DVD windfall for next series

The next comedy show from  Bo’ Selecta! creator Leigh Francis has already earned £1 million – four months before it airs.

DVD rights to the Channel 4 show A Bear’s Tale have reportedly been snapped up for the seven-figure sum by Universal Picture.

They hope to repeat the success of Bo’ Selecta, whose first series has sold more than 1 million copies on disc.

The six-part spin-off – following on from a successful Christmas special – is expected to air in July, with the DVD out for this year’s festive market.

Independent production house Bellyache Productions, which is making the show, will use the proceeds of the sale to fund other projects – including an entertainment series from comic Russell Brand – trade magazine Broadcast reports.

Published: 19 Mar 2005