[Arneldo]

A new reality series produced by singer Justin Timberlake has been picked up by MTV.

The Phone, based on a Dutch format, sees two mobile phones placed in opposite ends of a city. The two passers-by who answer the phones when they ring are then told that they have been selected to complete a mission in order to win a cash prize. Contestants must work together to accomplish their goal.

"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," explained MTV executive Tony Disanto. "Each week will be an action packed mini-movie."

Timberlake will be joined by David Schiff and Cecile Frot-Coutaz on the team of executive producers. The show premieres in the autumn.

DS