Digital marketing and content agency Starstruck Media is branching out into scripted narrative shows with the launch of a sub-label co-founded by Big Brother host Will Best.
Starstruck Originals launches with a coming-of-age drama pilot Truth Banana, which has been written and directed by Starstruck chief executive James Delow and executive produced by Best with Sarudzayi Marufu.
Documentary presenter Stacey Dooley makes her screen acting debut in the show alongside Kara Tointon, Adam Gillen, Adrian Scarborough and several up-and-coming actors.
Best, who first worked with Delow a decade ago, said the pair is developing “relatable, feel-good escapes for audiences who are looking to have their belief in the human spirit reaffirmed”.
Delow added that the division will develop ideas for TV, film, radio, podcasts and vertical dramas.
“Love, loss and laughter will be the three pillars of our storytelling, because the everyday moments in life that move us the most feel just like cinema,” Delow said.
“Truth Banana will place a comforting arm around the unsophisticated misfit shuffling around in all of us. Our mantra at Starstruck Originals is to make audiences think, feel and ensure that laughter comes out of their noses a bit.”
Established in 2007, Starstruck’s work has spanned digital marketing, social media, TV, radio, films, live events, comedy, virtual production, IP creation and strategy.
Its output has included Radio 4 sitcom Michael Spicer: Before Next Door, Radio 2 music interview podcast First and Last, and branded work for the likes of British Airways, Shell and Virgin Media.
Prior to co-hosting the ITV iteration of Big Brother with AJ Odudu, Best has co-fronted BBC3’s Is This Rape? Sex on Trial and CBBC’s Airmageddon and co-presented ITV’s Dance Dance Dance with Alesha Dixon.
