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BBC Three put Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding’s wilfully shambolic live act and radio series, The Mighty Boosh, on TV…
Part of The Mighty Boosh’s delight comes from its unlikelihood as a TV sitcom. Its boundless Day-Glo imagination isn’t an immediate fit with the constraints of the form. A sunshine simpleton and his awkward, jazz-obsessed colleague meet mythic monsters and talking animals while performing expertly observed musical parody? It’s not exactly My Family.
As comedian, writer, and director of Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding’s 1999 Edinburgh show Arctic Boosh, Stewart Lee, put it, “No television exec would ever have gone ‘What we need is a kind of purple head with tentacles coming out of it which speaks like a member of the Small Faces’”.
And yet a television exec did. Granted, probably not in those exact words. After Danny Wallace opened the door...
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BBC Three put Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding’s wilfully shambolic live act and radio series, The Mighty Boosh, on TV…
Part of The Mighty Boosh’s delight comes from its unlikelihood as a TV sitcom. Its boundless Day-Glo imagination isn’t an immediate fit with the constraints of the form. A sunshine simpleton and his awkward, jazz-obsessed colleague meet mythic monsters and talking animals while performing expertly observed musical parody? It’s not exactly My Family.
As comedian, writer, and director of Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding’s 1999 Edinburgh show Arctic Boosh, Stewart Lee, put it, “No television exec would ever have gone ‘What we need is a kind of purple head with tentacles coming out of it which speaks like a member of the Small Faces’”.
And yet a television exec did. Granted, probably not in those exact words. After Danny Wallace opened the door...
- 2/16/2016
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Andrew Blair Oct 18, 2016
As Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood approaches its tenth anniversary, we rewind a decade to revisit its BBC Three origins...
BBC 3 was first connected with Doctor Who as a channel mentioned in The Dæmons (1971), and in 2005 became the broadcaster of Doctor Who Confidential (which ran from 2005 – 2011), providing the new series with accompanying documentaries akin to the existing DVD range. These were initially full of clips from the show's history, then became more about the making of the contemporary series. On top of this, 2006 saw the broadcast of Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood.
See related Arrow season 5 exclusive: Kevin Smith talks Onomatopoeia Arrow season 4 episode 23 review: Schism Legends Of Tomorrow: exploring season 1’s cliffhanger ending Supergirl: Melissa Benoist talks season 1 cliffhanger, impending crossovers
This came about as part of BBC Wales' drive to produce more drama series, and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies' desire to...
As Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood approaches its tenth anniversary, we rewind a decade to revisit its BBC Three origins...
BBC 3 was first connected with Doctor Who as a channel mentioned in The Dæmons (1971), and in 2005 became the broadcaster of Doctor Who Confidential (which ran from 2005 – 2011), providing the new series with accompanying documentaries akin to the existing DVD range. These were initially full of clips from the show's history, then became more about the making of the contemporary series. On top of this, 2006 saw the broadcast of Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood.
See related Arrow season 5 exclusive: Kevin Smith talks Onomatopoeia Arrow season 4 episode 23 review: Schism Legends Of Tomorrow: exploring season 1’s cliffhanger ending Supergirl: Melissa Benoist talks season 1 cliffhanger, impending crossovers
This came about as part of BBC Wales' drive to produce more drama series, and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies' desire to...
- 2/8/2016
- Den of Geek
Sky's Entertainment head Stuart Murphy is stepping down after six and a half years in the role.
Murphy was responsible for launching and overseeing Sky Atlantic, and oversaw channels Sky1, Sky Arts and Sky Living.
It has not been announced who will replace Murphy, and the departing head has signed a content deal with Sky to develop his own scripts.
Murphy said: "My sadness at leaving a company I love is tempered by my immense pride in what we have achieved together. Sky is a company in rude health, bursting with ideas, creativity, and sheer fun and I leave the department in the hands of colleagues I love and admire.
"For 14 of the past 17 years I have been running TV channels, including a fantastic six and a half years with Sky. TV has been a huge part of my life but with our entertainment in great shape now feels the...
Murphy was responsible for launching and overseeing Sky Atlantic, and oversaw channels Sky1, Sky Arts and Sky Living.
It has not been announced who will replace Murphy, and the departing head has signed a content deal with Sky to develop his own scripts.
Murphy said: "My sadness at leaving a company I love is tempered by my immense pride in what we have achieved together. Sky is a company in rude health, bursting with ideas, creativity, and sheer fun and I leave the department in the hands of colleagues I love and admire.
"For 14 of the past 17 years I have been running TV channels, including a fantastic six and a half years with Sky. TV has been a huge part of my life but with our entertainment in great shape now feels the...
- 10/16/2015
- Digital Spy
Sky Entertainment Channels chief Stuart Murphy is stepping down after six and a half years at the company and segueing into a production deal with Sky Vision to write, direct and develop comedy and drama projects. During his tenure, Murphy oversaw channels Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts and Sky Living, as well as overseeing the comedy, drama, factual and entertainment commissioning teams. He is a board member of the History channels, Jupiter Productions and is involved…...
- 10/16/2015
- Deadline TV
Ouch! Sky apparently rejected making a play for Jeremy Clarkson after only a "10 second" discussion.
Clarkson is working with his ex-Top Gear co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May on an Amazon series, after being dropped by the BBC for striking a producer.
There was an intense bidding war for the Top Gear trio prior to them landing at Amazon, but apparently Sky had little interest.
Speaking at the Rts Cambridge Convention, Sky entertainment channels director Stuart Murphy criticised Clarkson for getting physical with staff during a Top Gear disagreement.
"You can't just junk your values the minute something with a huge pound sign comes along," Murphy explained (via Broadcast).
"It would have been short-term gain for long-term mess. He's not someone we want to work with."
Murphy also offered praise for BBC director Danny Cohen's handling of the Clarkson dismissal.
"[Clarkson] put people in a really difficult position, put Danny in a difficult position,...
Clarkson is working with his ex-Top Gear co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May on an Amazon series, after being dropped by the BBC for striking a producer.
There was an intense bidding war for the Top Gear trio prior to them landing at Amazon, but apparently Sky had little interest.
Speaking at the Rts Cambridge Convention, Sky entertainment channels director Stuart Murphy criticised Clarkson for getting physical with staff during a Top Gear disagreement.
"You can't just junk your values the minute something with a huge pound sign comes along," Murphy explained (via Broadcast).
"It would have been short-term gain for long-term mess. He's not someone we want to work with."
Murphy also offered praise for BBC director Danny Cohen's handling of the Clarkson dismissal.
"[Clarkson] put people in a really difficult position, put Danny in a difficult position,...
- 9/18/2015
- Digital Spy
Sky Living boss Antonia Hurford-Jones will leave the broadcaster as the channel moves away from original commissions.
Sky is moving its commissioning budget to Sky1 and will now focus on Us acquisitions, Broadcast reports.
In a note to staff, director of Sky entertainment channels Stuart Murphy said: "As part of a strategic realignment of the entertainment portfolio we have decided to supersize Sky1, dramatically increasing the investment in home-grown shows on our main entertainment channel.
"As part of this reallocation of budget, the majority of home-grown shows on Sky Living will move over to our main entertainment channel from next fiscal, with Sky Living focusing almost exclusively on Us dramas going forward."
He added of Hurford-Jones's departure: "I'd like to thank Antonia for all her hard work, creative inspiration, relentless enthusiasm, shocking sense of humour and great friendship in a role she has performed brilliantly.
"Please wish her all the...
Sky is moving its commissioning budget to Sky1 and will now focus on Us acquisitions, Broadcast reports.
In a note to staff, director of Sky entertainment channels Stuart Murphy said: "As part of a strategic realignment of the entertainment portfolio we have decided to supersize Sky1, dramatically increasing the investment in home-grown shows on our main entertainment channel.
"As part of this reallocation of budget, the majority of home-grown shows on Sky Living will move over to our main entertainment channel from next fiscal, with Sky Living focusing almost exclusively on Us dramas going forward."
He added of Hurford-Jones's departure: "I'd like to thank Antonia for all her hard work, creative inspiration, relentless enthusiasm, shocking sense of humour and great friendship in a role she has performed brilliantly.
"Please wish her all the...
- 4/10/2015
- Digital Spy
Johnny Vegas has described Channel 4 as "self-conscious", adding that he now finds it "incredibly frustrating" taking ideas to TV channels.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Vegas explained that he can feel "quite despondent" pitching new programmes.
"It does get soul-destroying trying to pitch what you think is a wonderful idea when it doesn't fit with anybody's remit," he said.
"I find it incredibly frustrating taking ideas in, that a lot of the time you go in with something original and [there's a] fear of doing something original, because there's nothing to compare it to.
"And if there's nothing to compare it to, they can't justify commissioning it, because it's career suicide to commission something original."
Vegas continued: "Channel 4 can be at times really sort of, 'But is it Channel 4?', and you go, 'What is Channel 4?'.
"When they start to see themselves with a certain identity, in a...
Speaking to Digital Spy, Vegas explained that he can feel "quite despondent" pitching new programmes.
"It does get soul-destroying trying to pitch what you think is a wonderful idea when it doesn't fit with anybody's remit," he said.
"I find it incredibly frustrating taking ideas in, that a lot of the time you go in with something original and [there's a] fear of doing something original, because there's nothing to compare it to.
"And if there's nothing to compare it to, they can't justify commissioning it, because it's career suicide to commission something original."
Vegas continued: "Channel 4 can be at times really sort of, 'But is it Channel 4?', and you go, 'What is Channel 4?'.
"When they start to see themselves with a certain identity, in a...
- 1/9/2015
- Digital Spy
UK broadcasters have begun changing their schedules to celebrate the work of Robin Williams, the Us actor and comedian who has died at the age of 63.
Sky’s director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy said he and colleagues had spent the morning discussing the Good Will Hunting star after news broke of his death broke on Monday night.
Sky 1 will air Jumanji at 8pm this evening, while Awakenings will be scheduled at 10pm. This will replace episodes of Modern Family, a repeat of An Idiot Abroad and an episode of Glee.
Sky Movies will also line up other Williams films, including Dead Poets Society, Hook and Mrs Doubtfire as well as features in which the comedian had supporting roles such as Night At The Museum and The Butler.
Murphy hinted that there may be further coverage. “We have all been talking about #RobinWilliams today at work. Total genius. Looking to see what else we can get on...
Sky’s director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy said he and colleagues had spent the morning discussing the Good Will Hunting star after news broke of his death broke on Monday night.
Sky 1 will air Jumanji at 8pm this evening, while Awakenings will be scheduled at 10pm. This will replace episodes of Modern Family, a repeat of An Idiot Abroad and an episode of Glee.
Sky Movies will also line up other Williams films, including Dead Poets Society, Hook and Mrs Doubtfire as well as features in which the comedian had supporting roles such as Night At The Museum and The Butler.
Murphy hinted that there may be further coverage. “We have all been talking about #RobinWilliams today at work. Total genius. Looking to see what else we can get on...
- 8/12/2014
- ScreenDaily
It was the growth of the Harry Potter franchise that set up the UK film industry to be a world leader in visual effects, Josh Berger, president and MD Warner Bros. Entertainment UK, Ireland and Spain said today during his keynote at Mbi’s Creative Week Media Summit.
“As I think it had been discussed pretty broadly during the Gravity campaign, much of that team had worked on Potter. Potter, it’s fair to say, was very important to the growth of the VFX industry in the UK. Some people say it was the thing that propelled the industry here.”
Berger noted that with the first Harry Potter film in 2000, less than 15% of the VFX work was done in the UK. By the final film’s production in 2010, more than 85% of the effects were done in Britain. “There was an expansion of the skill base, the assets, the sheer numbers of people working in the industry.”
It...
“As I think it had been discussed pretty broadly during the Gravity campaign, much of that team had worked on Potter. Potter, it’s fair to say, was very important to the growth of the VFX industry in the UK. Some people say it was the thing that propelled the industry here.”
Berger noted that with the first Harry Potter film in 2000, less than 15% of the VFX work was done in the UK. By the final film’s production in 2010, more than 85% of the effects were done in Britain. “There was an expansion of the skill base, the assets, the sheer numbers of people working in the industry.”
It...
- 6/4/2014
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Zai Bennett is to step down as controller of BBC Three.
He will now take on a new role as director of Sky Atlantic, the two channels announced today (April 15).
After joining the BBC back in 2011, he has been responsible for shows including The Call Centre, Life and Death Row, Tough Young Teachers and Bad Education.
He said: "I've hugely enjoyed working at BBC Three, but this felt like an opportunity I couldn't turn down. I leave BBC Three on top form with its highest ever viewing share and six nominations at this year's BAFTAs. I will miss working with the outstanding channel and commissioning teams, the BBC is lucky to be home to some of the most creative and inspiring people in television and it's been a privilege to learn from them in my time here."
BBC director of television Danny Cohen added: "Zai has been a fantastic controller...
He will now take on a new role as director of Sky Atlantic, the two channels announced today (April 15).
After joining the BBC back in 2011, he has been responsible for shows including The Call Centre, Life and Death Row, Tough Young Teachers and Bad Education.
He said: "I've hugely enjoyed working at BBC Three, but this felt like an opportunity I couldn't turn down. I leave BBC Three on top form with its highest ever viewing share and six nominations at this year's BAFTAs. I will miss working with the outstanding channel and commissioning teams, the BBC is lucky to be home to some of the most creative and inspiring people in television and it's been a privilege to learn from them in my time here."
BBC director of television Danny Cohen added: "Zai has been a fantastic controller...
- 4/15/2014
- Digital Spy
Sky1's firefighter serial The Smoke wrapped its 8-week run tonight, but were you impressed with the first series of the Jamie Bamber drama?
Overnight ratings have been modest - around the 200-300k mark - but critical reception has been mostly warm, so do you want to see more from the White Watch crew?
Stuart Murphy - Director of Entertainment Channels at Sky - has long been talking up plans to cut back on Us imports and amp up original drama production.
But was The Smoke a match for Sky1's acquisitions or did it fall short compared to glossier American series?
Has Sky now established itself as a contender in the world of UK drama... or is it falling short of the competition?
Have your say here - was The Smoke a roaring success... or just a damp squib?
The Smoke on Sky1: Did it light up our screens?...
Overnight ratings have been modest - around the 200-300k mark - but critical reception has been mostly warm, so do you want to see more from the White Watch crew?
Stuart Murphy - Director of Entertainment Channels at Sky - has long been talking up plans to cut back on Us imports and amp up original drama production.
But was The Smoke a match for Sky1's acquisitions or did it fall short compared to glossier American series?
Has Sky now established itself as a contender in the world of UK drama... or is it falling short of the competition?
Have your say here - was The Smoke a roaring success... or just a damp squib?
The Smoke on Sky1: Did it light up our screens?...
- 4/10/2014
- Digital Spy
The BBC turned down a second series of Alan Partridge's Mid Morning Matters, Baby Cow co-founder Henry Normal has revealed.
Steve Coogan's iconic character was resurrected for the comedy, which consisted of a series of online shorts by Foster's in 2011 before finding a home at Sky Atlantic.
Speaking to The Guardian, Normal said of the series: "It was great to do something on the internet which was only 11 minutes long. We did some specials for Sky, which again gave it a different life.
"Steve wanted to do other things. You do get with Alan, if they are sitting in a room long enough, they do get 'Alan mad'. Alanageddon."
Normal explained that the production company had taken the idea for a second series to the BBC in 2012, but the channel turned it down before it was eventually picked up by Sky.
"Obviously the BBC has been involved with...
Steve Coogan's iconic character was resurrected for the comedy, which consisted of a series of online shorts by Foster's in 2011 before finding a home at Sky Atlantic.
Speaking to The Guardian, Normal said of the series: "It was great to do something on the internet which was only 11 minutes long. We did some specials for Sky, which again gave it a different life.
"Steve wanted to do other things. You do get with Alan, if they are sitting in a room long enough, they do get 'Alan mad'. Alanageddon."
Normal explained that the production company had taken the idea for a second series to the BBC in 2012, but the channel turned it down before it was eventually picked up by Sky.
"Obviously the BBC has been involved with...
- 4/3/2014
- Digital Spy
Mad Men's final season may be handed a simultaneous broadcast in the UK and Us.
Sky's director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy has outlined plans to air the AMC drama on Sky Atlantic at the same time as it is shown in the Us when it returns on April 16.
It would follow Sky's plans to simulcast the upcoming fourth season premiere of Game of Thrones. It will air at 2am on Sky Atlantic on April 6 at the same time as it is shown at 9pm on HBO in the Us, before being broadcast again in its usual 9pm slot.
The Guardian quotes Murphy as telling the Advertising Week Europe conference in London on Tuesday: "We were thinking about Game of Thrones, which we're going to simulcast, and we're thinking about that [with Mad Men].
"We might simulcast it, but I don't want to overplay that. I'm thinking how we do a special thing.
Sky's director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy has outlined plans to air the AMC drama on Sky Atlantic at the same time as it is shown in the Us when it returns on April 16.
It would follow Sky's plans to simulcast the upcoming fourth season premiere of Game of Thrones. It will air at 2am on Sky Atlantic on April 6 at the same time as it is shown at 9pm on HBO in the Us, before being broadcast again in its usual 9pm slot.
The Guardian quotes Murphy as telling the Advertising Week Europe conference in London on Tuesday: "We were thinking about Game of Thrones, which we're going to simulcast, and we're thinking about that [with Mad Men].
"We might simulcast it, but I don't want to overplay that. I'm thinking how we do a special thing.
- 4/1/2014
- Digital Spy
The hardest part about choosing my favourite horror films of all time, is deciding what stays and what goes. I started with a list that featured over 200 titles, and I think it took me more time to pick and choose between them, than it did to actually sit down and write each capsule review. In order to hold on to my sanity, I decided to not include short films, documentaries, television mini-series and animated films. I also had to draw the line at some point in deciding if certain movies should be considered horror or not. In such cases where I was split down the middle in deciding, I let IMDb be the judge for me. And in some cases, I’ve included these titles as special mentions. Long story short, I can’t include every movie I like, and I have to draw the line somewhere. With that said,...
- 10/31/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Billie Piper and Ben Whishaw are to feature in a new drama offering from Sky.
The Doctor Who star and Skyfall actor will appear opposite Lindsay Duncan in TV movie Foxtrot.
The story of a gang heist gone wrong, the Playhouse Presents film has been penned by That Face playwright Polly Stenham.
Sky has also announced new film Nightshift - Danny Mays and Ashley Walters will star as two coppers who spend a night in East London discussing life, the universe and everything.
Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio is also writing a high-octane medical drama for Sky1 - Critical will unfold in real-time and span 13 episodes.
The series - first announced in December 2012 - focuses on the 'golden hour', the crucial period immediately following a serious injury when treatment can save lives.
"We're so happy with the dramas we've made so far, and I hope our new programmes will...
The Doctor Who star and Skyfall actor will appear opposite Lindsay Duncan in TV movie Foxtrot.
The story of a gang heist gone wrong, the Playhouse Presents film has been penned by That Face playwright Polly Stenham.
Sky has also announced new film Nightshift - Danny Mays and Ashley Walters will star as two coppers who spend a night in East London discussing life, the universe and everything.
Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio is also writing a high-octane medical drama for Sky1 - Critical will unfold in real-time and span 13 episodes.
The series - first announced in December 2012 - focuses on the 'golden hour', the crucial period immediately following a serious injury when treatment can save lives.
"We're so happy with the dramas we've made so far, and I hope our new programmes will...
- 9/17/2013
- Digital Spy
Sky Atlantic has boarded Showtime’s horror drama Penny Dreadful, which is being produced by Sam Mendes’ Neal Street Productions.
The pay-tv broadcaster will co-produce the series after the Us cable network ordered it earlier this year, marking the first time that the two broadcasters have worked together.
Penny Dreadful, which will become one of the first major Us TV dramas to be shot in the UK after receiving a high-end drama tax break, is set in Victorian London and will feature some of literature’s most iconic horror characters including Dr. Frankenstein and Dracula.
For production credits visit
Penny Dreadful
The series, which stars Josh Harnett, Rory Kinnear and Billie Piper, is written by John Logan (Skyfall) and exec produced by Neal Street’s Harris and Mendes and produced in association with Logan’s Desert Wolf Productions.
It was originally ordered by Showtime’s president of entertainment David Nivens in January and is set to start...
The pay-tv broadcaster will co-produce the series after the Us cable network ordered it earlier this year, marking the first time that the two broadcasters have worked together.
Penny Dreadful, which will become one of the first major Us TV dramas to be shot in the UK after receiving a high-end drama tax break, is set in Victorian London and will feature some of literature’s most iconic horror characters including Dr. Frankenstein and Dracula.
For production credits visit
Penny Dreadful
The series, which stars Josh Harnett, Rory Kinnear and Billie Piper, is written by John Logan (Skyfall) and exec produced by Neal Street’s Harris and Mendes and produced in association with Logan’s Desert Wolf Productions.
It was originally ordered by Showtime’s president of entertainment David Nivens in January and is set to start...
- 9/16/2013
- ScreenDaily
Sky1 has announced its slate for autumn and winter 2013.
The Kumars will make their Sky debut, returning to television in a new six-part series following a seven-year absence.
"The entire Kumars family are very excited to have moved into a new home on Sky1," said Sanjeev Bhaskar.
Sherlock's Martin Freeman will also star in a film for Sky's Little Crackers strand, the broadcaster confirmed.
Returning series for Sky1 includes Moone Boy with Chris O'Dowd, Stella starring Ruth Jones, Ross Kemp's Extreme World and action-drama Strike Back.
Mad Dogs will also draw to a close in a final two-part adventure, with Max Beesley, Philip Glenister, John Simm and Marc Warren all set to return.
Among the new commissions are comedy Yonderland, firefighter drama The Smoke and Ray Winstone-starrer Moonfleet.
Lee Mack will also host new panel quiz Duck Quacks Don't Echo, with Sky1 regular Ashley Banjo fronting new...
The Kumars will make their Sky debut, returning to television in a new six-part series following a seven-year absence.
"The entire Kumars family are very excited to have moved into a new home on Sky1," said Sanjeev Bhaskar.
Sherlock's Martin Freeman will also star in a film for Sky's Little Crackers strand, the broadcaster confirmed.
Returning series for Sky1 includes Moone Boy with Chris O'Dowd, Stella starring Ruth Jones, Ross Kemp's Extreme World and action-drama Strike Back.
Mad Dogs will also draw to a close in a final two-part adventure, with Max Beesley, Philip Glenister, John Simm and Marc Warren all set to return.
Among the new commissions are comedy Yonderland, firefighter drama The Smoke and Ray Winstone-starrer Moonfleet.
Lee Mack will also host new panel quiz Duck Quacks Don't Echo, with Sky1 regular Ashley Banjo fronting new...
- 8/22/2013
- Digital Spy
Sky is looking to cut down its number of Us TV acquisitions to focus on original series.
The broadcaster's director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy has announced plans to buy "fewer Us shows" in future, Broadcast reports.
"Our roster of returning Us series has grown," Murphy explained. "So we're only looking for a couple more [new shows] from the [La pilot] screenings."
"Instead, our focus is to build up our original series," he added.
Upcoming original drama projects from Sky include firefighter series The Smoke, an Ian Fleming biopic starring Dominic Cooper and historical drama Moonfleet with Ray Winstone.
A remake of Scandinavian crime drama The Bridge - retitled The Tunnel - is also in the works.
> Sky seeking star-led sitcom: 'We want our own Miranda, Not Going Out'
Watch a teaser for Sky's Fleming starring Dominic Cooper below:...
The broadcaster's director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy has announced plans to buy "fewer Us shows" in future, Broadcast reports.
"Our roster of returning Us series has grown," Murphy explained. "So we're only looking for a couple more [new shows] from the [La pilot] screenings."
"Instead, our focus is to build up our original series," he added.
Upcoming original drama projects from Sky include firefighter series The Smoke, an Ian Fleming biopic starring Dominic Cooper and historical drama Moonfleet with Ray Winstone.
A remake of Scandinavian crime drama The Bridge - retitled The Tunnel - is also in the works.
> Sky seeking star-led sitcom: 'We want our own Miranda, Not Going Out'
Watch a teaser for Sky's Fleming starring Dominic Cooper below:...
- 7/4/2013
- Digital Spy
Sky's director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy has revealed that the broadcaster is seeking a new star-led sitcom.
Murphy announced that he wants to commission a "Sky version" of popular BBC comedies such as Miranda and Not Going Out.
"On Sky1, we're looking for an audience sitcom with a big star at the centre," Broadcast quotes him as saying.
"I love Miranda and Not Going Out, so a Sky version of those shows would be bigger, funnier, probably [have] a longer run and [be of] higher quality."
Murphy also praised Charlie Brooker's cop spoof A Touch of Cloth, which will return to Sky1 with two new sequels.
"We also like the silly and physical humour that you get in Airplane or The Man with Two Brains," he said. "We definitely want more of that silly stuff."
Sky1 is currently developing a full series of comedy The Daltons starring Sheridan Smith and Ralf Little...
Murphy announced that he wants to commission a "Sky version" of popular BBC comedies such as Miranda and Not Going Out.
"On Sky1, we're looking for an audience sitcom with a big star at the centre," Broadcast quotes him as saying.
"I love Miranda and Not Going Out, so a Sky version of those shows would be bigger, funnier, probably [have] a longer run and [be of] higher quality."
Murphy also praised Charlie Brooker's cop spoof A Touch of Cloth, which will return to Sky1 with two new sequels.
"We also like the silly and physical humour that you get in Airplane or The Man with Two Brains," he said. "We definitely want more of that silly stuff."
Sky1 is currently developing a full series of comedy The Daltons starring Sheridan Smith and Ralf Little...
- 7/4/2013
- Digital Spy
Sky1 is developing a full series of The Daltons starring Sheridan Smith.
The comedy was originally launched via a 2011 edition of Sky's Little Crackers strand.
The Daltons - written by Michael Wynne and inspired by Smith's own memories - starred the actress and her Royle Family co-star Ralf Little as a country and western duo.
Annette Badland and Alan Davies also starred in the 'pilot' episode, directed by The Mighty Boosh's Paul King.
Sky's director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy announced plans for a full series yesterday (July 2), Broadcast reports.
Other projects currently in the works at Sky1 include new Ray Winstone drama Moonfleet and firefighter series The Smoke starring Jamie Bamber.
> Sheridan Smith on Jonathan Creek future: "I'd love to do more"
Watch a behind-the-scenes clip for The Daltons below:...
The comedy was originally launched via a 2011 edition of Sky's Little Crackers strand.
The Daltons - written by Michael Wynne and inspired by Smith's own memories - starred the actress and her Royle Family co-star Ralf Little as a country and western duo.
Annette Badland and Alan Davies also starred in the 'pilot' episode, directed by The Mighty Boosh's Paul King.
Sky's director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy announced plans for a full series yesterday (July 2), Broadcast reports.
Other projects currently in the works at Sky1 include new Ray Winstone drama Moonfleet and firefighter series The Smoke starring Jamie Bamber.
> Sheridan Smith on Jonathan Creek future: "I'd love to do more"
Watch a behind-the-scenes clip for The Daltons below:...
- 7/3/2013
- Digital Spy
Barry Humphries is to star in Sky1's comedy Chickens.
The star - best known for his comic creation Dame Edna Everage - will appear alongside show creators and stars Simon Bird, Jonny Sweet and Joe Thomas.
Chickens was originally aired as a pilot by Channel 4, but was later picked up to series by Sky after Channel 4 declined to order more episodes.
The First World War sitcom follows three men left behind in a world of women as the nation's heroes are fighting the good fight on foreign soil.
Humphries will play Mr Armstrong - headmaster at the local school - while Sally Phillips will also appear as village outcast Miss Trimble.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for three of the funniest and most talented men in the Northern hemisphere to work with me," quipped Humphries. "I am very proud of my young supporting cast, whose names I cannot remember at the moment.
The star - best known for his comic creation Dame Edna Everage - will appear alongside show creators and stars Simon Bird, Jonny Sweet and Joe Thomas.
Chickens was originally aired as a pilot by Channel 4, but was later picked up to series by Sky after Channel 4 declined to order more episodes.
The First World War sitcom follows three men left behind in a world of women as the nation's heroes are fighting the good fight on foreign soil.
Humphries will play Mr Armstrong - headmaster at the local school - while Sally Phillips will also appear as village outcast Miss Trimble.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for three of the funniest and most talented men in the Northern hemisphere to work with me," quipped Humphries. "I am very proud of my young supporting cast, whose names I cannot remember at the moment.
- 3/26/2013
- Digital Spy
Sky has announced the appointment of Adam MacDonald to the role of director of Sky1.
MacDonald replaces Stuart Murphy, who has been given an expanded role overseeing Sky's entertainment channels Sky1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts, Challenge and Pick TV.
MacDonald, who is currently vice president of programming at A+E Networks UK, will assume the role later in 2013, which also includes the overseeing of Sky1+1 and Sky2.
"It is such an exciting time to be joining Sky1," MacDonald said.
"Sophie [Turner Laing - managing director of entertainment and news] has created a terrifically supportive and creative environment to work within and Stuart and his team of commissioners have been producing an exceptional slate of programmes over the last few years.
"It will be an honour to be working with them and together taking Sky1 to even greater heights."
Murphy added: "I am delighted that Adam has accepted the role of director, Sky1.
"He's an ideal appointment -...
MacDonald replaces Stuart Murphy, who has been given an expanded role overseeing Sky's entertainment channels Sky1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts, Challenge and Pick TV.
MacDonald, who is currently vice president of programming at A+E Networks UK, will assume the role later in 2013, which also includes the overseeing of Sky1+1 and Sky2.
"It is such an exciting time to be joining Sky1," MacDonald said.
"Sophie [Turner Laing - managing director of entertainment and news] has created a terrifically supportive and creative environment to work within and Stuart and his team of commissioners have been producing an exceptional slate of programmes over the last few years.
"It will be an honour to be working with them and together taking Sky1 to even greater heights."
Murphy added: "I am delighted that Adam has accepted the role of director, Sky1.
"He's an ideal appointment -...
- 3/13/2013
- Digital Spy
Former BBC Daytime controller Liam Keelan was originally named dirctor of BSkyB‘s flagship Sky 1 HD back in December, but he later pulled out to move to BBC Worldwide. After opening up the search again, Sky has now named Adam MacDonald to oversee the channel. MacDonald joins from A+E Networks UK – a joint venture of A+E Networks and News Corp.-controlled BskyB – where he’s VP of programming. Former Sky 1 director Stuart Murphy has been bumped up to oversee Sky’s entertainment portfolio Sky 1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts, Challenge and Pick TV. Sky 1 was named Channel of the Year at the Broadcast Awards in 2012 and overall, Sky has commited £600M ($975M) for UK content and production across all of its channels by 2014. Among upcoming projects, Sky Atlantic is co-producing The Tunnel and biopic Fleming; Sky Arts has the Playhouse Presents series in the pipeline with talent that includes Anna Friel,...
- 3/13/2013
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
London - Antonia Hurford-Jones has been named the permanent director of BSkyB's Sky Living channel, with the company now also starting to look for a new head of its Sky 1 network. Stuart Murphy, director of entertainment channels at Sky, made the announcement in a staff email on Friday. He has been in charge of Sky 1. But since his promotion earlier this year, he has been overseeing all of the pay TV giant's entertainment networks - Sky 1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts, Sky 2, Challenge and Pick TV. "Today we will be advertising for a new director of
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- 11/9/2012
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London - BSkyB's in-house production team is developing its first own non-scripted TV project that is described as a Truman Show-type series. The untitled project for Sky1 is a "large-scale stripped reality soap that follows the lives of several families and life in a town across a year," the company announced Thursday. "Although it’s early stages, this development reflects how we want to remain flexible enough to consider ambitious in-house productions that can sit alongside our continued investment in indies," said Stuart Murphy, Sky’s director of entertainment channels. "[The show] will have enormous scale,
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- 9/6/2012
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sky controller Stuart Murphy has defended the underwhelming viewing figures for Rihanna's fashion TV show Styled To Rock. The Sky Living series' biggest ratings to date came on Tuesday, but it still only drew an audience of 105,000 for the channel. It was easily beaten in the Overnights by a Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire repeat episode on Challenge and a Qi repeat on Dave. Murphy has insisted that he isn't concerned by the figures, pointing out that the numbers for the first episode climbed to 440,000 if they included repeats and catch-up services. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival (more)...
- 8/30/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Sky's Stuart Murphy has criticised Channel 4 for failing to pick up comedy pilot Chickens. The World War 1 sitcom - written by and starring The Inbetweeners actors Simon Bird and Joe Thomas with Jonny Sweet - originally aired on Channel 4 in September 2011. Chickens was later picked up to series by Sky1 after Channel 4 declined to commission a full run. "If I was at Channel 4 and talent had produced my biggest hit in 15 years, I would probably not just order a pilot and stick it out late at night," Murphy said at this year's MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. He continued: "And after it had aired, I wouldn't then not (more)...
- 8/24/2012
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
Day two of the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival - or Mgeitf for short - kicks off bright and early with a session from Sky's director of Sky Entertainment Stuart Murphy. Digital Spy will be live-blogging the talk - hosted by TV's Matthew Wright - so keep it here for updates on Sky1's new output, Sky Atlantic's latest acquisitions and more. Just nobody mention those Mad Men ratings...
10:25And that's a wrap on this Sky session with Stuart Murphy - stay tuned to Digital Spy for more news and live blogs direct from the Edinburgh International Television Festival. 10:23More on his hopes for Sky's future: "We need a more modern view of women, so I'd love that to come through. We definitely need more long-running, pre-watershed comedies for Sky1..." in the style of returning series Spy. 10:22An (more)...
10:25And that's a wrap on this Sky session with Stuart Murphy - stay tuned to Digital Spy for more news and live blogs direct from the Edinburgh International Television Festival. 10:23More on his hopes for Sky's future: "We need a more modern view of women, so I'd love that to come through. We definitely need more long-running, pre-watershed comedies for Sky1..." in the style of returning series Spy. 10:22An (more)...
- 8/24/2012
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
Stuart Murphy, Director of Sky1 HD and Director of Programming for Sky Entertainment and Sky Atlantic was in Ireland this week to deliver the Ifta Television Lecture and launch the Winter showcase of Sky for the festive season and New Year. Before the launch of the Winter showcase Iftn sat down with the man himself to discuss his life's work, his successes and what makes him laugh.
- 12/5/2011
- IFTN
Ifta has announced that Stuart Murphy, Director of Sky 1Hd and Director of Commissioning for Sky Entertainment, will deliver the Irish Academy's inaugural Annual Television Lecture. Stuart, who joined BSkyB in May 2009, is Director of Sky1HD and Director of Commissioning, Sky Entertainment. He also runs Sky2 and Pick TV. In February of this year he launched Sky Atlantic, a channel which screens Us television programmes, including Martin Scorsese' 'Boardwalk Empire' and HBO's 'Game of Thrones'. There is also a commitment from the channel to commission six UK programmes for the channel per year like Paul Abbott's 'Hit and Miss'.
- 11/23/2011
- IFTN
Sky1's controller Stuart Murphy has admitted that he tried poaching Gavin & Stacey and The Inbetweeners from the BBC and Channel 4. Murphy revealed at the Edinburgh TV Festival that he actually made an offer to Henry Normal, head of Gavin & Stacey producers Baby Cow, to try lure them into leaving the BBC. Baby Cow were offered two series and a film as part of the deal, he said. "They wanted to stay at the BBC and finish at the BBC and I respect them for that," he said. Gavin & Stacey (more)...
- 8/28/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Ricky Gervais has started talks for two new comedy projects on Sky1, it has been revealed. Sky1 controller Stuart Murphy confirmed at the Edinburgh TV Festival that he had been for dinner with the Office comic and discussed future shows that they could team up on. "He was on about a particular comedian, he said he'd always wanted to do something with him, he had this particular idea and described this character who was unacceptable and un-pc," said Murphy. "I was like perfect - let's go (more)...
- 8/28/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
BSkyB, the British media empire, purchased rights to show Terra Nova on the UK’s Sky1 network. It is advertised as beginning showing this fall, and Brits are eagerly awaiting the show, because Jason O’Mara (Jim Shannon) and Shelley Conn (Elisabeth Shannon) are both well-known in the United Kingdom, O’Mara from Ashes to Ashes and Conn from Mistresses.
Stuart Murphy, director of Sky1, said, “Terra Nova is a huge weekly epic adventure with a family at the centre of the action, a community full of tensions and rivalries, and some pretty scary dinosaurs.
“It’s cinematic, powerful and a whole lot of fun that’ll be even more fantastic in HD, and perfectly complements our exceptional lineup of British programmes and the ‘best of the Us’ including Glee, House, The Simpsons and Hawaii Five-0. The deal is part of Sky’s long-term commitment to invest in content – both...
Stuart Murphy, director of Sky1, said, “Terra Nova is a huge weekly epic adventure with a family at the centre of the action, a community full of tensions and rivalries, and some pretty scary dinosaurs.
“It’s cinematic, powerful and a whole lot of fun that’ll be even more fantastic in HD, and perfectly complements our exceptional lineup of British programmes and the ‘best of the Us’ including Glee, House, The Simpsons and Hawaii Five-0. The deal is part of Sky’s long-term commitment to invest in content – both...
- 6/30/2011
- by Jess Brown
- TerraNovaTV
Sky have today announced a deal with 20th Century Fox Television Distribution securing the exclusive rights to the much-anticipated Terra Nova from Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg, Peter Chernin, Brannon Braga, René Echevarria and Aaron Kaplan. The series, scheduled to premiere in the Us on September 26th will debut on Sky 1 HD this autumn.
From the press release:
Terra Nova is a big priority for the autumn and will find a home in the heart of Sky 1 HD’s schedule, allowing Sky customers to enjoy the show in primetime on Sky 1 HD, on-demand via Sky Anytime+ and Sky+, and online through Sky Player.
Stuart Murphy, Director, Sky 1 HD commented:
Terra Nova is a huge weekly epic adventure with a family at the centre of the action, a community full of tension and rivalries, and some pretty scary dinosaurs. It’s cinematic, powerful and a whole lot of fun that’ll...
From the press release:
Terra Nova is a big priority for the autumn and will find a home in the heart of Sky 1 HD’s schedule, allowing Sky customers to enjoy the show in primetime on Sky 1 HD, on-demand via Sky Anytime+ and Sky+, and online through Sky Player.
Stuart Murphy, Director, Sky 1 HD commented:
Terra Nova is a huge weekly epic adventure with a family at the centre of the action, a community full of tension and rivalries, and some pretty scary dinosaurs. It’s cinematic, powerful and a whole lot of fun that’ll...
- 6/30/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Sky has confirmed that it will air the third series of Glee and reality show The Glee Project exclusively in the UK. The broadcaster today announced a deal with 20th Century Fox to show all future episodes of the musical comedy and its accompanying talent competition from the autumn. Stuart Murphy, Director of Programmes for Sky, said of the agreement: "Glee has been nothing short of a phenomenon, and we're thrilled to secure the future of the show for our customers with this life-of-series deal. "It's the perfect fit for Sky 1 and we're thrilled to be able to build on the success it has already achieved, and we hope our customers will be as chuffed and excited as we all are." (more)...
- 6/12/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Sky has secured the exclusive UK broadcast rights to critically acclaimed drama Mad Men. The news comes as the launch of Sky Atlantic HD is also announced, a new entertainment channel that will provide an exclusive home to all of HBO's new series in the UK and Ireland. Stuart Murphy, director of programmes said that Mad Men, which will air on Sky Atlantic HD from the series' fifth season next summer, "has developed into a pop culture phenomenon with an extremely passionate fan base".
- 10/1/2010
- Sky TV
Sky1 controller Stuart Murphy has revealed his wishlist of programming for the channel. Speaking at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, Murphy explained that he wants to air four to six comedies a year. "[The] Simpsons [was a] really big hit," he said. "We wanted other comedies that felt like that - the family could watch, but with an edge. Modern Family felt like that. "We don't want a lot of surreal. At BBC Three, we commissioned pretty dark stuff like Nighty Night, Monkey Dust, Shirley Ghostman... at Sky I don't think that's going to work. It's about being optimistic, having best in show, and those values tend to clash with dark, sicko comedy." (more)...
- 8/27/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Shameless creator Paul Abbott is developing a "big drama" for Sky1. The channel's controller Stuart Murphy revealed details of the programme at the Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. "[Abbott's] developing a drama called Hit And Miss," Murphy explained. "On the surface it's a loving story of a loving family. "It has a really complicated dark skin across it that is really, really different to what people might expect from Sky1. Fundamentally, it's about love and a mother that runs the (more)...
- 8/27/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Ahoy me hearties – Sky1 HD are going full steam ahead with a 21st Century spin on Sinbad the Sailor. Stuart Murphy, director of programmes, today announced the 13-part series, which is being produced by Impossible Pictures, the company behind Primeval. The new show, called Sinbad, will be written by the award-winning cream of television’s writing crop including Jack Lothian (Ashes To Ashes, Shameless) and Neil Biswas (Skins, Martina Cole’s The Take).
- 8/3/2010
- Sky TV
Sky1 has announced four new Us acquisitions as part of its Autumn/Winter lineup, including The Middle. The pickup of the family comedy, which stars Patricia Heaton, is part of channel head Stuart Murphy's ongoing strategy to make Sky1 known as a destination for comedies. The Middle returns for a second season on ABC in the Us next month. Sky1 has also acquired Raising Hope, a new comedy about a man who has fathered a baby with a wanted felon. The cast includes Cloris (more)...
- 8/3/2010
- by By Neil Wilkes
- Digital Spy
The 'Lost' finale will be simulcast around the world next week. Sky1 has decided to air the cult TV show's concluding episode at exactly the same time as it is due to be shown on the West Coast in the Us, so British fans aren't late in discovering how the programme ends. Sky1's director of programmes Stuart Murphy said: ''We are proud of the fact that at Sky1 HD we have a long tradition of running all of our Us shows as close as possible to their Us transmission date. ''With something as hotly anticipated as the 'Lost' finale, it makes sense to show ..
- 5/21/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Online chats during Lost have been a tradition amongst fans for a long time, and now ABC is getting in on the fun. The network will host a live chat event for fans before and during the episode as "The End" brings Lost to a close this Sunday. So far no word of special guests or any other carrots, looks like it is up to the fandom themselves to make this event memorable. Here are the official details from ABC.
Sunday, May 23rd is the Lost Finale Event we’ve been waiting for! Don’t just watch the finale – chat with other Lost fans on ABC.com! Beginning at 3:30pm Pst on Sunday May 23rd, log-in to ABC.com via your MySpace, Twitter, or Facebook account to participate in a live-chat with other Lost fans! Talk about your favorite memories of the show, your thoughts on the finale as it happens,...
Sunday, May 23rd is the Lost Finale Event we’ve been waiting for! Don’t just watch the finale – chat with other Lost fans on ABC.com! Beginning at 3:30pm Pst on Sunday May 23rd, log-in to ABC.com via your MySpace, Twitter, or Facebook account to participate in a live-chat with other Lost fans! Talk about your favorite memories of the show, your thoughts on the finale as it happens,...
- 5/20/2010
- by Jon Lachonis
- TVovermind.com
UK viewers of Lost, you're in luck: you'll be able to catch the two-and-half hour series finale of Lost at the same time it airs on the West Coast of the Us. Sky1HD will be presenting the series finale of Lost ("The End") at 5 am GMT, as it is transmitted at 9 pm Pacific Time of the West Coast of the United States. "We are proud of the fact that at Sky 1Hd we have a long tradition of running all of our Us shows as close as possible to their Us TX date," said Stuart Murphy, Director of Programmes, Sky1 HD, Sky1, 2 and 3, in a statement. "With something as hotly anticipated as the Lost finale it makes sense to show it at exactly the same time as millions across America will see it." Given how high anticipation is for the series finale of Lost--and the fact that it will...
- 5/20/2010
- by Jace
- Televisionary
Sky1 has announced that it will simulcast the series finale of Lost. The network has revealed that it will air the ending to the cult show at exactly the same time as it is broadcast on the West Coast in the Us. The move, which follows news that a number of countries will receive a simulcast, means that the episode will air at 5am on Monday, May 24. Sky1's director of programmes Stuart Murphy said: "We are proud of the fact that at Sky1 HD we have a long tradition of running all of our Us shows as close as possible to their (more)...
- 5/20/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
When Auntie announced that she was considering terminating BBC6 Music and The Asian Network, we were confused. Some of us cried. When the tears dried we got angry, and the blogging began. Why, we keyboard-thumped, would you dispose of two cheap to run, pioneering radio stations when you could just as easily amputate that expensive, dreary carbuncle, BBC Three? No reason. At all.
Part of the BBC's remit is to plug broadcasting gaps. 6Music and Tan are a little niche, but they know what their listeners want and that they're not going to get it elsewhere. BBC Three, meanwhile, scatter guns mediocre American imports, insane reality TV and abysmal sitcom pilots. When the channel launched in 2003, its controller Stuart Murphy promised:... More >>...
Part of the BBC's remit is to plug broadcasting gaps. 6Music and Tan are a little niche, but they know what their listeners want and that they're not going to get it elsewhere. BBC Three, meanwhile, scatter guns mediocre American imports, insane reality TV and abysmal sitcom pilots. When the channel launched in 2003, its controller Stuart Murphy promised:... More >>...
- 4/6/2010
- by Ruth Margolis
- TV.com
Glenn Martin, Dds, is a cartoon for adults
Five years after leaving Disney in controversial circumstances, Michael Eisner is back in the animated world. Glenn Martin, Dds, is Eisner's first animated venture since he left his job as chief executive officer of Disney a year early after a rebellion led by Walt's nephew Roy, and the first TV show to come from Eisner's Tornante Animation. It will debut in the UK on Sky1 at 9.30pm on Thursday.
The show's name follows in the tradition of Doogie Howser MD, screened on BBC1 in the 90s: Dds stands for doctor of dental surgery.
Although it is stop-motion animation, Glenn Martin, Dds, is more from The Simpsons' school than Disney. "It is really an adult show," Eisner told MediaGuardian. "Children may be naturally attracted to animation … but it is not a children's show any more than any prime time comedy is aimed at children.
Five years after leaving Disney in controversial circumstances, Michael Eisner is back in the animated world. Glenn Martin, Dds, is Eisner's first animated venture since he left his job as chief executive officer of Disney a year early after a rebellion led by Walt's nephew Roy, and the first TV show to come from Eisner's Tornante Animation. It will debut in the UK on Sky1 at 9.30pm on Thursday.
The show's name follows in the tradition of Doogie Howser MD, screened on BBC1 in the 90s: Dds stands for doctor of dental surgery.
Although it is stop-motion animation, Glenn Martin, Dds, is more from The Simpsons' school than Disney. "It is really an adult show," Eisner told MediaGuardian. "Children may be naturally attracted to animation … but it is not a children's show any more than any prime time comedy is aimed at children.
- 3/15/2010
- by Steve Busfield
- The Guardian - Film News
Psychic Derek Acorah will attempt to contact Jackson's spirit.
By James Montgomery
Michael Jackson
Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images
In one of the more bizarre media events surrounding Michael Jackson's death, on Friday British television network Sky 1 will broadcast a live séance with the singer's spirit.
In a special "intimate and unique" hour-long event — dubbed "Michael Jackson: The Live Séance" — British psychic Derek Acorah will attempt to contact Jackson's spirit, with the hope of giving the King of Pop's fans the opportunity "to connect with their hero one last time."
"There is an insatiable appetite to find out more about Michael Jackson," Stuart Murphy, Sky 1's director of programs, told Yahoo UK earlier this month. "He was an extraordinary figure and the curiosity surrounding his life — and his death — stretches well beyond fans of his music."
Just how Acorah —best known to British audiences for his long-running paranormal TV...
By James Montgomery
Michael Jackson
Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images
In one of the more bizarre media events surrounding Michael Jackson's death, on Friday British television network Sky 1 will broadcast a live séance with the singer's spirit.
In a special "intimate and unique" hour-long event — dubbed "Michael Jackson: The Live Séance" — British psychic Derek Acorah will attempt to contact Jackson's spirit, with the hope of giving the King of Pop's fans the opportunity "to connect with their hero one last time."
"There is an insatiable appetite to find out more about Michael Jackson," Stuart Murphy, Sky 1's director of programs, told Yahoo UK earlier this month. "He was an extraordinary figure and the curiosity surrounding his life — and his death — stretches well beyond fans of his music."
Just how Acorah —best known to British audiences for his long-running paranormal TV...
- 11/5/2009
- MTV Music News
London -- Sky director of programming Stuart Murphy has appointed BBC comedy executive Lucy Lumsden to be its first dedicated head of comedy, working across Sky's three entertainment channels Sky1, Sky2 and Sky3.
Lumsden, currently controller of comedy commissioning at the BBC, has brought such hits as "Gavin and Stacey" and "The Catherine Tate Show" to BBC audiences, and was described by Murphy as "simply the best commissioner in the comedy business."
The heavyweight appointment signals a new direction for Sky's entertainment channels, which have traditionally focused on acquired comedy rather than home-grown fare.
"Comedy takes time to get right, and it's an art not a science, but with Lucy at the helm it feels like we are giving ourselves the best chance of generating hits which our subscribers will love," said Murphy.
Lumsden, currently controller of comedy commissioning at the BBC, has brought such hits as "Gavin and Stacey" and "The Catherine Tate Show" to BBC audiences, and was described by Murphy as "simply the best commissioner in the comedy business."
The heavyweight appointment signals a new direction for Sky's entertainment channels, which have traditionally focused on acquired comedy rather than home-grown fare.
"Comedy takes time to get right, and it's an art not a science, but with Lucy at the helm it feels like we are giving ourselves the best chance of generating hits which our subscribers will love," said Murphy.
- 6/20/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sky1's new director of programmes has axed Gladiators and Don't Forget The Lyrics from its schedule, according to Broadcast Now. The two shows are reportedly the first in Stuart Murphy's planned shake-up as he seeks out more big entertainment formats and comedy. "Gladiators has done a great job for Sky1 over two seasons, resonating with our young audience and showcasing (more)...
- 5/21/2009
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
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