C4 finds new comedy head

UK terrestrial Channel 4 (C4) has turned to the indie sector to find its new head of comedy following Shane Allen’s departure this summer.

Phil Clarke

Phil Clarke, currently head of comedy and entertainment at Objective Productions, is joining the broadcaster in the New Year to lead its comedy output, which includes shows such as Black Mirror, Derek and Bad Sugar.

Clarke became Objective’s head of comedy in 2003 and has exec produced all its scripted comedy for the BBC and C4, including Fresh Meat, Peep Show, Star Stories and Pete Versus Life.

He was previously editor of comedy for Talkback Productions (Bo Selecta, Never Mind The Buzzcocks).

C4’s comedy commissioning editor Nerys Evans, who has been acting head of the department since Allen’s departure in August, has now been promoted to deputy head of comedy with immediate effect.

Objective said it had not yet made a decision on the identity of Clarke’s replacement.

The All3Media-owned prodco launched a drama division in July, which is run by Judy Counihan.

Meanwhile, its flagship comedy series Peep Show returns to air on C4 on Sunday, the same day as the broadcaster airs Objective-produced one-off pilot Kookyville.

Objective will also begin production this week on Big Bad World, a new eight-part comedy series starring Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners), for Comedy Central. It is due to air in 2013.