Armando Iannucci, a well-known comic writer and director, has founded Touchscreen Ltd. to nurture rising British talent and create creative narrative material for UK and international audiences.
Touchscreen announced a major agreement with BBC Studios this week, combining Iannucci’s famed creative expertise—the brains behind successful shows like Veep and The Thick of It—with the BBC’s global distribution reach.
Kevin Loader, Iannucci’s longstanding colleague and seasoned producer, and Charlotte Draper, development producer, will join him at Touchscreen. Together, they hope to highlight new voices in British television and create stories that appeal worldwide.
“Touchscreen is focused on making projects that reflect, confront, or celebrate the world we live in,” Iannucci told me. “The goal is to give others the same opportunity to find their voice and connect with their audience by creating bold, thought-provoking shows.”
President of Scripted at BBC Studios, Mark Linsey lauded the collaboration and stressed its relevance for the industry’s future. “Developing new British talent is critical for the future of our creative industry,” Linsey told the BBC. “I’m excited to see what new voices and narratives we can build together.”
Touchscreen’s launch coincides with high activity in the British television production sector. For example, Downton Abbey producer Liz Trubridge recently announced the formation of her production firm, highlighting an industry-wide wave of innovation.
While expanding his creative projects through Touchscreen, Iannucci will maintain his partnerships with HBO, including the upcoming comedy series The Franchise, which he developed with director Sam Mendes.
The collaboration with BBC Studios, mediated by Lucy Fairney of PBJ Management, is more than just a financial transaction. It demonstrates a common commitment to encouraging creativity and offering opportunities for emerging talent in British television.
Touchscreen’s release marks an exciting new step for Iannucci, who is determined to mold the television narrative’s future while inspiring the next generation of artists.
