Active TV

New ABC Show No Prank

Australia's new digital kids channel ABC3 has commissioned a distinctly Aussie version of the hit format "Prank Patrol" to be produced by award winning indie activeTV.

The broadcaster has placed a 26 episode order, with the series destined to become a prime time marquee series for the new channel upon its launch in Q4.

Each week, a host, his sidekick "ninjas" and guest experts help kids pull off the prank of a lifetime on an unsuspecting friend or family member. Created by Canadian based Apartment 11 Productions, the original Prank Patrol series has been a long running kid's favourite on YTV Canada with a UK format also airing on CBBC.

Production of "Prank Patrol" Australia is well underway.  The series is hosted by newcomer Scott Tweedie, with Demi Sorono (So You Think You Can Dance finalist) and Dave Gannon taking on the roles of the backflipping, cart-wheeling Ninjas. 

"The stars of the show are our Pranksters," said activeTV's VP Development, Amanda Peppard, "it's quite empowering for kids to be given the opportunity to choose their "Prankee", come up with Prank ideas and learn amazing tricks of the trade from experts.  For our "Prankees" it's a memorable experience that they've all enjoyed immensely".

The show promises viewers an array of gags including flying bikes and exploding cars, life-like prosthetic masks and green screen effects.  Hidden cameras form a big part of the show with up to 9 cameras on location in specially built hides.

"This is the first production to come out of an alliance between activeTV and MarVista Entertainment out of Los Angeles," said Executive Producer and activeTV President, Michael McKay.    "MarVista will also handle worldwide distribution of the new Aussie version". The series has Production Investment from Film Victoria. 

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For more information and interviews, contact:

Amanda Peppard, VP Development activeTV

M +61 438 519 749 / E amanda@activetv.com.au

ABOUT ACTIVE TV AUSTRALIA

activeTV is an award winning independent production company with offices in Australia, New Zealand and a Singapore based Joint Venture with multi Emmy Award winning producer Bertram van Munster (The Amazing Race).  The company is represented in the USA by CAA.  activeTV was founded in 1988 by President, Michael McKay and has expanded from a leading producer of sports and entertainment programming to one of the world's most respected producers of reality TV.  The company produces International Emmy nominated The Amazing Race Asia (Sony), The Amazing Race Israel (Reshet), annual Christmas icon, Carols in the Domain (7 Network), Country Music Awards (Ten), To Be or Not To Be and the Tropfest short film festival (Movie Extra). www.activetv.com.au

ABOUT MarVista Entertainment

MarVista Entertainment (www.marvista.net), a leading Los Angeles-based independent producer-distributor of features, children's and family programming, globally licenses television series, movies, documentaries and direct-to-DVD programming to multiple platforms throughout the world.  Founded in September 2003 by Joseph Szew, now COO and CFO; CEO Fernando Szew; Production and Distribution President Michael D. Jacobs; and Executive VP George Port, MarVista's library features more than 2,000 hours of programming. The company has become a leader  in providing television movies to majorcable networks in the U.S., including over 20 telefilms for Lifetime, Hallmark Channel, NBC Universal and ABC Family that generated extensive global terrestrial and pay television sales.  In early 2008, MarVista entered into an agreement with Spain's Drimtim Entertainment to executive produce three movies, including Reflections and Hidden Camera, co-produced with Gestmusic Endemol Spain and Antena 3.  MarVista serves as their exclusive worldwide distributor (excluding Spain). Earlier this year, MarVista formed a production and distribution alliance with SNAP TV in Argentina.

ABOUT Apartment 11 Productions

Founded in 2000 by acclaimed producer, Jonathan Finkelstein, Apartment 11 Productions is a leading independent production company committed to creating the world's best children's programming, both fiction and fact-based. Our goal is to reach large audiences by offering exciting content with a kid's-eye view of the world. Apartment 11 Productions is based in Montreal, Canada. Our library of kids' live-action programming currently includes In Real Life, Prank Patrol, Mystery Hunters, and Surprise! It's Edible! Incredible! www.apartment11.tv