The Phone (AU)

Will you answer the phone?
A random phone rings in the city – would you pick up? Those who do find themselves plunged into the adventure of a lifetime as they star in THE PHONE, FOX8's exclusive new reality series premiering Tuesdays at 7.30pm.

THE PHONE is a new high-paced action reality series in which two complete strangers are plucked from their daily lives to compete in a cat and mouse game like no other. Every week, two new contestants must work together, but ultimately compete against one another, for the chance to win $25,000.

Hosted by Clue Master Justin Melvey, each episode kicks off with two strategically placed mobile phones ringing at opposite ends of an Australian city. Once answered, the mysterious Clue Master gives contestants five seconds to decide if they want to play the game. If they accept, the competition begins immediately, throwing the two contestants into an intense race.

With an interesting back story himself, Melvey’s fictional character communicates and toys with the contestants via mobile phone, setting them tasks and giving them clues and hints to find the briefcase of cash. Meanwhile, crews track their every move, exploit and error – with each failed task chipping away at the cash prize.

THE PHONE is the first series in the world to combine reality with an enthralling fictional element. It’s this powerful combination that makes the show such an exciting, original format. Filmed exclusively in Australia for FOX8 with frenetic pace in a voyeuristic manner, THE PHONE replicates the look and feel of the smash hit Bourne Identity and 24. Watching it feels you are part of an espionage thriller that is gripping to the very end.

For your very own THE PHONE experience and your chance to win $5000 cash or one of eight Blackberry Storms exclusive to Vodafone, play the THE PHONE GAME online right here at www.FOX8.tv.

THE PHONE is a successful Dutch format that has been picked up around the world, including the US where Justin Timberlake recently signed on to produce a local version for MTV.

In Australia, episodes were filmed across Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and the Gold Coast with the eight-part series produced by dSP Beyond exclusively for FOX8.
(Source: http://www.fox8.foxtel.com.au/Shows/the-phone/index.htm)