Shane Allen promoted to Channel 4's Head of Comedy

22 October 2009

Shane Allen, Head of Comedy

Channel 4 today announces the appointment of Shane Allen as Head of Comedy, and Acting Head of Entertainment. He will report to Julian Bellamy, Head of Channel 4.

Allen, who joined the channel in 2005 as a Commissioning Editor, will be responsible for all of the channel's Comedy output, and he will have acting responsibility for Entertainment until a further appointment is made. He replaces Andrew Newman, who has moved to Objective Productions to take up the role of Chief Creative Officer.

As a Commissioning Editor, Shane's credits include Star Stories, Plus One, the multiple award winning Fonejacker and Charlie Brooker penned zombie horror Dead Set. He has also overseen series 2 of The Inbetweeners, which received universal critical acclaim and triple the audience of the first series.

 

Julian Bellamy said:

"Allen steps up to this position at an exciting time for Channel 4 Comedy. The latest series of Peep Show is drawing its highest audience figures yet, and a season of six scripted Comedy Showcase pilots will begin in early November, featuring some of the UK's best established and up-and-coming comedic talent. I look forward to working with him on the next generation of stand out Channel 4 comedies."

Before joining Channel 4, Allen worked in the independent production sector. His credits include Director on Ali G in The US Aiiiii (Talkback for HBO), writer on Shooting Stars and writer and Assistant Producer on Channel 4's Brass Eye Special.

 

Shane Allen said:

"Andrew is a comedy and entertainment legend who leaves behind incredibly flamboyant and special shoes to fill. Whilst taking over a rich slate of programmes, I relish the enormous challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in continuing C4's heritage of pioneering and treasured comedy."

Channel 4 plans to appoint a separate Head of Entertainment in due course, and will advertise the position from Thursday 22nd October. The new Head of Entertainment will have a diverse commissioning brief, covering both studio and formatted entertainment across Channel 4 and E4, and will be expected to build strong relationships with independent producers and nurture new talent.