First shorts go online

Channel 4 has today launched its Comedy Blaps site, giving a platform for new talent and ideas.

The broadcaster received more than 500 pitches after putting a call out for contributions earlier this year.

The shorts, at least three minutes long, have all been made by established production houses, and will be distributed virally over social media, iTunes and online video channels, as well as on the official Channel 4 Blaps page.

The first batch of four are from bizarre Irish musical comedians The Rubberbandits, who perform with plastic bags over their faces; Business Mouse, a cartoon from the makers of Modern Toss; Cop Out, about an undercover policeman; and Evil Kweevil, about a daredevil maggot who drives a Micro Machine.

Channel 4 comedy editor Fiona McDermott said: ‘We were stunned and impressed by the number of submissions and the amount of new talent that was brought to our attention throughout the Blaps process, so we're genuinely excited by these first commissions.’

Comedy Blaps comes after the broadcaster axed its Comedy Labs pilots after 14 years, the traditional route for new talent to find its way on to the channel.

It has promised a four-part series E4 Funnies for newer comedians next year, while continuing with its bi-annual Comedy Showcases, for more established names trying something new.

Another 24 Comedy Blaps are also in the pipeline.

Published: 10 Nov 2011