Hopes for another Inbetweeners

Film4 has pledged an extra £1million to develop new British comedy films.

The company hopes the new investment – which comes on top of the £15million it spends financing films every year – could help it find another hit to follow The Inbetweeners movie.

Shane Allen, Channel 4's head of comedy, will commission new projects from the pot..

He said: ‘This is a fantastic adrenaline shot for more British film comedy following on from the overwhelming audience appetite we experienced last summer.

‘The recent explosion in live comedy is because it's a very communal experience, so with the huge expertise of Film4 it's a brilliant opportunity to tap the cinematic potential of UK writing and performing talent.’

Film 4 head Tessa Ross announced the new fund at a pre-Cannes party in London. She said: ‘With Shane’s impeccable track record and huge wealth of experience we know we are in for some seriously entertaining films.’

Published: 11 May 2012