Magnolia takes Alan Partridge

Alan Partridge, based on Norfolk’s notorious fictitious broadcaster created by Steve Coogan some 20 years ago, will receive its North American premiere at the 2013 New York Film Festival.

The first feature outing for Partridge sees the gaffe-prone former BBC talk show host embroiled in a siege at a radio station involving a disgruntled former employee. Colm Meaney, Simon Greenall and Felicity Montagu also star.

Declan Lowney directed the Baby Cow/Studiocanal production from a screenplay by Rob Gibbons, Neil Gibbons, Coogan, Armando Iannucci and Peter Baynham.

Kevin Loader and Henry Normal produced and Rob Gibbons, Neil Gibbons, Iannucci, Danny Perkins, Joe Oppenheimer and Christine Langan served as executive producers.

“As big fans of Steve Coogan and the talented crew at Baby Cow, we are very excited to be working on this incredibly funny film,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles. “I only had a passing knowledge of the Alan Partridge character, but even as a neophyte, I found it to be an instant comedy classic. We’re confident that longtime Alan fans and newcomers alike will love this film.”

Loader added “Steve Coogan and all of us are thrilled to be working with the excellent team at Magnolia to introduce North American cinema-goers to the complex character that is Alan Partridge. That they find the film hilarious is a great start.”

Magnolia svp of acquisitions Dori Begley brokered the deal with director of acquisitions Peter Van Steemburg.