Ex-UKTV/Dave commissioners launch new comedy content creation label Square Pears

Ex-UKTV/Dave commissioners Iain Coyle and Joe McVey today announce the launch of their new comedy content creation label Square Pears. The new outfit is partnered with Nest Productions, with Derek Drennan and Stew Batt appointed as MDs and Marisa Erftemeijer as Head of Production.

With a focus on producing comedy and entertainment content for brands, influencers and traditional broadcast media, they will use their extensive network of contacts in the broadcast world to bring their expertise to a wide range of platforms. Leaning on their experience in developing and producing countless hours of formatted comedy TV shows, this is an entertainment company with a focus on producing comedy and formats for brands and channels. Joe McVey was most recently director of development for Jack Whitehall’s Jackpot Productions and Iain Coyle was previously Head of Comedy at UKTV/Dave.

Nest Productions was created to provide a strong infrastructure and production support set up to support partners to produce content of the highest standards. Nest works with some of the most well-known and high-profile talent across the industry and has teams experienced in delivering many genres including branded content, live events, quiz shows, reality, factual entertainment, documentaries, and scripted content.

Joe McVey, co-founder of Square Pears, humorously referred to the new challenge:“I’m super excited to team up again with Iain because making people laugh is the best job in the world, I don’t care what billionaire nepo-babies claim. We’re really looking forward to bringing a funny and entertaining angle to different types of content and eating too many Colin the Caterpillars in brainstorms," noted.

Meanwhile, Derek Drennan, Managing Director of Nest Productions, praised his partners: “At Nest we go by the mantra to make good shows with good people. Joe and Iain are just that. They bring brilliant ideas, dedication to their craft, and a good dose of fun to everything they work on. And Colin the Caterpillar cakes are a fantastic bonus – other bug themed cakes are available. We can’t wait to help bring their style of funny and hugely entertaining shows to the screen. We all need to laugh, and these two really are the best in the business.”

FInally, Iain Coyle, co-founder of Square Pears, also referred to the agreement with irony:“What Joe said and I'd like the to thank the good people at Nest for sorting out our back office because, frankly, Excel brings us both out in hives.”