Justin Timberlake Dials Up New Reality Game Show With MTV

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FIRST PUBLISHED: May 9, 2008 2:54 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: May 9, 2008 3:04 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Justin Timberlake has signed on to produce a new reality show for MTV called “The Phone,” the cable network announced on Friday.

Each episode will begin with two strategically placed cell phones ringing at opposite ends of a major metropolitan city. Once answered, a mysterious guide gives contestants five seconds to decide if they want to play the game.

If they accept, the competition begins, throwing the two contestants into an intense race, where they must communicate via cell phone to succeed.

The guide will also be communicating with the game players via cell phone, as a helicopter in the sky tracks their every move, exploit and error – with each failed task chipping away at the cash prize.

Based on a Dutch series, MTV said their version is “reminiscent of films like ‘Bourne Identity’ and ‘The Game.’”

“We’re turning the reality competition format on its head and plunging the contestants into a real life ‘Bourne Identity’ — not just in the tone and creative, but also in terms of the visual style and pacing,” said Tony Disanto, executive Vice President of programming and series development for MTV said. “Each week will be an action packed mini-movie. When you watch, your heart will pound as hard as the contestants. This is popcorn TV!”

“The Phone” is scheduled to premiere fall 2008.