Russell Brand Starts Up Own Film Studio

Russell Brand, along with production partner Nik Linnen, has opened his own film studio in Hollywood.

The comedian has named his new premises Branded Films.

He released a press statement to Deadline.com that read: "We at the newly founded Branded Films are very excited to announce our new company and the opportunity for puns that it affords us. Our offices will be on the (WB) lot, our sincere hope is that we'll be in that water tower in which some of the Looney Tunes also live. For this we will expect a reduced rent."

Brand also revealed - somewhat tongue-in-cheek - that he would prefer to star in most of the films shot at the new location, saying: "If you have any film ideas, send them to: Beau Bauman, the water tower, Warner Bros, Hollywood, America (care of E Fudd). We particularly welcome ideas that could feature a long-haired actor with an unintelligible accent (Rasputin/Tarzan/British Jesus). That's all folks."

Brand's next project is the movie adaptation of Broadway hit Rock of Ages, which also stars Tom Cruise, and is set for release in June 2012.