Michel Rodrigue Pacts with Engine Entertainment

LOS ANGELES: Michel Rodrigue, a veteran in the international formats industry, has entered into an exclusive agreement with the newly formed outfit Engine Entertainment to serve as distribution consultant for its formats division, Engine Formats.

Under the terms of the exclusive consulting agreement, Rodrigue will work closely with Engine’s management team, led by chief executive Chris Philip, to develop the company’s specialized formats division and seek out properties for worldwide distribution. Rodrigue is often referred to as "The Father of Formats," as he was key in the launch of the first-ever Television Format Market at the Monte Carlo Television Festival. He founded Distraction Formats in 1997.

At MIPTV, Engine will be showcasing the interactive Smart Phone treasure-hunt game show Thumb Wars. In each stand-alone episode, four new teams of cross-generation contestants head out on a day-long adventure, following a series of hi-tech clues that explore the history of their country.

“We are delighted to be in business with Michel and could not ask for someone more respected in the industry to help us build our formats division,” said Philip. “Michel’s experience and innovation that he brings to the formats field is second to none.”

“I’m thrilled to have found such a unique format that combines cutting-edge phone technology and history in a game filled with tension and drama,” commented Rodrigue. “I’m confident that Chris and his team at Engine Entertainment will take this to a quick international success.”