Nothing funny in Brit flicks

The British Film industry says it is in desperate need of comedy ideas.

A crisis meeting was held at Bafta last week to come up with ideas to revive the golden age of the Ealing comedies, which were commerically successful at home and abroad.

The Film Council, Film Four and Elisabeth Murdoch's production company Shine have asked established writers from TV to produce ideas for movies.

At present, the industry relys heavily on TV spin-offs - including Bean, Kevin And Perry Go Large and next week's Ali G In Da House.

Other than that, Richard Curtis is the only significant player - involved in Bridget Jones's Diary, Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

The Guardian, which today highlights the problem, says less than half of applicants for The Film Council's £5million scheme to encourage new scripts are comedies.

A spokesman said: "People seem to think they should be submitting low-budget, straight-faced art-house ideas. In fact we are desperate for comedy, not just commercial ideas, but individual ideas, some bravery."

People being targetted include Ricky Gervais, John Hegley and radio writers.

Robin Gutch, head of Film Four Lab, told The Guardian: "Films like Ali G in Da House are all very well. But we are not going to revitalise and increase the range of British cinema with films that are television character-vehicles. We haven't had a proper run since the Ealing comedies, which is going back 50 years.

"How when this country has the talent to produce television comedy like The Office, The League of Gentlemen and Smack the Pony, are we not able to raise more than a trickle of original comedy film scripts?"

New ideas generated by this venture will be announced in May.

It is not the only scheme trying to revitalise big screen comedy. Winchester Films recently appointed David Baddiel as comedy czar to reinvigorate its slate.

Published: 11 Mar 2002