London, UK - BBC Television and United Agents have appointed Mentorn International to distribute Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's new comedy series Life's Too Short, it was announced today (FRI).

The series is the third in the trilogy of sitcoms from the pair following their hugely successful series The Office and Extras and is an observational comedy on the day-to-day life of actor, Warwick Davis, who runs an agency for actors of a similar height. It also features cameo appearances from a host of Hollywood stars, such as Johnny Depp, Steve Carell, Liam Neeson and Helena Bonham Carter.

The seven half-hour programmes are written, directed and executive produced by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who also co-star. The series is a BBC/HBO co-production in association with Backlash Productions, launching on BBC Two in the Autumn and subsequently on HBO in the U.S.

Mentorn International's Managing Director, David Leach, said: "We're delighted to be continuing our relationship with Ricky and Stephen. Life's Too Short is another example of their incredible comedic talent and there is no doubt that this will be a global hit, following The Office and Extras.

"Mentorn International has had enormous worldwide success with An Idiot Abroad, Ricky and Stephen's series with Karl Pilkington, and we're very excited to be launching their latest series on an expectant World."

Ricky Gervais said: "Third in our trilogy of TV sitcoms, Life's Too Short is another naturalist observational comedy dealing with everyday problems, human foibles, and social faux pas…but with a dwarf."

BBC Head of In-House Comedy, Mark Freeland, said: "Life's Too Short is all about a man facing everyday problems very, very badly indeed. Because the themes are universal, because Gervais and Merchant have of course written them so brilliantly, because Warwick Davis is such a star, I'm sure this is a show that will be loved by audiences in many territories."

London, UK - Following Tinopolis' acquisition of U.S. production companies A. Smith & Co. and BASE Productions, Mentorn International are launching two U.S. series at MIPCOM 2011, it was announced today (THURS).

Mentorn International will be distributing the U.S. companies' programmes and formats internationally and Crash Course and Full Throttle Saloon are the first two shows to be brought to market under the new arrangement.

Crash Course is an action competition format and completed series, produced by A. Smith & Co for ABC Network in the USA, pitting five teams of drivers against spectacular and surprising obstacles that test their driving skills in unique ways. The six-part series challenges the best drivers to attempt the most unbelievable and hilarious stunts.

In addition, Mentorn International are offering three series of the long running U.S. hit Full Throttle Saloon for sale. Produced by A. Smith & Co, the popular factual series follows the big characters and craziness at "the Mecca for Motorcycles". For one week each year more than half a million motorcyclists cruise into the sleepy little town of Sturgis, South Dakota for the largest, most legendary bike rally and music festival in the world. In the middle of this two-wheeled insanity is the craziest place of all: The Full Throttle Saloon, the world's biggest action-packed biker bar.

Twenty six episodes are available:the first series of six hour long programmes with a 60 minute special; second series of nine hour long programmes and a brand new third series of ten hour long episodes.

David Leach, Managing Director of Mentorn International, said: "We're delighted to be commencing our relationship with our new U.S. partners and representing their great programmes and formats internationally. They are a perfect fit for our catalogue: Crash Course, featuring the best drivers attempting outrageous stunts, is the ideal companion to our Worst Driver format, and Full Throttle Saloon is a terrific hit series full of compelling characters, dramas and action, which will entertain viewers around the world."