“Veep” creator Armando Iannucci has launched a new venture with production company Touchscreen, which has established a partnership with BBC Studios.
Together, the two will develop and co-produce “innovative, daring and world-class scripted programming for the U.K. and international markets,” according to a press release, which will be distributed by BBC Studios. The aim of the partnership is to mentor and champion new British talent, both on and off screen, as well as tell stories that resonate on a global scale.
Touchscreen will also be joined by Kevin Loader, Iannucci’s longtime collaborator who has worked with him on films “In the Loop” and “The Personal History of David Copperfield” as well as two seasons of HBO comedy “Avenue 5.” Charlotte Draper is also on board as a development producer.
“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,” Iannucci said in a statement. “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. The aim of Touchscreen, with the support of BBC Studios, is to give others the same opportunity to find their voice and reach their audience, and for us together to make shows that are daring, that get people talking and which encourage us all to look at our world afresh.”
Added Mark Linsey, president of scripted at BBC Studios: “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 between Iannucci and BBC Studios was brokered by Lucy Fairney at PBJ Management.
Iannucci started his career on BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 4, where his radio series “On the Hour” became TV series “The Day Today” and spawned the Alan Partridge character, portrayed by Steve Coogan. His other credits include the 2017 film “The Death of Stalin” and superhero spoof series “The Franchise,” which he co-created with Sam Mendes for HBO.
