Armando Iannucci has launched a production company and is tying with BBC Studios on a development partnership.
The decorated British comedy writer has opened Touchscreen with long-standing collaborator and producer Kevin Loader along with development producer Charlotte Draper. The agreement with BBC Studios will see the pair work on scripted shows for the UK and internationally.
The new partnership will be committed to mentoring and championing new British talent, on and off screen, according to its founders. Iannucci will continue his partnership with HBO, which recently spawned The Franchise comedy with Sam Mendes.
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Alongside Touchscreen, Loader will continue running Free Range Films, which he has overseen with Roger Michell since 1996, with credits including The Mother, Enduring Love and Venus. He won a BAFTA for ITV’s The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies in 2015.
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Iannucci, whose past credits include Veep, The Thick of It and The Personal History of David Copperfield, said: “Touchscreen is focused on making projects that reflect, confront or celebrate the world we live in. I’ll be continuing my relationship with HBO, and now with Touchscreen I have the opportunity to nurture new creative and production talent and ideas. I’m so glad that I’ll be partnering with BBC Studios to do this, especially as the BBC is where I learnt my craft.”
Mark Linsey, President of Scripted at BBC Studios, added: “I’m delighted that BBC Studios is going to be in partnership with Armando and Touchscreen. Developing new British talent is critical for the future of our creative industry and I’m excited to see what talent and new storytelling we can build together.”
The deal was brokered by Lucy Fairney at PBJ Management.
The news comes on a day that the British drama landscape has been shaken up. Along with Iannucci, Downton Abbey producer Liz Trubridge has also unveiled a new company, while Unforgotten EP Laura Mackie has exited Mainstreet Pictures after 11 years.