Accolade for Kiell Smith-Bynoe’s sketch show

Kiell Smith-Bynoe’s sketch show Red Flag has scooped an accolade at the Broadcast Digital Awards.

The 15-minute compilation was released as one of Channel 4’s Comedy Blap pilots last year.

It featured an array of comedy talent – including Ben Ashenden, Kemah Bob, Emily Lloyd Saini, Emma Sidi Tom Stourton, Jason York and Jamie Demetriou – with Ghosts star Smith-Bynoe writing with Demetriou, Kayode Ewumi,Sam Campbell, Adam Hess and Stevie Martin.

The show picked up the ‘best short-form scripted’ accolade at last night’s industry ceremony for programmes on non-terrestrial channels.

One judge said: 'Great casting and shot excellently – they have used the budget well. A very silly but funny series of shorts. The scripting was witty and relevant. Each sketch was unique and stood alone', while another called it 'an excellent black-led show that is for everyone'. 

Other shortlisted shows in the category included Helen Bauer's sitcom pilot Small Doses, coming-of-age comedy William of Orangedale and  What's Happening? From the Pin duo of Alexander Owen and Ben Ashenden

Best comedy programme went to Disney+’s Extraordinary – about a world where every adult has a superpower, apart from 25-year-old Jen, who is still waiting to get hers. It stars Mairead Tyers as Jen, with a cast that also includes comic Luke Rollason and Derry Girls actress Siobhán McSweeney.

Judges praised the comedy’s 'intelligent, nuanced writing' from first-time screenwriter Emma Moran and the 'impressively high production values' from production company Sid Gentle.

It saw off fellow shortlisted programmes Ellie & Natasia, Funny Woman, Live At The Moth Club, Plebs and We Are Not Alone.

ITV2 panel show Don't Hate The Playaz won the best entertainment programme category, while best popular factual programme title was awarded to Big Zuu's Big Eats on Dave – which took the channel of the year title.

Here is Red Flag:

Published: 6 Jul 2023