Feather in cap puts Blap chaps on map

16 February 2012

Irish comedy duo Rubberbandits and Sideline Productions have secured a broadcast pilot on the back of their success as part of Channel 4's new online talent platform, Comedy Blaps.

It's the first ever Channel 4 commission to come from the online showcase which began last November as a grassroots initiative to help develop new programme ideas and discover the next big thing in comedy.  

They will now make a 30 minute pilot which will be broadcast as part of the 4funnies series on Channel 4 later this year.

Produced by Dublin-based Sideline Productions, Rubberbandits was a three part online comedy and music series written and performed by Mr Chrome and Blindboy Boatclub aka The Rubberbandits.

Commissioning Editor Fiona McDermott said: "We always hoped Comedy Blaps would be the perfect stepping stone for new talent to hone their craft and move up the ladder and that's exactly what's happened with the totally brilliant Rubberbandits.  We can't wait for the pilot, if nothing else we're just thrilled we've given them the chance to showcase even more supermarket carrier bags on their faces."

Sideline's Creative Director Billy McGrath will exec the new project which is their first UK commission. He said: "Sideline is looking forward once again to working with the Channel 4 comedy team to bring this exciting Irish talent on to a higher level. We all share the strong belief there is something very unique and special going on with The Rubberbandits."

Submissions are now being accepted for the Summer season of Comedy Blaps and the closing date for all entries is Friday 2 March. For details of what the Channel 4 comedy department are looking for, go to: http://bit.ly/BLAPS2012

Channel 4 plans to increase the number of ideas selected to appear as Comedy Blaps across the year which will then be available to view on Channel4.com, YouTube and Vimeo and as podcasts. A new episode from each series is uploaded each week and Comedy Blaps are promoted via ComedyOn4 using Facebook and Twitter.

Channel 4 Multiplatform Commissioning Editor Jody Smith said: "We're putting even more emphasis on Blaps in 2012, with plans to commission more than last year, with a season in the summer and again in the autumn. If you're a comedy producer, get cracking and send your pitch in."