Perdita
16-10-2008, 13:11
Russian network REN TV is to air its own version of the BBC's hit motoring show Top Gear.
The BBC original is already popular with Russian viewers, prompting REN to greenlight a 15-episode run of the remake, which it plans to air on the back of seasons 10, 11 and 12 of the UK version.
Production company MIR Reality, which is behind the show, is currently searching for presenters to take on the three main presenting roles, filled by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in the UK original.
Adam Waddell, managing director for Top Gear at BBC Worldwide, said: "Top Gear has had quite a following in Russia for some time, and of course, Top Gear Magazine's Russian edition has been a great success since it launched in 2004. So it's only appropriate that the Russian audience is getting its own version of the show."
REN TV spokesman Anton Nazaro added: "A local version will make a big impact. This is a great opportunity for us and BBC Worldwide, because Russia can be a difficult market to access."
A localised version of Top Gear currently airs on Australia's SBS, with a US pilot in the works at NBC.
Wonder whether they have their own Jeremy Clarkson, James May and 'Hamster' :D
The BBC original is already popular with Russian viewers, prompting REN to greenlight a 15-episode run of the remake, which it plans to air on the back of seasons 10, 11 and 12 of the UK version.
Production company MIR Reality, which is behind the show, is currently searching for presenters to take on the three main presenting roles, filled by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in the UK original.
Adam Waddell, managing director for Top Gear at BBC Worldwide, said: "Top Gear has had quite a following in Russia for some time, and of course, Top Gear Magazine's Russian edition has been a great success since it launched in 2004. So it's only appropriate that the Russian audience is getting its own version of the show."
REN TV spokesman Anton Nazaro added: "A local version will make a big impact. This is a great opportunity for us and BBC Worldwide, because Russia can be a difficult market to access."
A localised version of Top Gear currently airs on Australia's SBS, with a US pilot in the works at NBC.
Wonder whether they have their own Jeremy Clarkson, James May and 'Hamster' :D