Zeppotron signs development deal with David Earl and Joe Wilkinson

Comedy duo’s indie Big Oval Plate Productions sign exclusive two-year deal

Zeppotron, a Banijay UK company, has signed an exclusive development deal with David Earl and Joe Wilkinson’s production company, Big Oval Plate. The two-year deal will see the comedians work with Zeppotron to develop new unscripted television formats.

David and Joe are frequent collaborators having created, written and starred in the sitcoms Rovers (Sky One), The Cockfields (Gold & BBC2) and working together on screen in 3 series of Ricky Gervais’ After Life (Netflix).  David also co-wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed 2022 comedy drama film Brian and Charles, while Joe’s numerous acting credits include both Sex Education (Netflix) and Him and Her (BBC3).

In 2020 the pair launched their production company Big Oval Plate, through which they produce and host their successful podcast series Chatabix.

Working with the team at Zeppotron, David and Joe will develop funny non-scripted formats from travelogues to factual entertainment and reality shows.  Joe has a long-standing relationship with Zeppotron, having first appeared on 8 Out of 10 Cats in 2011 and been a key cast member on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown since its inception.

Ruth Phillips, Co-Managing Director of Zeppotron said;

“As well as being brilliant comedic performers and writers, Joe and David are also blessed with wonderfully inventive minds and an astute knack for coming up with unusual, funny ideas that nevertheless have a big, mainstream sensibility.   We’ve loved working with (and laughing with) Joe for many years on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and can’t wait to now join forces with both him and David to make great programmes together.”

David Earl said:

“I’m very chuffed to be working with Zeppotron. The fact that me and Joe can now come up with stupid ideas for TV and they have to at least be polite and listen to them is a lovely feeling. I do hope they remain patient with us though.”

Joe Wilkinson added;

“I am very very very excited to be collaborating with the Zeppotron. It’s been a joy to work with them over the last ten years on some of their brilliant shows. They are so fantastic at making ideas come to life and I’m really looking forward to having more fun with them on some new ideas.”