More than lip service as firms set up Scottish venture

Scotland's burgeoning TV production industry has received a further boost after London-based independents Kudos and Brown Eyed Boy yesterday unveiled a new joint venture north of the Border.

Although both firms have already been involved in a number of productions in Scotland, including Lip Service, Kudos' lesbian drama set in Glasgow, they said the office in Edinburgh will offer them a permanent base to work with, and develop, local talent.

The move comes after Location, Location, Location presenters Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer last year established their own independent production company in Glasgow, Raise the Roof.

Kudos and Brown Eyed Boy, which are both part of the wider Shine Group, have poached Jemma Rodgers from BBC Scotland to head up the operation, to be called Kudos Brown Eyed Boy Scotland. Among its first projects will be Alchemy EH1, a monthly live comedy night to be held in the city centre along the lines of Saturday Night Live.

Rodgers said Edinburgh was chosen over Glasgow as most playwrights, novelists and comedians live in and around the capital.