“Veep” creator Armando Iannucci has launched a new venture with production company Touchscreen, which has partnered with BBC Studios.
Together, the pair will develop and co-produce “innovative, bold, world-class scripted programming for the UK 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 emerging British talent, both on and off screen, and tell stories that resonate on a global scale.
Touchscreen is also joined by Kevin Loader, Iannucci’s longtime collaborator who worked with him on the films “In the Loop” and “The Personal History of David Copperfield,” as well as two seasons of the HBO comedy “Avenue 5.” Charlotte Draper is also on board as development producer.
“Touchscreen is focused on creating projects that reflect, confront or celebrate the world we live in. I will continue my relationship with HBO, and now with Touchscreen I have the opportunity to nurture new creative and production talent and ideas,” said Iannucci. in a statement. “I’m so happy to be working with BBC Studios on this, especially because I learned my trade at the BBC. Touchscreen’s aim, with the support of BBC Studios, is to give others the same opportunity to find their voice and reach their audiences, and to work together to create shows that are bold, that get people talking and that encourage us all to look anew at our world.”
Mark Linsey, president of scripted at BBC Studios, added: “I am delighted that BBC Studios will be working with Armando and Touchscreen. Developing new British talent is vital to the future of our creative industries and I’m excited to see what talent and new stories we can build together.”
The deal between Iannucci and BBC Studios was brokered by Lucy Fairney of PBJ Management.
Iannucci began his career at BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 4, where his radio series ‘On the Hour’ became the TV series ‘The Day Today’ and spawned the character Alan Partridge, played by Steve Coogan. His other credits include the 2017 film “The Death of Stalin” and the superhero spoof series “The Franchise,” which he co-created with Sam Mendes for HBO.