Born out of experimenting with new AI tool Omnigen, from AImation, ITV Studios’ Creative Network has partnered with Abadi Films and prankster Steve Penk for a digital-first comedy: Steve Penk’s Animal Radio FM.
“Our original principle was to explore our new AI tool, Omnigen from AImation which we licensed to enhance our pitch materials and produce proof of concepts,” said Mike Beale, Managing Director, Creative Network at ITV Studios, “but then this amazing format idea presented itself and it seems like the perfect concept to new push into original digital content with Zoo 55.”
Known as the pioneer of the prank-call, the format reimagines Penk’s classic comedy for today’s digital viewers. Set in a surreal world, Steve Penk’s Animal Radio FM is set in a pirate radio station run by animals. Perched on the top floor of a crumbling tower block and overlooking a sprawling cityscape, cats, rats, chickens and an ever-growing cast of eccentric creatures operate the pirate station, broadcasting to unsuspecting human callers below.
The show’s production design, AI image and video generation, music composition, sound design and final editing were all created by James Abadi of Abadi Films, who developed the format’s distinctive aesthetic using Almation’s Omnigen.
The series, which launches today, is available via dedicated Youtube and TikTok channels, and digital experts, Zoo 55 will distribute the series across its wider digital ecosystem and social platforms.
James Abadi, Creative Director at Abadi Films, said, “We wanted to build a world that felt simultaneously believable and completely ridiculous. The idea that a secret pirate radio station run entirely by animals is responsible for some of Britain’s most famous prank calls immediately felt funny. AI has allowed us to create a rich cinematic universe around Steve’s archive and tell these stories in a way that simply wouldn’t have been possible before.”
Speaking of the series, Steve Penk said, “These calls have entertained audiences for years, but seeing them brought to life in this completely unexpected way is something else entirely. The Animal Radio world is weird, funny, slightly unhinged and unlike anything I’ve seen before. I think fans of the original calls are going to love it.”
Pippa Considine
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