Following on from the pilot of Life’s Too Short, BBC Two Controller, Janice Hadlow, and Cheryl
Taylor, Controller, BBC Comedy Commissioning, have today announced a six-part
series to be filmed next year.
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, creators of the
award-winning series The Office and Extras, have already begun
writing six by thirty minute single-camera episodes for BBC in-house
Comedy. As with the pilot, the series
centres on Warwick Davis – whose credits include Star Wars and the Harry Potter
series – and who is one of Britain’s
pre-eminent dwarf actors. It is an
observational comedy following Warwick’s
day-to-day frustrations, but still managing to find the optimism and warmth in
a small world where big things happen. Ricky
Gervais and Stephen Merchant will also make an appearance as themselves.
Ricky Gervais said: “Third in our trilogy of TV sitcoms,
Life’s Too Short is another naturalistic observational comedy, dealing with
everyday problems, human foibles and social faux pas … but with a dwarf.”
Warwick Davis said: “I am absolutely thrilled that the BBC
has ‘green-lit’ the first series of ‘Life’s Too Short’. For me, it is my dream acting job. I will be
collaborating with the very best in the business – the BBC, who produce the
finest television in the world, and Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant, who
are without doubt the best comedy writer / directors there are (they’ve won a
couple of awards!).”
Mark Freeland, Head of BBC in-house Comedy said:
“Warwick Davis has done it all – blockbuster movies, books … but never
starred in a comedy series on BBC Two, written by Ricky Gervais & Stephen
Merchant. But that’s about to change
& it’s incredibly exciting.”
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant will direct as well as
being the executive producers. BBC’s Head of Comedy, Mark Freeland will also be
an executive producer. The series will be produced by Charlie Hanson with Michelle Farr.
(Please note United Agents do not accept casting submissions for our clients’ work.)
