Distributor Debmar gets into Hot Seat

Newcastle-based indie Standing Stone Productions has sold the rights to new reality gameshow format Hot Seat to worldwide distribution company Debmar-Mercury.

The daily show features four members of the public "in the hot seat" competing in a question and answer format. The more questions they get right, the more cash and prizes they win.

Every third round, one of the contestants can be challenged by a member of the audience. If the audience member is successful, they take over in the seat and pick up the contestants' winnings.

The prize money can soar into the millions as contestants strive to survive as long as possible.

Debmar-Mercury will offer both primetime and daily editions to broadcast networks and stations in America, as well as distribute it worldwide. Standing Stone will retain the UK distribution rights and will pitch the format in the UK later this year.