Bawdy British comedyfranchise Carry On is beingrevived. Here in Cannes, London-based Intandem Films is introducing buyers to CarryOn London, the 32nd and latestinstalment in the long-running series that began way back in 1958 with CarryOn Sergeant.

The film, now inpre-production, is being produced by Chris Chrisafis and directed by PeterRichardson. Shane Richie, Vinnie Jones and Victoria Silvstedt are attached tostar in the project, which is being executive produced by Peter Rogers (theoriginal producer of the Carry Onseries) Intandem, Brian Baker and Nigel Gordon-Stewart.

Peter Richardson is writingthe screenplay with Peter Richens, Paul Minett and Brian Levenson. Casting isbeing handled by John Hubbard.

The new comedy is basedaround the misadventures of a London limousine company hired to takecelebrities to The Herberts, a new awards ceremony to rival the Oscars and Baftas.

The original Carry On films were huge hits in the UK and made householdnames of stars including Sid James, Barbara Windsor and Kenneth Williams, buttheir brand of saucy seaside humour didn't always travel.

However, Intandem CEO GarySmith insists that Carry On Londonwill have international as well as local appeal. 'It's a very valuablefranchise. In America, for example, they love Benny Hill and Bean and MontyPython and all that crazy UK comedy. And they're going to love this one,'Smith said.

The budget is set around$11.3m. This is being raised through equity investment, pre-sales and the new UKtax credit. All rights are available excluding the UK. Shooting will take placein and around London and at Pinewood Shepperton Studios

'Here we go again. Icould say this is where I came in but, in fact, it's where I intend to go witha new team of players who, I hope, will take the place of the one welost,' Rogers said.

Topics