Paul Merton salutes his comic heroes for Channel 5
By Desiree Ibekwe, 7 May 2020, Broadcast Magazine
Paul Merton is sifting through the archives to showcase the careers of Britain’s greatest comedians in a two-hour Channel 5 one-parter.
In Spun Gold TV-produced Paul Merton’s Comic Heroes (1 x 120), the Have I Got News for You stalwart will delve into the motivations of the nation’s famous comedians, past and present.
Merton’s subjects will span from Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy to Victoria Wood and Jo Brand.
“Paul will reunite viewers will some of their favourite comedians and clips, as well as uncovering hidden treasures,” said Spun Gold TV managing director Daniela Neumann.
The special was ordered by factual entertainment commissioner Greg Barnett and will be executive produced by Lee Connolly with Sue Andrew serving as producer. Paul Merton’s Comic Heroes (w/t) will be distributed by All3Media International.
Spun Gold’s most recent C5 programme Celebrity Murder Mystery, in which the likes of Reverend Richard Coles and Angela Rippon seek to solve a fictious crime, consolidated an audience of 1.29m (5.7%) over two parts.
Spun Gold, C5 team for Paul Merton comedy special
By Barry Walsh, 7 May 2020, Realscreen
UK broadcaster Channel 5 has commissioned a one-off special documentary from London-headquartered Spun Gold TV featuring British comedian and television presenter Paul Merton.
In Paul Merton’s Comic Heroes (1 x 120 minutes, w/t), the comedian will highlight the stories and work of England’s greatest comics, ranging from Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy, to Victoria Wood and Jo Brand.
“It’s a pleasure to bring some of the best comedians of the past 100 years out of retirement and into your homes for a fantastic fun-filled festival of laughter,” said Merton in a statement.
“Paul will reunite viewers will some of their favourite comedians and clips, as well as uncovering hidden treasures in a programme which will be lots of fun and bring us joy – the perfect commission for these difficult times,” added Daniela Neumann, managing director of Spun Gold TV.
Paul Merton’s Comic Heroes is executive produced by Lee Connolly and produced by Sue Andrew. It was commissioned by C5 factual entertainment commissioning editor Greg Barnett, and is being distributed by All3Media International.
C5 lines up Paul Merton comedy doc
ViacomCBS-owned UK terrestrial Channel 5 has ordered one-off documentary Paul Merton’s Comic Heroes from London-based indie Spun Gold TV.
The 1×120’ doc will see the British comedian explore what motivated the UK’s greatest comics, how and why they became successful and what inspired their best moments and characters.
Using archive footage, Merton examines how comedians and comedy actors from Charlie Chaplin to Victoria Wood used their gift of the gab and sense of humour to break through thanks to sheer hard work and ability.
Paul Merton’s Comic Heroes is produced by Spun Gold TV and executive produced by Lee Connolly, with Sue Andrew on board as producer. All3Media International is handling distribution.
By Mark Layton, Television Business International
Paul Merton’s Comic Heroes
Spun Gold explores comedy history for UK’s C5
UK broadcaster Channel 5 has commissioned a one-off documentary about the history of Britain’s greatest comedians, from local production company, Spun Gold TV.
Distributed by All3Media International, Paul Merton’s Comic Heroes (1 x 120-minutes) follows the titular comedian and Have I Got News for You regular as he explores the motivation’s and successes of some of Britain’s most popular comics.
Delving into archive footage, Merton visits the stories of comedy greats from Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy to Victoria Wood and Jo Brand.
Merton says: “It’s a pleasure to bring some of the best comedians of the past 100 years out of retirement and into your homes for a fantastic fun-filled festival of laughter.”
Daniela Neumann, MD of Spun Gold TV, added: “Paul will reunite viewers will some of their favourite comedians and clips, as well as uncovering hidden treasures in a programme which will be lots of fun and bring us joy – the perfect commission for these difficult times.”
Paul Merton chronicles his Comic Heroes for Channel 5
Staff Reporter, 7 May 2020, Televisual
Channel 5 has commissioned a one-off special doc from Spun Gold TV in which Paul Merton celebrates the history of Britain’s best comedians.
Paul Merton’s Comic Heroes (1×120’w/t) sees the comedian explore what motivated the greatest comics; how and why they became successful and what inspired their best moments and characters.
Delving into archive footage, Merton examines how legendary comedians and comedy actors from Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and Tony Hancock through to Victoria Wood and Jo Brand broke through often against huge odds.
Paul Merton says: “It’s a pleasure to bring some of the best comedians of the past 100 years out of retirement and into your homes for a fantastic fun-filled festival of laughter.”
Daniela Neumann, Managing Director of Spun Gold TV adds: “Paul will reunite viewers will some of their favourite comedians and clips, as well as uncovering hidden treasures in a programme which will be lots of fun and bring us joy – the perfect commission for these difficult times.”
Paul Merton’s Comic Heroes is executive produced by Lee Connolly and produced by Sue Andrew. It was commissioned by Greg Barnett. The documentary is being distributed by All3Media International.
