Graham Linehan to nurture new comedy writers

Graham Linehan has signed a deal with Fremantle Media to setup his own production company. The Father Ted, Black Books and IT Crowd writer's new company, which has not yet been named, will be funded by the new £28m talent fund setup by Fremantle.

Through his new production office, Linehan will work with writers and performers to develop new comedies for Fremantle's UK production company Talkback Thames.

Linehan explained the thinking behind the deal: "In the past, all I could offer was the name of a commissioning editor. Writers too often start off with the feeling that people are going to interfere with their scripts, but as a fellow writer I hope I can offer them advice."

Under the terms of the deal, Talkback Thames will also be able to discuss its own comedy projects with Linehan, though the writer is allowed to veto ideas that do not interest him.

Talkback Thames chief executive Lorraine Heggessey told the press: "It is a real coup to have such high-profile talent in comedy join forces with Talkback Thames. The talent fund will help us to expand our business and, working with established talent will ensure we broaden our creative base."

Earlier in the week Linehan was voted one of the top 100 living geniuses in a poll conducted by a consultancy firm (full results).