| MUMBAI:
Two new scripted comedies from international format distributor Distraction Formats
will make their debut at the television marketplace MipTV next month. MIPTV
takes place in Cannes, France from 2-6 April. Aimed at the 15 to 35
age group, The Invincibles and Radio Sex are thoroughly modern vehicles
that get maximum laugh mileage out age-old and ever-popular topics. At the same
time, Distraction is exploiting the strength of its flagship comedy Love Bugs
and the burgeoning popularity of new technologies with the development of interactive
elements. The Invincibles
provides a look at the lives of four buddies facing imminent maturity. As their
30th birthdays approach, they ask the questions all young men must ask: Have we
partied enough? Have we had our fair share of women, of thrills - of fun? There's
only one way to be sure, which provides the basis for the wild times that make
up this outrageous 60-minute comedy. Distraction's second new scripted format
comes in 100 quick 5-minute episodes, each one a burst of insight into sex, love,
relationships and the baggage that accompanies them. Radio Sex focusses
on a late-night radio show whose mission it is to create a communication channel
between men and women. In a case of life imitating art, secrets are exchanged,
plots are hatched, and the sexes "communicate" in the broadcast studio,
the production office and the radio station bathroom. Distraction CEO, Michel
Rodrigue says, "We are very pleased to bring these shows to MipTV. Both are
very clever and extremely funny, which makes them a natural fit within our formats
catalogue." Working with Interactive Rights Management (IRM), Distraction
has already developed a range of interactive services from fixed line telephony
brand extensions to MMS comic strips and mobile video downloads for Love Bugs
in Russia. Interactive elements have also been introduced into the format in Italy,
and services will soon launch in Ukraine and the Middle-East. IRM's Valérie
Bozzetto says, "The strong format brands that Distraction represents provide
excellent launch pads for interactive services. We enjoy working with Distraction's
clients to implement these and to help them fully realize interactive potential." Another
Distraction property, Sins of Love, has recently sold in France, and development
of interactive applications around the format is under way. Sins of Love
was launched at Mipcom last October. | 
