Making his Marc...
Wootton lands his own US series
Marc Wootton has landed his own American TV series, after Hollywood executives branded him ‘the new Sacha Baron Cohen’.The comic, best known for playing oddball stage psychic Shirley Ghostman, is to make a six-part series for the upmarket cable channel Showtime.
Unusually, the show, which will air next year, has been commissioned without a pilot episode to test he water.
Showtime entertainment president Robert Greenblatt told Hollywood trade paper Variety: ‘I believe he is the new Sacha Baron Cohen,’ citing his ability to fool people into thinking his characters were real.
Wootton had his own BBC Three show, Marc Wootton Exposed, earlier this year, but it failed to make much of a critical or ratings impact. His previous projects include the gameshow My New Best Friend, The Pilot Show and Cyderdelic.
Showtime has also given the go-ahead for a second seven-episode series of Tracey Ullman\'s latest character showcase, State of the Union.
‘We\'re on a bit of a comedy kick right now,’ Greenblatt said.
Showtime already broadcasts comedies Weeds and Californication and is piloting at least two more comedy series
Published: 2 May 2008
