UK comics Hart and Walliams crown King Bert Prods

Miranda Hart and David Walliams, two of the UK’s most successful comedians and comic actors have created their own prodco, King Bert Productions.

The pair will join forces with comedy producer Jo Sargent in the new venture, which will make mainstream comedy shows and seek to nurture new comedy talent.

It will be backed by BBC Worldwide, which will provide development funding and will distribute the new producer’s content internationally.

The commercial arm of the UK public broadcaster has committed to not taking direct equity stakes in indie producers, but has a range of first-look deals with content companies.

The company recently agreed to help its former drama boss Ben Donald set up his scripted indie, Cosmopolitan Films, and the King Bert deal is structured in the same manner.

Helen Jackson, managing director of content at BBC Worldwide says: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with three of Britain’s leading creative comedy talents and even more excited at the prospect of bringing their projects to a global audience.”

Hart, Walliams and Sargent have previously worked together on projects including an adaptation of Walliams’ book The Boy in the Dress and comedy Big School, for the BBC and has a pair of sitcoms in development for Channel 4.

Announcing the deal this morning, the company said its ambition is to “deliver more single camera comedy and audience sitcoms as well as comedy drama and comedy entertainment formats which will resonate not only in the UK, but internationally”.

Sargent, director of King Bert, said: “Developing both established and fledgling writing and performing talent is also high on our agenda. I’m particularly keen that we work with broadcasters to provide platforms for the best British creative on and off screen talent.”

Walliams and Hart are two of the biggest names in British TV comedy. Walliams came to the viewing public’s attention in BBC sketch show Little Britain, while Hart’s breakout hit was her own sitcom, Miranda (pictured).

Speaking about the new prodco, Walliams said: “We want to develop our own personal projects, and use our expertise to find and nurture new talent.” Hart added: “I hope we become a company where new talent feel encouraged and supported to find their unique voice.”