Nichol heralds wave of DVD deals

The Canadian comic has signed a three-year deal with the broadcaster’s DVD arm, which will now release his award-winning Edinburgh show The Naked Racist and its predecessor Nearly Gay.

Both were recorded as part of the if.comeddie season in the West End last autumn, and are due for release this year and next.

ITV DVD say the deal will mark the first of many stand-up shows it hopes to release – and will be scouting the circuit to find comics it can do deals with.

Steve Gallant, the publishing director of parent company Granada Ventures said: ‘We are really excited to have signed Phil Nichol as the first of what we hope will be a number of new live comedy signings. Phil is an extremely talented comedian with a big future’

The company’s acquisitions director Dawn Wright, who will be heading the team looking for comics to sign, added: ‘We want to become a successful home for stand-up comedy talent, creating a roster that could compete in the top 10 titles by Christmas 2008.

‘To achieve this we are committed to supporting our talent on their road to success. With Phil Nichol, for example, we will be supporting his future live performances including the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe.’

Published: 7 Feb 2007