Baddiel to develop comedy movies

David Baddiel is to help develop British comedy movies.

The comic has been appointed as a 'comedy czar' by British company Winchester Films.

His job will be to find ideas, five of which will be developed into scripts.

The first project should start production towards the end of next year, and up to two films a year produced over the next five to six years.

Each film is expected to have a budget of £3m to £5m, and will be co-produced by Baddiel and Winchester's Gary Smith.

Smith said: "David's role is to be like a comedy czar, sourcing movie ideas from a wide variety of comedians and writers.

"There is a wealth of excellent British comedy talent out there that is never given the chance to succeed.

"It's all part of an overall strategy at Winchester to take greater control over the creative process aimed at ensuring the best films possible are delivered to the film-going public."

The company and the production arm of Baddiel's agents Avalon are each investing £150,000 in the project.

Winchester's previous hits including Shooting Fish and Divorcing Jack.

Published: 27 Nov 2001