The often-awkward and strained relationships of teachers and pupils is the subject of a new comedy called Staff Room, directed and starring Salford’s own Ryan McDermott, and promising big things in the sitcom world.
Starring former Coronation Street actor Brian Capron, DJ Pat Sharp and the late Les Dawson’s daughter Charlotte Dawson, Staff Room is currently being viewed by broadcasters as the production company seeks to produce more episodes.
The new teacher-based sitcom tells the story of Ian Butterworth (Ryan), a 30-year-old failed filmmaker who has given up on his Hollywood dream to become a secondary teacher, the programme follows Ian on his journey as a teacher and his comical interaction with both pupils and colleagues.
Mr McDermott, who is from Salford and a BBC 3’s Funny Hunt Winner, said: “We were able to get the cast because the pitch we had was pretty solid and we had a relatively strong script.
“[Gone Shootin’ Films] really believe in online distribution, we’re following the example of sites such as Netflix.”
Produced by Salford-based Gone Shootin’ Films, the sitcom also includes Zoe Lister, formerly of Hollyoaks and Shameless’ Ciaran Griffiths in its star line-up.
Ryan, 27, alongside Adam Brown, 26, co-wrote the sitcom. Under the direction of Ryan, the pilot of the programme was shot on location at Oasis Academy Media City UK and was part financed by a successful kickstarter campaign.
Staff Room will be released later this year on iTunes and Netflix.
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