Sitcom about a plastics executive?

A new TV comedy set to premier on Thursday on NBC is at least partially inspired by a real-life plastics executive -- someone many Plastics Blog readers may know. The show is "Outsourced," about an American novelties company that moves its call center to India, where it is managed by a young American played by Ben Rappaport. That name may sound familiar because Ben -- the star of the new show -- is the son of Howard Rappaport, global business director for plastics at resin industry consulting firm/conference organizer Chemical Market Associates Inc. The idea of "Outsourced" predates Ben Rappaport's involvement -- the show is inspired by a 2006 film with the same name. But nonetheless Ben Rappaport says he is basing his character on his father. In an interview with TV writer Bruce R. Miller, Ben Rappaport said that when his father saw the pilot, "I could see the pride and see him registering things - he was very flattered." "Outsourced" is starting the season with a prime slot -- right after the season premier of "The Office." So there should be plenty of Dunder Mifflin Inc. fans tuning in to see Rappaport and his colleagues at Mid American Novelties.