Joe McVey said of the new label, “We’re really looking forward to bringing a funny and entertaining angle to different types of content”

Former UKTV/Dave commissioners Iain Coyle and Joe McVey have launched Square Pears, a new comedy content-creation label.

The outfit will be focused on producing comedy and formats for brands and channels and is headed by Derek Drennan and Stew Batt as MDs and Marisa Erftemeijer as head of production. Square Pears is partnered by Nest Productions, that provides infrastructure and production support.

McVey’s most recent role was director of development at Jack Whitehall’s Jackpot Productions and Coyle was previously head of comedy at UKTV/Dave.

McVey said: “I’m super excited to team up again with Iain because making people laugh is the best job in the world, I don’t care what billionaire nepo-babies claim. We’re really looking forward to bringing a funny and entertaining angle to different types of content and eating too many Colin the Caterpillars in brainstorms.”

Coyle added: “What Joe said and I’d like the to thank the good people at Nest for sorting out our back office because, frankly, Excel brings us both out in hives.”

Drennan, MD of Nest Productions, remarked: “At Nest we go by the mantra to make good shows with good people. Joe and Iain are just that. They bring brilliant ideas, dedication to their craft, and a good dose of fun to everything they work on.

“And Colin the Caterpillar cakes are a fantastic bonus – other bug themed cakes are available. We can’t wait to help bring their style of funny and hugely entertaining shows to the screen. We all need to laugh, and these two really are the best in the business.”