EXCLUSIVE: An unusual short-form scripted format from New Zealand is headed to MIPCOM with Israel’s Yes Studios.

Alibi is a seven-part, 15-minutes per episode crime series in which the same story is told from multiple perspectives. Produced by Plus6Four Entertainment for pubcaster TVNZ, it is set in the fictional town of Awatahi in New Zealand, where 17-year-old Jodie Hunter is found dead.

The six main suspects then give then versions of events to provide their alibi, with each followed over an episode. The eps can be watched in any order, with the seventh and final one revealing the truth.

Alibi was created by Hannah Marshall (Settling, Ms. X), David de Lautour (Ms. X, Vince) and Gareth Williams, with Marshall and de Lautour writing and de Lautour also directing. The ensemble cast includes Madeleine Adams (Shortland Street, Dealbreakers), Joel Tobeck (Avatar: Fire and Ice, The Luminaries), Xavier Horan (Shortland Street, Westside) and Melanie Vallejo (All Her Fault, Winners & Losers).

“Alibi is an industry leading format that showcases New Zealand’s talent, both in front of and behind the camera,” said de Lautour. “We know Alibi holds the potential to translate perfectly to different locations all around the world.”

For Yes, the pick up follows its recent strategy of pushing into third-party representation. As the sales wing of Israeli broadcaster Yes TV, it has primarily focused on in-house distribution.

Sharon Levi, Managing Director of Yes Studios said: “Alibi is not only is it a clever and engaging crime drama but its length and non-linear format make it incredibly versatile and allows us to offer something different to our international partners.

“For linear broadcasters, episodes can be joined together for a range of more traditional slots, while digital and VOD platforms could create a real buzz about the audience’s ability to watch episodes in any order they choose – and readily binge all seven of course.

“With its simple, yet compelling premise, Alibi has great potential as an anthology series and I’m also expecting significant interest in the format, with its inherent flexibility adding to its appeal for localised adaptations in the evolving media landscape.”

MIPCOM, TV’s premiere international sales market, takes place on October 12-15 in Cannes, France. Expect plenty more program announcements, sales and acquisitions ahead of the event.

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