RDF changes the focus of its new comedy website

Production company RDF have altered their plans in relation to the new comedy website they are currently developing. Roughcuts.co.uk will now become an online store for downloading comedy episodes, and not another website for people to upload their own home-made comedy, as was previously the plan.

RDF says their new website will, for a moderate fee, allow visitors to 'download-to-own' comedy episodes from their back catalogue. The production company's library includes sitcoms from The Comedy Unit like Still Game (pictured), and the popular Scottish sketch show Chewin' the Fat.

It is understood RDF is also in advanced talks with third parties about licensing other comedy content to sit alongside its own catalogue. Plus, in addition, the company states on the current holding page that it will be commissioning 'a host of exclusive comedy content just for Rough Cuts'.

Zad Rogers, RDF's head of Digital, says that there are two core elements to the site: the Comedy Store, which will contain the long-form content which must be bought; and a second part of the website which will show shorter clips for free. This area will include a feature they're calling 'lean back', it aims to keep viewers entertained by scheduling clips continuously based on previous choices. The company is describing this section of their website as "more of a broadband TV channel".

RDF apparently decided to scrap the user-uploads and community elements on the advice of media partner dubz.tv. Justin Buckwell explained the decision: "Evidence suggests the online mainstream market's appetite is for professionally made quality comedy. This new project will take the best of what's available from TV and deliver it in an intelligent manner."

Roughcuts.co.uk will launch on the 1st April.