VAL appoints Bayles as Head of Comedy
June 15, 2022
Various Artists Limited (VAL), the production company behind critically acclaimed work including I May Destroy You, Sally4Ever and Dead Pixels has appointed Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor, Jack Bayles as Head of Comedy. The London based production company was founded in 2017 by Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, together with producers and ex Channel 4 Commissioners, Phil Clarke and Roberto Troni.
Bayles is taking up a new role from August and will be based in London and Brighton. Responsible for overseeing VAL’s comedy slate as well as developing new projects, he will provide creative leadership and artistic vision to the role. He comes to VAL with over twenty years’ experience in comedy and will report into Clarke.
Bayles said: “Channel 4 comedy is a vital and precious voice in British comedy, and I’ve loved my time there. The team at VAL have a wonderful philosophy and have excelled with their productions so far. I’m thrilled to be joining them at such an exciting time.”
Clarke added: “I’m delighted that Jack is joining us as Head of Comedy after an illustrious career both as an award-winning producer and comedy commissioner. He is a fantastic addition to the creative team and we’re looking forward to the future.”
Prior to VAL, Bayles produced Channel 4’s multi award winning hit comedy Catastrophe with Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, and in 2017 was appointed Commissioning Editor for the channel. He’s since been responsible for all three series of the BAFTA winning Stath Lets Flats, two series of the multi award winning Derry Girls, two series of Aisling Bea’s critically acclaimed This Way Up, along with Michell & Webb’s Back, The Curse, Hullraisers and the much anticipated Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared, during his (five year) tenure.