Stvg Regulatory News (STVG)

STV Productions confirms new ITV1 commission for Catchphrase

STV Productions today confirmed a new commission from ITV1 of 8 x 45' episodes of Catchphrase. This will be co produced with DRG, the international distribution partner of STV Productions.

The primetime, Saturday night series will be hosted by Stephen Mulhern. The show created by Pasetta Productions has been updated with a brand new set, exciting 3D graphics and a dynamic new end game.

DRG will be launching the format at MIPCOM and have worldwide rights that will see them exploiting TV, licensing, merchandising and digital media opportunities for the brand.

Alan Clements, Director of Content for STV, said: "This latest commission for STV Productions is a further success story for our strategy of diversification and growth. We are thrilled to be bringing this iconic game show back to viewers on Saturday evenings. The original series ran for 14 years and we are confident that the revival of Catchphrase, including the return of the popular Mr Chips, will be a ratings success."

John Kaye Cooper, ITV's Controller of Entertainment, said: "We're delighted that this highly popular classic game show is returning to ITV and once again give our viewers a chance to 'say what they see'. Stephen will be presenting an updated and state of the art version of Catchphrase and we welcome its return to our schedules."

Andrea Jackson, MD, Acquisitions & Formats at DRG said: "We are delighted to be bringing Catchphrase back here in the UK and will soon be announcing further deals around the world."

STV Productions

STV Productions is one of the UK's leading content businesses, with ambitious plans for growth and expansion in the UK and overseas. The company has a record of success across a range of genres including drama, factual and entertainment, producing a wide range of programmes for a variety of networks. Recent productions include Christmas drama Fast Freddie for ITV1, ratings success Antiques Road Trip, including a celebrity version, for BBC Two and Quiztrippers for Channel 4. STV Productions also works in partnership with US production company, Kinetic Content, licensing original formats in their respective companies and developing new formats, such as the recent Perez Hilton Super Fan entertainment series for ITV2.

About DRG

DRG is one of the leading independent distributors of content in the world, representing a host of internationally recognised production companies across a number of genres including factual, formats and drama. It is proudly and strongly independent, but has a number of strategic partnerships with broadcasters and producers of high-quality programming.

Backed by IMAC Ingenious Media Active Capital Group and with headquarters in London, the company has a strong creative track record with the ability to fund and enable early stage project development. DRG works with the widest range of clients, from independent producers to international TV networks, from web developers to ISPs and social networks and from individual talent to media agencies and global brands.

DRG are experienced in managing and exploiting rights across multiple platforms; broadcast, digital, interactive and merchandise.