Avalon and C4 strike TV deal

The television arm of comedy agent Avalon has joined forces with Channel 4 to develop new international TV formats.

They have each taken a half stake in the new company, Tinderbox Television, which will be looking at creating panel games, variety shows, scripted comedy and sketch shows.

Avalon’s Richard Allen-Turner said: “Tinderbox Television has been set up with a remit to create exciting new TV formats for international broadcasters using existing links with UK creative talent.

 "The UK has a strong reputation for creating world-class formats that work both domestically and overseas."

Avalon’s existing TV slate revolves around projects for its management clients, including Harry Hill's TV Burp (pictured), The Frank Skinner Show, Jerry Springer The Opera, and The Sketch Show, which was sold to the US.

Channel 4 International managing director Graeme Mason said: “This is a very exciting initiative drawing on the great talent network that Avalon has developed over 20 years."

The deal will initially run for two years, and already has six projects in development.

Published: 13 Apr 2005