PROJECT LICENSED TO NBC UNIVERSAL BY DISTRACTION FORMATS TO BE PRODUCED BY UNIVERSAL MEDIA STUDIOS, REVEILLE AND CATAPULT

UNIVERSAL CITY, California – 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.

 

Source: NBC Press Release

 

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