New TV station London Live orders a raft of comedy shows
London Live, the new Freeview channel that's set to launch in London at the end of March, has announced a batch of new comedy commissions.
The channel, which is run by the company behind The Evening Standard newspaper, says it is boosting its "commitment to finding and championing new comic talent for the capital".
Head of programming Jonathan Boseley says: "These ambitious new series and pilots are a reflection of the massive commitment we have to making comedy a vital part to the London Live schedule. Comedy is missing a place where brand new comic writers and performers can find their feet, and be introduced to mainstream TV audiences. I am just so pleased that we can now offer that opportunity."
Boseley adds: "I will be paying close attention to what our audiences think of the shows, especially the pilots. If audiences love them then it is highly likely they will be turned into series."
The station has also now signed Sarah Fraser from UKTV's Dave and Gold to act as its Executive Producer for comedy commissions. She says: "It's exciting to be joining London Live from kick off. Our aim is to give new writers and performers a platform to try out their ideas with a lot of support. We are also talking to well-known producers interested in our model and nimble commissioning process. I relish the opportunity to work with them and with new comedy talent, in many cases giving them their first television break."
Below is details on the series and pilots announced so far:
Alex Zane's Funny Rotten Scoundrels
An eight-part stand-up show hosted by Alex Zane. Recorded at the Century Club, it will feature "a well-crafted mix of new, comic talent alongside well known acts", including Zane himself, who is returning to stand-up after a four year hiatus.
The series, produced by Alaska TV, will intercut between performances and backstage talk between the comics and Alex, creating "a fast paced and visually layered show".
Alex Zane says: "I can't wait to bring some cutting edge comedy from the heart of the capital onto this exciting new channel."
A six-part mockumentary sitcom based on an 'everyday average Joe' in London.
Joe Ellis is a loveable idiot who experiences the highs, lows and hang-ups of the life in the city. He is a go-getter without much luck; he tries to grab life by the horns but always gets kicked in the face. He is funny and warm but deluded and socially unaware. He has blind, unshakable faith in his own opinions, which is usually his downfall.
The show is created by Ben Fromet and James Delow. Fromet, who is currently starring in Live At The Electric as the character Pete Swivel, will take on the role of Joe.
An eight part sitcom series based around YouTube star Don't Jealous Me (Tolulope Ogunmefun). The comedy, from the creators of Meet The Adebanjos, will follow the culture-clashing exploits of T-Boy, a rich Nigerian boy who comes to live with his cousin and aunt in London.
A 13-part comedy drama featuring the characters seen in a hit YouTube series of the same name.
The show follows the unsuccessful love lives of four Londoners. It will also feature light-hearted relationship advice from the characters, urban celebrities and real people.
Sitcom series based on characters first developed on YouTube. Created by and starring Samuell Benta, the show focuses on a young father who aspires to be a Hollywood superstar but is bogged down by his broken relationship and his family, who all have their own little dramas.
A sketch show pilot described as a cross between The Fast Show and The League Of Gentlemen.
The Dafty Show features "edgy emerging online comedy duo" Sheps & Caddy - aka Dafty - in their first long form show.
Jason Lewis brings his urban-skewed sketch comedy to the screen via this pilot.
The comedian has previously showcased some of the characters in a series of videos on the BBC website.
Sitcom pilot based around a disparate group of young Londoners who are locked in a battle to save their library from closure.
The pilot, created by Ian Aryeh, stars Louise Ford, Christian Brassington and David Fynn.
A mockumentary sitcom pilot about the life and times of a lower league London football club.
Written by Luke Flanagan and Matt Connolly, the episode follows the movements of manager Harry Pickles and his team, Greystone Athletic.
An "outrageous new comedy mashup show" from "the king of the celebrity viral video". The pilot stars the impressionist who also runs the Charlie Hides TV YouTube channel.
London Live will also show repeats of Peep Show, Spaced and Twenty Twelve as part of its schedule.
London Live launches on the 31st March 2014. It will be on Freeview channel 8 and YouView 8 in the London region, plus Sky 117 and Virgin 159, as well as being available online.