Global Road calls for Catch Phrase

Catch Phrase’s UK version has been picked up in Ireland and Australia

Global Road Entertainment, formerly known as IM Global, has acquired an option to produce classic quiz show format Catch Phrase internationally.

Global Road will seek remake deals for Catch Phrase in North America, Latin America and China following an agreement with UK-based distributor DRG.

The format sees contestants attempt to identify well-known phrases and sayings contained in animated picture puzzles in order to win cash prizes.

Created by Pasetta Productions and Steven Radosh, the show first aired in the US 30 years ago and has been a regular feature over the past 20 years on ITV in the UK, where a rebooted version was recently renewed for a sixth season.

Global Road was established in October last year following IM Global’s takeover by Tang Media Partners and the arrival of former Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Rob Friedman.

Phil Gurin, president of unscripted and alternative at Global Road Entertainment, said: “Catch Phrase is a gem of a format: it is brilliantly simple, highly visual, and has great play-a-long for the whole family.

“We believe Catch Phrase has a great deal of potential and with the right broadcaster, there is no reason why the UK success could not be replicated elsewhere.”

Other format producers to have previously licensed Catch Phrase include Shine in France, Endemol in Italy, Pernel Media for Switzerland and Fremantle Media for Australia.

The UK version, produced by STV Productions for ITV, has been sold to TV3 in Ireland, Seven Network in Australia and ITV International for Asia, Africa and the Middle East.