Television and stage producer known for Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and Birds of a Feather
The television producer Allan McKeown, who has died aged 67 of prostate cancer, created the groundbreaking Witzend Productions with the sitcom writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais and had hits on both sides of the Atlantic. It was one of the earliest independent production companies outside the British broadcasting establishment to find success within it.
A prime example of Witzend's attempts to push the boundaries of the medium – and McKeown's credit as executive producer – was Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (1983-86). The series, about a group of itinerant British builders in Germany – developed by Clement and La Frenais from an idea by Franc Roddam – went beyond the sitcom format to become one of the first in the comedy-drama genre.
ITV at first had no plans to make a second series but backtracked when up to 13 million viewers tuned in.
The television producer Allan McKeown, who has died aged 67 of prostate cancer, created the groundbreaking Witzend Productions with the sitcom writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais and had hits on both sides of the Atlantic. It was one of the earliest independent production companies outside the British broadcasting establishment to find success within it.
A prime example of Witzend's attempts to push the boundaries of the medium – and McKeown's credit as executive producer – was Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (1983-86). The series, about a group of itinerant British builders in Germany – developed by Clement and La Frenais from an idea by Franc Roddam – went beyond the sitcom format to become one of the first in the comedy-drama genre.
ITV at first had no plans to make a second series but backtracked when up to 13 million viewers tuned in.
- 1/2/2014
- by Anthony Hayward, Ian La Frenais
- The Guardian - Film News
This is a recap for the tenth episode of Season 4 of Mad Men starring Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, January Jones, John Slattery and a slew of other talented actors, on an episode called “Hands and Knees.” And now, here is your long-awaited For Your Consideration Recap: She’S Pregnant… With Twins By the looks of it, about 14 months pregnant. Oh wait, those aren’t baby bumps… that’s her award-winning rack! Oh, Joan, you have fooled us once again you minx. Can you imagine Joan breastfeeding? It would probably look something like this. i.e. Sexxxy! Oh Sew Natural Betty, without makeup, early in the morning, sewing? Were times so tough they had to fire Carla? Unless Betty is finally sewing a long rope out of flat sheets with which to climb out of the second floor window and escape her painfully oppressed existence… yeah, like she would ruin a flat sheet.
- 10/1/2010
- by Michelle Collins
- BestWeekEver
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