Kutcher’s Punk’d comes to Cannes

FremantleMedia has acquired rights to long-running MTV prank show Punk’d and will launch it in Cannes.

From Ashton Kutcher’s Katalyst Network, the hidden camera format sees Hollywood actor Kutcher (Two and a Half Men) pulling pranks on unwitting celebrities.

FremantleMedia is taking it international eleven years after it first broadcasted in the US. Viacom International Media Networks retains rights in North America.

“The timing is absolutely perfect to launch the Punk’d format globally,” said FremantleMedia’s senior VP, global acquisitions and development, Vasha Wallace. “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.”

There is more international interest than ever before in acquiring MTV formats,” added Caroline Beaton, SVP, international programme sales, VIMN. “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.”

Addtionally, FremantleMedia has acquired rights (exclusing North America) to Who Lives Here?, a property format from Canada’s 3Bird Media.