Channel 4 announces Comedy Blaps online showcase
Channel 4 has announced details of five comedies which will make up its first showcase of comedy pilots for the internet. Amongst the Comedy Blaps season will be an animated version of adult comic Viz.
The comedies, created by various up-and-coming writers, performers, directors and animators, will be made available via the Channel 4 website as a series of podcasts, and will be promoted via the 'ComedyOn4' accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
Out of the 500 submissions made to the station, here are the five shows that made the cut:
Hidden: A live action comedy made by Objective Productions. Hidden is about undercover policeman Rufus Fox, who attempts to infiltrate the criminal underworld on a rough estate. However, he is dangerously delusional about his talent and skills, and puts the lives of both himself and his fellow officers in real jeopardy at every turn.
Evil Kweevil: Evil Kweevil is a daredevil maggot that drives a micro-machine, attempting various dangerous stunts around someone's kitchen. We follow the highs and lows of Evil Kweevil, from his adventurous adrenalin filled days to his lonely tedium filled nights. This pilot is made by Mock Tudor Films.
The Rubberbandits: Mr Chrome and Blindboy Boat are an Irish comedy musical duo, playing to sell-out crowds around the world. This series will follow their lives, combining the narrative of their weird existence with their musical genius. Made by Irish production company Sideline.
Viz: Britain's most famous adult comic book, known for its unashamed smut and toilet humour, brings its (in)famous characters to screen. Among those appearing in the pilot will be the foul-mouthed Roger Mellie (The Man from The Telly), Sid the Sexist, The Fat Slags and Biffa Bacon. Made by Baby Cow Productions, the production company behind sitcoms including Ideal.
Business Mouse: From the creators of Modern Toss, this online comedy features Business Mouse, a cartoon idiotic rodent trying to make it in the world of business. He blunders his way through deal after deal at a rapid rate.
Channel 4's Fiona McDermott says: "We were stunned and impressed by the number of submissions and the amount of new talent that was brought to our attention throughout the Blaps process. So we're genuinely excited by these first commissions, they harness the full scope of what we hope Blaps will be, that dual objective of being a stepping stone for some very promising new talent, on and off screen, whilst also adding a Channel 4 flavour to the ever burgeoning online comedy world."
This first set of Blaps will be available to watch later in the year.