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A Father Ted fan boring guests at his party is the theme of TBWA

GGT Simons Palmer’s first TV work for the Paramount Comedy Channel.

The ad, which breaks this week, features the actor and comedian, Jim

North. The scene is everyone’s worst party nightmare - being trapped in

the kitchen by a dullard who, in this case, describes his favourite

scenes from Father Ted - but without the corresponding humour.

The party is set in a typically suburban house. However, it soon loses

its appeal when the host scares and insults several of the guests, who

gradually slope off, leaving him to recall his favourite sketches

alone.

The commercial, which promotes the launch of Father Ted on the Comedy

Channel, ends with the line: ’Comedy Is Paramount.’

Paul Bainsfair, chairman of TBWA, said: ’What’s so great about this

commercial is that it’s genuinely funny and because it’s not

wall-to-wall footage, stands out from most TV station advertising.’

The commercial was written by George Hepburn and art directed by Andy

Howarth.

It was directed by John O’Driscoll through the Paul Weiland Film

Company.

Media is by Booth Lockett Makin.

’TBWA has created a commercial that not only announces the arrival of

Father Ted on Paramount but also communicates the brand’s dedication to

quality programming,’ Mikah Martin Cruz, marketing director at

Paramount, said. ’Signature programme brands are central to our strategy

- people simply won’t watch poor quality programming just because it’s

advertised.’