Schwimmer to direct 'Little Britain USA'

LOS ANGELES, June 6 (UPI) -- U.S. actor-director David Schwimmer reportedly will helm the Los Angeles studio segments of the sketch comedy series "Little Britain USA."

Variety.com said Schwimmer, who is best known for his portrayal of Ross on the iconic TV comedy, "Friends," is directing HBO's six-episode spin-off of the BBC series "Little Britain."

Michael Patrick Jann is shooting other parts of the episodes on location in North Carolina, the entertainment industry trade paper said.

Set to debut on HBO this fall, the show, like the original series, will feature British comedians Matt Lucas and David Walliams playing numerous different characters.

Variety.com said the show's setting was changed to reflect the contemporary United States in a mix of segments shot on location and in the studio.