Comics to make online shorts

Nick Helm and Dr Brown have been commissioned to make online comedy shorts as part of Channel 4’s Comedy Blaps series.

The initiative is a way for the broadcaster to test ideas for TV potential. Irish duo Rubberbandits – winner of this year’s Chortle award for best music and variety act – are making a a broadcast pilot following the success of their Blaps.

The first of shorts have been released today. Dr Brown, the alter ego of American Phil Burgers, has teamed up with writer Andrew Gaynord for his two shorts., while in his three Blaps, Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Helm is part-poet, part crazed rocker.

Channel 4 comedy editor Fiona McDermott said: ‘Comedy Blaps are a great way for us to support new talent we really believe in.’

Jody Smith, who commissions online content for Channel 4, added: 'With more than two million views we couldn't have hoped for a noisier start to Comedy Blaps last year. Doctor Brown and Nick Helm will bring a different flavour which we think will go down just as well.'

Here is Helm’s first episode:

Published: 24 May 2012