Series of short films commissioned

Sky has commissioned a series of ten short films to showcase characters from up-and-coming comedy talent.

The 11-minute films will be made by Steve Coogan’s production company Baby Cow as part of Sky Atlantic’s push into the genre.

Speaking at a launch event in London today, Sky’s head of comedy Lucy Lumsden said: ‘This is a new series of comedy shorts, which we’re currently calling Comedy Republic, which will help find the next generation of writer-performers and character comics.

‘Audition are on the way.’

Baby Cow’s chief executive Henry Normal added: ‘God bless Sky Atlantic for giving so many people an opportunity to present new comedy. This is my dream show. I have been wanting to make this for 14 years.’

Sky Atlantic is making a major investment into comedy, including new specials with Alan Partridge, a TV version of Adam Buxton’s Bug, Julia Davis’s new period comedy Hunderby and a chat show from Ronna & Beverley among others.

Published: 31 May 2012