Stupid Man, Smart Phone For BBC Three

A new series titled Stupid Man, Smart Phone has been commissioned by BBC Three and BBC Worldwide.

The series will see Russell Kane joined by a different online star each episode. While none of them have any survival skills, knowledge of the local language or customs, each is confident that they can be left anywhere in the world and survive – with only their mobile phone for help.

Kane and his fellow social media companions will experience the Arctic Circle to the African landscape.

Co-produced by Kalel Productions and the Objective Factual Entertainment label, the series will be executive produced by Hannah Demidowicz, Commissioning Editor for BBC Brit; Ed Sleeman, Commissioning Editor for BBC Entertainment and Nick Parnes, CEO Kalel Productions.

Nick Parnes commented: "Mashing the comedy and survival genres feels really different, and marrying a traditional TV comedian with different social media superstars every week in completely diverse, dangerous environments is a new concept, too. We're breaking new ground over here! I hope it works and their phone brings them home safely."

Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three, added: "Stupid Man, Smart Phone joins a raft of other innovative and distinctive new shows on BBC Three. BBC Three is and always will be the home of original British comedy."

Ed Sleeman, Commissioning Editor, BBC Entertainment, said: "Stupid Man, Smart Phone might once and for all discover just how far our smartphones can take us as humans, but unfortunately the phones will be in the hands of brilliant comedian Russell Kane and a host of internet stars and so it probably won't. But we will certainly discover just how funny it is to give it a go!"

Hannah Demidowicz, Commissioning Editor for BBC Brit, also said: "This is a perfect fit for BBC Brit, an innovative take on the survival genre and a compelling combination of wit and intelligence that will resonate with audiences worldwide. It's a great example of the type of programming we are looking to commission for our global channels with charismatic talent at the heart, clever formatting and strong visual storytelling."

Russell Kane added: "In life, I independently Googled my way from council estate to degree in English – and the internet's about to save my soul again. It'll keep me warm. It'll teach me to hunt and survive. Plus, I'm taking along online superstars who can access millions of knowledgeable followers! Okay, maybe SOME of their followers are 12 year-old girls, but still, I intend to WIN and outsmart nature."

Image: BBC Media Centre.

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre

(JP)