British Comedy Heads Across The Pond

Acclaimed British comedy series 'The IT Crowd', 'Modern Toss' and 'Look Around You' will soon be entertaining audiences across America following sales by FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME).
US cable network, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) has acquired all three series of hit sitcom 'The IT Crowd', originally commissioned by Channel 4 in the UK. Set in the offices of a large corporation, the series focuses on the antics of its two geeky IT guys, Miss (Richard Ayoade) and Roy (Chris O'Dowd) and HR manager Jen (Katherine Parkinson), who have all been relegated to the company's dingy basement.
The gang is occasionally joined by an eclectic mix of guests, including over enthusiastic company boss Denholm (Chris Morris) and gloomy goth Richmond (Noel Fielding). 'The IT Crowd', which will launch on IFC on September 29, was one of the highest rated sitcoms on Channel 4 in 2007, peaking with 3.4 million viewers.
Rose D'Or winner 'Modern Toss', which combines live action sketches with animation and cartoons, has also been snapped up by The Independent Film Channel. Based on the comics of the same name, 'Modern Toss' has a voice cast that includes Mackenzie Crook, Doon Mackichan and Paul Kaye.
The channel has acquired series one and two, which originally aired on Channel 4, and will launch the series in the first quarter of 2009.
US cable channel Adult Swim has also licensed the cult hit comedy 'Look Around', which was devised and written by Robert Popper and Peter Serafinowicz ('The Peter Serafinowicz Show').
The first BBC2 series spoofed 1970s educational films and schools and featured Serafinowicz as a scientist.
The second series parodies classic show 'Tomorrow's World', which showcased new (and often wacky) developments in the world of science and technology and featured Serafinowicz as Peter Packard, one of the presenters.
Some of the UK's best comedy talent make guest appearances throughout the BAFTA nominated series including Matt Lucas, Simon Pegg, Sarah Alexander, David Walliams, David Mitchell and Nick Frost.
Commenting on the deals, FME Chief Executive Officer David Ellender said: "FME owns the rights to some of the best UK comedy programming in recent years and continues to work with leading producers to ensure we represent the creme de la creme. Comedy is a key genre for FME and we are making substantial investments to ensure we attract the best talent and our stellar programming line-up is testament to this."
Lisa Honig, Vice President, Programme Distribution North America, added: "We are finding there is an increasing appetite for British comedy shows in the US as cable channels acknowledge the growing appeal with young American audiences."
Further information is available at: www.fremantlemedia.com.
(KMcA)