Reposted from Broadcast
The London Evening Standard backed broadcaster London Live will launch the 6 x 30-minute comedy as part of its first tranche of programming when it debuts in the spring of 2014 after striking a deal with creator Samuell Benta.
Benta originally created the sitcom as a YouTube short and has now produced an entire series. It is set in London and follows the adventures of Samuell McKenzie, played by Benta, and his family. London Live launch programming director Jane Mote said she was impressed that Benta had made his own way in TV comedy.
“I’ve watched a lot of things on YouTube – TV execs all spend hours watching YouTube – but trying to find something good is a nightmare. This is a gem,” she added. In working with emerging talent, the series is a good example of what London Live will be seeking to commission.
“For a network to believe in an individual as opposed to a production company takes a lot of courage,” said Benta.
However, Mote added that London Live is also in talks with established production companies and, since receiving its licence to air on Freeview channel 8, both herself and programming director Jonathan Boseley have had meetings with more than 300 indies.
“For commissions, we’re not going to put the same money in that a terrestrial would, but we will be hugely flexible on rights,” she emphasised. “We’re also going to commission quickly.”
Congrats to Samuell and the AATM team!
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