NBC PICKS UP SCRIPT FOR COMEDY SERIES 'SERIAL FRANK,' BASED ON HIT FRENCH-CANADIAN SERIES
PROJECT LICENSED TO NBC UNIVERSAL BY DISTRACTION FORMATS TO BE PRODUCED BY UNIVERSAL MEDIA STUDIOS, REVEILLE AND CATAPULT
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. � September 10, 2007 � Universal Media Studios, Reveille and Catapult have received a script commitment from NBC for the comedy series "Serial Frank." The project -- licensed to NBC Universal by Distraction -- is based on the hit French-Canadian series of the same name. The announcement was made by Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment.
"Serial Frank" represents the first scripted series project that Distraction � an independent format and media distribution company -- has sold in the United States. Mark O'Keefe ("Bruce Almighty") will write the script, executive producing alongside Catapult's Marc Abrams and Michael Benson ("Bernie Mac," "Entourage").
Based on the French-Canadian format, "Serial Frank" is a single-camera series that depicts a young man whose life is turned upside-down when his normal life is constantly interrupted by the many unpredictable physical manifestations of his multiple personas that he acts out -- all unseen to others.
Nominated in the Roma Fiction Festival 2007, "Serial Frank" is based on writer-director Jean-Francois Asselin's award-winning 2003 short, "Personal Distortion." The initial series premiered in 2006 on Series + in Canada to critical acclaim and has just finished airing its second series.
"Serial Frank" has also been nominated for seven awards as the Canadian Academy of Television announced the listings for the top television programs for the Gemini Awards 2007, the Canadian equivalent of the Emmy's.
"We have a proven hit to base our series on as well as a visionary creative team with a winning track record who can elevate this idea onto an even higher creative plane for American audiences," said Weinberg. "We're very excited about the project and our association with the entire team responsible for bringing the concept to our company."
Michel Rodrigue, President and CEO for Distraction enthused, 'Following a number of European deals this NBC agreement represents a peak in our sales efforts with further new international licenses to be announced shortly. Recently launched at MipTV 2007, Serial Frank joins the distinguished group of Distraction's scripted formats which includes 'Love Bugs' and 'Lady Kracher'. I have every confidence the U.S. version will be an exceptional production and will reflect the brilliance of this critically acclaimed format.'
The deal was brokered for Distraction by the William Morris Agency. Catapult and O'Keefe are represented by UTA.
About Distraction
Launched in 1997, Distraction is a leading independent format distributor with an extensive international client database and four exciting catalogues: Formats, Ready-to-Air, Library and Paper Formats.
This carefully selected content is combined with the relentless quest for television acumen at the forefront of the global market. Deployed throughout the world � each member based locally in his or her territory � its multi-lingual sales team gives Distraction the global reach required to maximize sales opportunities. Distraction works with some of the best producers and creative houses in the UK, US and other countries to provide successful and original formats in all genres, thus allowing the company to offer a truly bespoke product to broadcasters and independent producers in 60 countries worldwide. For further information on Distraction Formats, please visit: www.distraction.com Offices and representation in:
Los Angeles London Montreal Munich Sydney Warsaw Paris Singapore
About Reveille
Founded in March 2002 by Ben Silverman (now Co-Chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios), Reveille is a leading independent production and distribution company focused on exploiting worldwide intellectual property rights through scripted and alternative television formats. Reveille produces innovative entertainment programming across all television genres such as the Emmy Award-winning "The Office" (NBC), which has also received two Television Critics Association Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Peabody Award; "Ugly Betty" (ABC), winner of two Golden Globe Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award as well as a Peabody Award, an NAACP Image Award and a GLAAD Media Award; "The Biggest Loser" (NBC); "Identity" (NBC); "House of Boateng" (Sundance Channel); "30 Days" (FX); "Blow Out" (Bravo); "Bound For Glory" (ESPN); "Nashville Star" (USA); "Date My Mom" (MTV); and "The Restaurant" (NBC). Reveille is also the world leader in creating integrated marketing opportunities for leading advertisers while developing alternative financing paradigms. In addition, Reveille distributes its growing library of programming, along with a broad array of programming acquired from independent producers and U.S. networks, to more than 150 countries worldwide through Reveille International. The company also creates, acquires and develops a broad slate of diverse films through its feature film division, Reveille Motion Pictures.
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