Category: TV
Ent
Date: 11.08.2005
Printable version
Cheryl Taylor is joining the BBC Comedy
Commissioning team, it was announced today.
Cheryl's portfolio will include a £9m dedicated budget
for developing Out of London Comedy proposals, recognising the importance
of varied and distinct comedy voices and talents on the BBC's family
of channels.
The appointment is part of an initiative - which is
being spearheaded by BBC Director of Television Jana Bennett - to move more commissioning
outside the M25.
Cheryl will be working closely with Lucy Lumsden (Acting
Head, Comedy Commissioning) as Executive Editor Comedy, assisting on
the commissioning of all in-house and independent scripted comedy.
Until recently Cheryl was Head of Comedy at Hat Trick
Productions, where she was Executive Producer on BBC ONE's The
Worst Week of My Life - a second series of which airs
this autumn; the 13-part animated comedy Bromwell High for Channel 4 this summer;
and, most recently, Plenty More Fish - a pilot for ITV.
Before joining Hat Trick, Cheryl was Commissioning Editor
for Comedy at Channel 4, where she was responsible for many projects
including the multi award-winning Black Books, Spaced and Derren Brown's
Mind Control.
She began her network career at the BBC working on Comic
Relief and the first series of Chalk.
Her role will help to build on BBC comedy successes
such as Scotland's Still Game,
and the enviable track record of BBC Comedy North with a second series
of Ideal in the pipeline;
plus Funland, a new
and disturbingly funny thriller set in Blackpool.
Lucy Lumsden, Acting Head, Comedy Commissioning, said:
"Cheryl is hugely talented and respected in the industry.
I'm thrilled that she has decided to come to the BBC."
Cheryl Taylor said: "I'm delighted to be returning to
the BBC at this time and I look forward to being involved with the brightest
and best comedy talent, both from the BBC regional departments as well
as the many new and established Independents."
Jane Lush, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning,
said: "Cheryl will be a great addition to the talent in the Comedy Commissioning
team. Her experience and exemplary track record with Hat Trick and Channel
4 will undoubtedly enhance our skills in bringing the best possible
programmes on screen."
Cheryl's appointment continues the latest genre commissioning
team changes in response to the recent Content Supply, Out of London
and Value for Money reviews, heralding a true meritocracy of commissioning.
Cheryl will take up her new appointment on 5 September.
