A Spitting Image for the digital age
ITV1 plans new animated satire
ITV is planning a modern version of Spitting Image - but using computer animation rather than puppets.The broadcaster will use modern 3D imaging software to caricature politicians and celebrities in the show, provisionally titled CGI UK.
It has been created by comedian Henry Naylor, a former head writer on Spitting Image. Eight half-hour episodes are in the works, and are expected to air in January, trade magazine Broadcast reports.
Executive producer Saurabh Kakkar told the paper: ‘The technology now is of such quality that we aren't restricted - we can go anywhere and tackle most people and subjects.’
The programme promises running sketches as well as a fast turnaround time to allow gags to be written close to transmission.
ITV aired another animated satire, 2D-TV, from 2001 and 2004, and had been keen to bring Spitting Image back.
However, the network angered Roger Law, who owns the rights to Spitting Image, when it created new puppets of Ant and Dec for a nostalgic special last year against his wishes – and the plan was scuppered.
Published: 17 May 2007
