START YOUR ENGINES! NBC ORDERS PILOT FOR INTERNATIONAL HIT SERIES 'TOP GEAR' FROM BBC WORLDWIDE AMERICA
Source: NBC Entertainment
Jan 16, 2008 - 9:29:29 AM
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BURBANK, Calif. - January 15, 2008 - NBC has ordered a pilot for the
international hit series "Top Gear" from BBC Worldwide America it was announced
today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media
Studios. The world's leading car series franchise features unique celebrity
guest participation and high-adrenaline action entertainment.
" 'Top
Gear' is a proven international hit which fits perfectly into NBC's line-up of
programming with male appeal, including 'Sunday Night Football' and 'American
Gladiators,'" said Silverman. "We're always looking for innovative ways to
partner with our advertisers and this show offers a great platform for the
latest in car culture."
"We've had our eye on 'Top Gear' for a while now
and think this show can really click with viewers," added Craig Plestis,
Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC
Entertainment. "The concept taps into America's obsession with cars and is
unlike anything else on television."
"Since its revival over five years
ago, the UK show has been a phenomenal success. The bar has been set so high,
that replicating it will be the challenge - one we truly relish," said Paul
Telegdy, Executive Vice President Content and Production for BBC Worldwide
Americas. "Casting is well underway and we are confident that Americans will
fall in love with the attitude and irreverent spirit of 'Top Gear.'"
One
of the UK's most popular all-time television franchises, "Top Gear" will feature
super-cars, extreme stunts and challenges, time trials and road tests, and
assess the performance of some of the most ordinary and extraordinary cars on
the planet.
The series, which premiered in the UK in 1977, is
consistently BBC TWO's most-watched program in the UK. "Top Gear" also reaches
over 150 million households globally and made its stateside debut on BBC America
in 2007.
"Top Gear" has been the recipient of various awards including
National Television Awards, BAFTAs, Broadcast Award, Royal Television Society
Awards and an International Emmy Award. Top celebrity guests have included Helen
Mirren, Hugh Grant, Simon Cowell, Ewan McGregor and Gordon Ramsay.
BBC
Worldwide America recently wrapped "Clash of the Choirs," a successful
four-night live event for NBC. The company is currently producing the first
season of "Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann" and will begin the sixth season of
"Dancing with the Stars" in March.
About BBC Worldwide America:
BBC
Worldwide America has headquarters in New York and Los Angeles, and brings
together all of BBC Worldwide's businesses in the U.S. BBC Worldwide is the main
commercial arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting
Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC's assets
for the benefit of the UK license payer and invest in public service programming
in return for rights. The company has six core businesses: Global Channels,
Global TV Sales, Content & Production, Home Entertainment, Digital Media and
Magazines.
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