Dot.comedy
Major web comedy channel planned
Comedy supremo John Lloyd and music giant Warner have joined forces to create a major new internet comedy channel.Comedybox aims to cash in on the growing demand for online comedy with a mix of weekly shows, sketches, animation and satire.
Unlike other sites that have built up a bank of often low-quality user-generated content for free, the new venture will commission work, help with production, and share advertising revenue with the creators of the clips.
The company is in negotiations with major stars and agents in the hope of attracting recognised names to the site, as well as relative newcomers.
Among the shows lined up for the launch – expected in September – are QI News, a spin-off from the BBC Two panel show Lloyd producers, and a celebrity spoof from production company Channel X.
Comedy is considered a key area for digital content, especially sketches and shorter gags which are idea for mobile phones as well as casual internet browsing.
Comedybox, which will be launched to the comedy industry in London today, will be free to view, funded entirely by advertising.
John Lloyd’s credits as a comedy producer also include Blackadder, Spitting Image and Not The Nine O’Clock News.
Published: 27 Jun 2007
