Still haven’t heard of IFC? You’re about to.
Sparked by the success of its pseudo-sketch comedy “Portlandia,” starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, the indie channel will be hosting new comedies produced by two giants of comedy, Will Ferrell and Ben Stiller. This move cements IFC’s desires to be the number one source for alternative comedy.
“The Spoils of Babylon” will be produced by Funny or Die, an online outgrowth of Will Ferrell’s production company. Ferrell and his frequent partner Adam McKay will also be executive producing. The six-episode mini-series will be a parody of over-the-top miniseries like “Thorn of the Birds,” based on a fake novel written by Eric Jonrosh (played by Ferrell). The story will follow a family who makes it rich in the oil business and will span several decades and generations.
Another sketch comedy has been greenlit, as well, starring the Birthday Boys, who have been featured on Funny or Die’s website. Executive producing the show will be none other than Ben Stiller, along with Bob Odenkirk (you know him as Saul Goodman from “Breaking Bad”).
So is it really a good idea for an indie channel to have this many comedies running at once? IFC does stand for Independent Film Channel, after all. “IFC is either really courageous or really stupid,” Ferrell said, “which makes them the perfect partner for us.”
