The Story Lab, the global investor, developer and distributor of premium entertainment content, has today announced it has entered into a distribution agreement with production studio youngest Media to represent entertainment format Hardball in CEE territories.

Hardball (20 x 44’) is the nail-biting quiz show created by youngest Media. Over two heats, the quiz show format sees six players answer questions to move along the track, away from the hardball. If they’re caught, their run is over. With the lowest scorer in each heat eliminated, the pressure is on. After tense head-to-heads with remaining players trying to outrun the ball and each other, the surviving player takes on the Hardball one last time – if they reach the end of the track without getting caught, the jackpot is theirs.

Hardball successfully debuted on BBC One in the UK earlier this year and has been optioned in Italy and Australia. It’s now set to head to Central and Eastern Europe through the new distribution deal, which was negotiated by Mike McCoy, Executive Director, The Story Lab UK on behalf of The Story Lab Global.

Mike McCoy, The Story Lab said: “We’re delighted to have brokered this deal with youngest Media, as part of our continued collaboration with them to bring exciting new formats to market. On the back of the success we’ve seen with Hardball in the UK, we have no doubt that the format will be just as popular with broadcasters and viewers across the CEE region.”

Lucas Church, co-founder, youngest Media said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the show travel the world and very happy to have teamed up again with our friends at The Story Lab."

The new distribution deal follows the recently announced partnership between The Story Lab and youngest Media in October to launch youngest Labs, which aims to create ambitiously scaled global formats as well as focusing on a consumer ventures program and advertiser commissions which will help brands connect with audiences.