Producer Credits
Bright Thoughts Company was founded in 1981 as a creative partnership with all productions being devised and produced by Neil Anthony and Bryan Izzard
The catalogueThe company produced over 70 shows for Channel 4 and other companies.
The Comic & Dramatic Monologues capture rare performances of star artists, largely unseen for over 35 years, transmitted as The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog the name of which is a parody of a another monologue 'The Green Eye of the Little Yellow God'. The parody is performed by Cilla Black. The host and compere of the mini-series is Barry Cryer. All our shows which celebrate the world of Operetta & Musical Comedy became known generically as Top C's & Tiaras the main Sunday night series recorded at Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire. |
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The One Man Shows were mostly about a legendary person in theatrical history and therefore brings a virtuoso performance by the actor playing the lead. Sometimes theatre-based plays adapted for TV, perhaps the most popular - and still requested today - Max Miller, Here's a Funny Thing played by the late John Bardon.
Contemporary & Experimental Music rarely targeted to attract large audiences, they were designed for minority viewing in the early days of Channel 4. Crossing Bridges has rare footage of esteemed guitarists renowned for their experimentation. The Art Ensemble of Chicago was thought to be lost however a VHS copy of the master tape has been discovered and now digitised.
Our Comedy output in forms different from traditional styles and formats for studio and/or stand-up. The Molière farces, a contemporary performance of the classic four Sganarelle plays recorded at the Duke of Yorks Theatre. Other shows which were by contemproary comedians made political comment - topical at that time - Book Em' & Risk It and Interference, all shot on location.
Contemporary & Experimental Music rarely targeted to attract large audiences, they were designed for minority viewing in the early days of Channel 4. Crossing Bridges has rare footage of esteemed guitarists renowned for their experimentation. The Art Ensemble of Chicago was thought to be lost however a VHS copy of the master tape has been discovered and now digitised.
Our Comedy output in forms different from traditional styles and formats for studio and/or stand-up. The Molière farces, a contemporary performance of the classic four Sganarelle plays recorded at the Duke of Yorks Theatre. Other shows which were by contemproary comedians made political comment - topical at that time - Book Em' & Risk It and Interference, all shot on location.
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Portfolio of projects and formatsMany titles at different stages of development and mostly seeking co-production partners.
Examples outlined in categories including One Man Shows, Composers, Artists & Music, Pilots and Specials, in various genres such as factual, comedy, documentary, and drama. It would be fun to see the Comic and Dramatic Monologues reimagined for new audiences and also Top C's & Tiaras and perhaps Max Miller. |
If I had three wishes for programmes I would most like still to be produced they would have to be Chorus Girl, Stephen Oliver, and Wild West:
- 'Glitz & Glamour' - chorus dance around the world. From the outset, Bright Thoughts intended Chorus Girl as a spectacular and lavish series and whilst we were funded to develop and research the project, perhaps the production budget was too great for the co-production partners. Today, the format reimagined for a more modest production.
- 'The Least of my Troubles' - Stephen Oliver - a personal friend - was set to become one of the leading composers of his generation died far too young. In his too short life composed hit shows such as The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (RSC), Blondel (with Tim Rice), and over forty operas. A celebration of composer Stephen Oliver.
- 'Wild Wild and Victoria', a co-production. Buffalo Bill's Wild West toured Europe eight times, first in London in 1887 which coincided with the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It is as much about the Queen's enjoyment of show(s) and the command performance on 20 June 1887 for her Jubilee guests.
The Bright Thoughts Company
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Most good plays, operas and musicals for example, get reinterpreted in new productions with each generation. It is therefore not only possible, it is realistic to revisit and reimagine much of the subject matter, the structure, content, purpose, and its medium of presentation.
The Bright Thoughts Company today not only curates the catalogue but also promotes other projects and formats from the portfolio. |
Neil Anthony
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"Neil Anthony started in the business as a dancer. Writing and choreography were natural stepping stones to becoming a producer. Since forming The Bright Thoughts Company in 1981 they have produced over 20 shows, mainly in the music and entertainment areas."
(Goldcrest Films & Television) |
Bryan Izzard
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"Bryan Izzard has worked in television for many years as a producer director in the Light Entertainment areas. He has worked on such Arts programmes as Aquarius and The South Bank Show and has held the post of Head of Entertainment at Scottish TV and Southern TV."
(Goldcrest Films & Television) |
Bryan Izzard is greatly missed, he died in April 2006. There are obituaries online, notably The Independent which celebrate Bryan's eclectic career and professional life.
