BBC extends W1A, orders tech shows

The BBC has extended its self-deprecating satire series W1A into a second run and launched a new global YouTube channel featuring digital-exclusive content.

W1A (1×60′ and 3×30’), the follow-up to popular Olympics-themed comedy Twenty Twelve, will air on BBC2.

The scripted series features characters from Twenty Twelve, including Hugh Bonneville’s Ian Fletcher in his new role as head of values at the UK pubcaster, and takes a light-hearted look at life behind the scenes at the BBC.

The show is being produced by the BBC’s in-house comedy unit, with Twenty Twelve’s John Morton writing and directing and Jon Plowman attached as exec producer.

In related news, BBC2 has commissioned a three-part food series from Twofour-owned Welsh prodco Indus Films.

World’s Greatest Food Markets will be fronted by market trader Roger Barton, star of Indus’ previous BBC2 commission London’s Markets – Inside Billingsgate. Barton will travel the world to examine the competition, culture and personalities that keep food markets thriving in the middle of big cities.

Premiering later this year, the series is executive produced by Lucy Carter and Steve Robinson.

Meanwhile BBC World News is producing a series of short-form shows for its global TV net that will be available via a new YouTube channel to support its technology programme BBC Click.

The shows will explore the latest tech prototypes in development and include interviews with industry players.