars, Bang Bang... and The Smell Of... on BBC Two in the past, will shoot the new series later this year. House of Fools will air in 2014.
Set in "Bob's grubby flat", the studio audience sitcom will feature Matt Berry, Dan Skinner, Daniel Simonsen and Morgana Robinson.
Vic and Bob are flatmates on the show and they will have lots of unwanted visitors including lady-obsessed lothario Beef (Berry), ex-con Bosh (Skinner) and man-eater Julie (Robinson).
In the same way that Shooting Stars bent the rules of the panel show, the duo's sitcom promises to be filled with "uniquely surreal jokes, physical nonsense, daft songs, unimaginable props and impossible situations".
Shane Allen, BBC's new comedy commissioner, said: "Vic...
- 4/26/2013
- Digital Spy
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