Commercial arm invests in writers' new company

The BBC’s commercial arm BBC Worldwide has bought a 20 per cent stake in a new production company formed by Peep Show writers  Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong.

They set up Various Artists Limited with  former Channel 4 head of comedy Phil Clarke and drama commissioner Roberto Troni.

The deal gives BBC Worldwide global distribution rights to all content developed by the new company.

Armstrong and Bain said in a statement: ‘We’ve worked extremely closely with Phil and Roberto over the last 15 years on Peep Show, Fresh Meat and Babylon and we’re thrilled about the prospect of new shared endeavours.’

Jonathan Blyth, commercial director of Comedy at BBC Worldwide added: ‘As investment and partnership decisions go, this was one of the easiest. Phil and Roberto’s flawless track records in comedy and drama, coupled with the opportunity of a first look over television projects created by Sam and Jesse makes this a particularly exciting creative and commercial opportunity for BBC Worldwide.’

Published: 2 Nov 2017