Is Father Ted British?

Boardsbud wrote: »

Yes in fact you couldn't be more wrong. Why post at all if you're not sure of the facts and just type a load of nonsense that suits people when they want to bash RTE over the head ?

Father Ted was commissioned by Channel 4, a British Broadcaster, from Hat Trick who employed Irish writers Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews to develop their script. The show was NEVER presented to RTE as a script idea from either the writers or Hat Trick, a British Company. Its worth pointing out that the commissioning editor in Channel 4 that "bought" the show was Seamus Cassidy, now back home and running Happy Endings, the company that make The Panel for RTE.

Father Ted, whether we like it or not is a British show, made for British TV with British money. The Irish Film Board or no other Irish funding was contributed (or sought) for the show. The nationality of the writers or the location of the show is of no consequence. The exteriors could have been shot anywhere in Britain just as easily. The average British viewer wouldn't have known or much less cared if it wasn't Ireland. The views of Irish viewers weren't a consideration. Get over it.
Its true to say that Irish crew were used for these location shoots and obviously the Irish cast too.This alone does not make an Irish show.

In recent years lots of British TV shows have been shot and edited in Ireland. Most of these shows are set in Britain and use Irish locations for Britain. The only reason they're being made here is due to the funding being made available by the film board. Like Father Ted, none of these shows are Irish. If RTE or TV3 buy them down the line it doesn't make them any more Irish.

The important fact from all of this is that at least talented Irish crews are getting employment. Thats all that matters.

If Father Ted had been a disaster would we be so keen to claim it as our own ???