Schwimmer directing 'Little Britain'

HBO series based on hit British show

By MICHAEL FLEMING

David Schwimmer is directing the Los Angeles studio segments of "Little Britain USA," HBO's six-episode transplant of the BBC sketch comedy series "Little Britain."

Michael Patrick Jann, who is an executive producer on the series, is helming the series' location portions. Episodes are now in production in North Carolina.

The series is based on the exploits of U.K. comedians Matt Lucas and David Walliams, but the setting was changed to reflect contemporary America in a mix of segments shot on location and in a studio.

The Schwimmer-directed segments have been done before a live audience and have included guest stars Rosie O'Donnell and Sting.

Schwimmer previously helmed episodes of "Friends" and made his feature directing debut on the 2007 comedy "Run Fatboy Run."

HBO debuts the series in fall. Executive producers are Simon Fuller, Larry Brezner, David Steinberg, Walliams, Lucas and Jann. Stephanie Cone Laing is producer.