Iain Morris

**Iain Morris** is a supporting character in the television series *Extras*. He appears as a guest in the first season, in a recurring role in the second season, and makes an appearance in the Christmas Special. He is portrayed by English actor Guy Henry.

Iain is the Head of Comedy at the BBC. Although initially appearing helpful in getting the script ideas developed, he is one of the contributors to stealing artistic direction of *When the Whistle Blows* from Andy. He has a strong friendship with Damon Beesley, agreeing with virtually anything he suggests for the sitcom no matter how ridiculous, and becomes increasingly arrogant and condescending when Andy raises his concerns about it. He is also gay and takes it very personally when any implied homophobia is used in his presence.

## Biography

### Background

Iain Morris is an established administrator and production executive at the BBC, earning his place as Head of Comedy prior to 2005. He has a strong working relationship and friendship with co-worker and script writer Damon Beesley. He is openly homosexual.

### Season 1

Iain makes his first appearance in the first season finale episode 'Patrick Stewart'. He was the driving force in the BBC's adoption of Andy's sitcom idea. Andy and his agent Darren meet with Iain in his office to discuss terms. After negotiations, Iain introduces Andy to Damon, who he has assigned to work on the script with Andy.

When Iain hears of apparent homophobic remarks made by Andy about Damon behind his back, he calls them both into his office. He attempts to mediate and draw out an apology from Andy so that the project can go ahead, but Andy's words fall short of Damon. After Damon has left the room, Iain informs Andy that he is gay, making Andy realise that he must move forward with an open mind if the sitcom is to continue production.

### Season 2

Throughout the second season, Iain becomes more condescending and possessive of *When the Whistle Blows,* gradually removing Andy's creative direction. When Andy eventually stands up to Iain about his lack of control, Iain – backed by Damon – suggests that he back down or pull the cord on the sitcom; Andy submissively agrees to continue having little power in his own show.

Iain and Damon attend the premiere of Ian McKellen's theatrical production *A Month of Summers*, in which Andy has a starring role.

## Appearances

### Season 2

* 'Orlando Bloom'
* 'Sir Ian McKellen'

## Personality

The personality of Iain Morris is dominated by one great irony: Despite being the Head of Comedy, he seems to lack any sense of humour. He is rarely seen smiling, never seen laughing, and, despite having a great admiration for whatever writing his friend Damon produces, does not outwardly react to this either; Iain seems to be insipid at work.

Iain is very sensible and matter-of-fact; he does not raise his voice, even when he tells Andy to back down when he is complaining about a lack of creative control. He mediates the meeting between Damon and Andy after their dispute, trying to draw reconciliation between the two, a task which he eventually succeeds at.

Iain seems to be very power-hungry and is a control-freak. Although he does not react abrasively when his authority is in anyway justified, he likes to keep his inferiors under control. He becomes very condescending towards Andy, despite reasonable protests, and gradually usurps creative power from him. The only time he seems open to negotiation in any case is during a literal negotiation with Andy and Darren about the former's contract with the BBC.

Iain's character and personality is likely a reference to arrogant, hard-line administrators working at large television networks. They see commercial potential in and endorse projects of independent writers, only to virtually steal their ideas and produce a heavily-modified program that the network believes is ideal for profit, ignoring any artistic value that the author may have originally intended to be represented.

## Trivia

* Iain Morris is the name of a real life British screenwriter. His work includes *The Inbetweeners*, which he created with writing partner Damon Beesley, also the name of an *Extras* character.
	+ Ricky Gervais is real-life frenemies with Damon Beesley and Iain Morris, having known each other since Gervais entered the industry. Gervais, constantly the victim of their "bullying", used the naming of their characters in *Extras* as revenge. (YouTube)