Distraction moves into production

Format distributor Distraction is looking to expand its catalogue of scripted programming as it moves into production for the first time. The company has hired Kirsten Calteau, former head of format development for Disney, Southern Europe, to head up the new department.

Following the sale of Serial Frank, a comedy format that follows the ins and outs of the life of an average man in his 20s, to US network NBC, the company is keen to expand its activities in the realm of scripted programming.

Calteau says that it will be searching for scripted comedy and fiction formats that it can be involved in producing. “The word production is a little limiting but this is a logical move towards the production process,” she says.

Distraction has also acquired the international rights to Peace Arch’s light-entertainment catalogue. Canadian outift Peace Arch, which produces Showtime hit The Tudors, has produced a number of formats such as diet-based shows The Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp and Bulging Brides and property design series Love It or Lose It and Makeover Wish.