Salmon: US Comedy Pilot Pays More Than Two BBC Seasons
At the RTS London Convention, Adjani Salmon and Jon Thoday said US comedy budgets dwarf British ones, with Salmon now writing a pilot in the States.
Adjani Salmon told an RTS London Convention panel that he can earn more from writing a single American comedy pilot than from two full seasons of a BBC show. The creator and star of Dreaming Whilst Black said he is now writing a pilot in the States.
Salmon appeared alongside Avalon founder Jon Thoday, who said the money is flowing in one direction only. Americans are investing in British shows such as Prime Video's Last One Laughing UK and Sky's Saturday Night Live UK, he said, while Brits are not returning the favour.
Thoday also aimed his criticism at the people making the calls, describing some industry decision makers as "largely mediocre people."
The panel, reported by Deadline, put a spotlight on the widening gap between US and UK comedy budgets at a moment when British talent is increasingly looking west.
From BBC Three to A24
Salmon's own career traces that transatlantic path. Dreaming Whilst Black began as a BBC Three pilot before being greenlit to full series, becoming one of the BBC's most critically-rated shows of recent years and winning BAFTAs.
The Big Deal Films production was later picked up by A24, and both seasons are available in the U.S. on Paramount+.
Quick answers
What did Adjani Salmon say about US versus BBC pay?
He said he can earn more writing an American comedy pilot than for two full seasons of a BBC show.
Where can US viewers watch Dreaming Whilst Black?
Both seasons are available in the U.S. on Paramount+ after A24 picked up the Big Deal Films show.
What did Jon Thoday say about investment?
He said Americans are investing in British shows like Prime Video's Last One Laughing UK and Sky's Saturday Night Live UK, while Brits are not.