Howie Mandel is to coproduce Insight Productions’ elimination-format comedy reality series, which had an earlier working title of Stand Up Showdown.

Mandel and Insight’s John Brunton will co-venture and co-executive produce the project, to be produced in Canada and the U.S.

Insight is shopping the format rights to the reality TV series at MIPCOM 2011 this week.

The original format created by Craig Brown for Insight’s Pilot Week showcase at Toronto’s Comedy Bar pits stand-up comics against each other to see who gets the most laughs on chosen topics.

A live version of the reality competition show tested in Toronto comedy clubs before being rolled out this week in Cannes.

“This format is brilliant. It puts comedians through their paces in a really high-pressure, entertaining way. If you’re not funny and quick on your feet, you won’t survive and that’s what I love about it,” Mandel said in a statement.

Mandel has worked with Insight on previous projects like Deal or No Deal Canada and Canada’s Walk of Fame.