US TV network signs Wellington comics

The television network behind hit comedy shows Friends and Seinfeld has signed two Wellington comedians to develop their own show for American audiences.

In what is believed to be a first for Kiwi comedians, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement have been snapped up by NBC after an executive saw them as Flight of the Conchords at the Montreal Comedy Festival in July.

Flight of the Conchords, a hit in New Zealand and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, combines comedy with parodies of folk and pop songs.

The Hollywood Reporter said NBC casting executive Marc Hirschfeld was impressed with the show, which the duo also performed in New York, featuring "hilarious songs accompanied by hilarious stage banter".

Hirschfeld said though music would be an important element of the show, "it will be all based in character comedy, and that's what we love about them".

McKenzie and Clement are both overseas, and McKenzie was lying low in Sicily this week. It is understood they will record an album in Germany this year.

McKenzie is also known for being an extra in The Lord of the Rings who ended up with a speaking part in The Return of the King after he garnered a cult following.

He featured on the front page of USA Today and had a documentary made about him.

Clement co-wrote the film Tongan Ninja and is part of another comedy duo, the Humourbeasts, with Taika Cohen.

Flight of the Conchords have starred in a television commercial for a British phone company, and were nominated for the Perrier Award for best newcomer at last year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They have also made a pilot episode for BBC radio.

- NZPA