Any studio attempting an adaptation of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s hit musical The Book of Mormon was sure to run into all kinds of political difficulties. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has always been reasonably tolerant of satirical attacks on its beliefs and strategies, but many film companies would think twice before tackling such a controversial project.

Parker and Stone, creators of South Park, have come up with a bold solution. The team has channelled $300 million dollars – profits from South Park and the stage show – into setting up their own production company.

The dryly named Important Studios will produce material for film, television and stage. The press release blared: "Having worked with several different studios over the years, we came to realise that our favourite people in the world are ourselves."