[PIAS] Launches UK Comedy Operation

[PIAS] Entertainment Group today announced the launch of a stand-alone comedy operation in the UK.[PIAS] Comedy UK will function both as a DVD label and also offer digital and mobile distribution of comedy content. Alongside access to the UK market, [PIAS] Comedy UK will plug into the [PIAS] network worldwide - including continental Europe, Scandinavia, USA, South Africa and Australia. This development of the UK operation follows the launch of [PIAS] Comedy in Holland in 2004, which now commands a market share of 75% of the Dutch DVD market for stand up comedy and has released five of the best selling Dutch stand up DVDs ever.Leon Happe, Partner [PIAS] Comedy said: "This is a very exciting development for us. Following our success in Holland, a launch in the UK was the next obvious step. The UK has the largest stand up scene in Europe and we want to work with UK comedians and their managers to bring content to market through all of the available channels.”Andy Townsend, General Manager, [PIAS] Comedy UK said: "There is a place for a new independent releasing option for comedy talent in the UK. With the [PIAS] network we can offer cohesive distribution across all channels, revenue streams and territories. The [PIAS] heritage of developing artists shows that we are all about working with creative talent to build careers not just move product. Our intention is to sign a roster of career artists that we can work with over the long term."Forthcoming releases from the label will include Doug Stanhope 'No Refunds' and John Pinette 'I'm Starvin'. More new signings to the UK label are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.Download a PDF of the press release here.