MIPFORMATS, Cannes – FremantleMedia completed a format acquisition deal with Katalyst Network, co-founded by Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg, and MTV for the international rights (excluding North America) to the hilarious, hidden-camera reality show,Punk’d on April 6. FremantleMedia will launch the title at MIPTV.

Having launched on MTV in 2003, Punk’d became a breakout hit and set a new standard by which other hidden-camera shows were judged. The reality format with a twist features pranks being played on unwitting celebrities and friends. The series creator and Executive Producer, Ashton Kutcher, set out to prove that no one in Hollywood was safe from his devious and hilarious antics, as he masterminded and directed an array of devilish pranks. The celebrity victims never suspected a thing, until it was too late and they realised that they had been punk’d. Punk’d’s previous victims include Justin Timberlake, Jessica Alba, Kate Beckinsale, Katie Holmes, Zac Efron and John Cena.

Vasha Wallace, SVP, Global Acquisitions and Development at FremantleMedia said, “The timing is absolutely perfect to launch the Punk’d format globally. With all of the advances in cameras and technology, there is a huge amount that we can do with this show, and are very much looking forward to working with Katalyst Network and MTV to take the hilarious format worldwide.”

Caroline Beaton, Senior Vice President, International Programme Sales, Viacom International Media Networks said, “There is more international interest than ever before in acquiring MTV formats. FremantleMedia has a reputation for creating and acquiring high-quality formats as well as the capacity to produce them in many territories around the world, so we’re delighted that they’ve picked up the international rights to this iconic MTV format with the intention of remaking it for a new generation of fans.”