World first for SBS with local version of Top Gear

[matbor]

World first for SBS with local version of Top Gear
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ Author: SBS | Nov 19, 2007, 10:20Following a major deal with BBC Worldwide, SBS will build on its association with Top Gear – a program that has aired on the network since 2005.

In a world first, SBS has secured the rights to make a local version of the show. It has also extended its commitment to the UK version for the life of the series.

Freehand Productions, BBC Worldwide’s Australasian partner, will produce the local version, which will transmit on SBS in 2008.

“This is fantastic news for SBS, for Top Gear fans and for Australian audiences,” SBS Director of Content, Matt Campbell said.

“Top Gear is a unique show and one of BBC Worldwide’s biggest global properties.
In making it, we won’t simply replicate the UK series with an Australian version of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond or James May. SBS plans to make a program that is uniquely and quintessentially Australian.”

“It is very exciting for us to have done this deal with SBS,” added Julie Dowding, BBC Worldwide Australasia’s Head of Sales. “We are very proud that the first global deal for a local version of Top Gear has been done here in Australia.”

Top Gear is the BBC’s top-rating, high-octane mix of performance cars, adrenalin, comedy and celebrities. It test drives and brutally appraises the world’s most popular cars with startling honesty – along with celebrity laps, irreverent wraps and breathtaking stunts and driving.

Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson said: “I'm delighted that Top Gear is going to Australia. Maybe the first guest could be Jonny Wilkinson.”

Top Gear is currently showing on Saturday nights on SBS from 7.30pm.

http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/enews/top-gear-australia-191107.html

[matbor]

Can't really see this taking off in Aus !!

Wonder what high performance cars they will get !! maybe Holden vs Ford, like we don't get enough of that already !

Who will be the Stig ? or will they have a Aussie version !

[Quiggers]

;););)

standby:eek::eek::eek::twisted:

no, i'm not producing, but i know some of the story, uh-oh......

GQ

[Phoenix]

Mmm, sounds interesting. Dunno about world first, they have been doing a US version, but not sure how it was going, heck, I haven't even seen an episode.

I can't see it being as popular here.

[mcrover]

I saw a bloke on Channel 31 last year did a very similar show but not with the same level of money doesnt matter stunts.

The wildest thing I saw him do was they did a motorkana in an evo lancer and went 4wding in the sand in a Volvo lol.

Im happy to put my hand up for the job of the stig, but the times wouldnt be too good these days as Ive put on some KGs in the past couple of years :D

I recon it could be good, we get the exotics over here as well as our local stuff so there should be a fair bit of material to use and when they run out they just have to blow something up like in the original show.

[rick130]

Have they cast it yet Quiggers ?

What's the chance of a fast approaching middle age, legend in his own lunchtime still thinks he's a hit with the girlie's fella getting an audition ?

At least I could guarantee a Cool Wall showing for the Defender :lol2:

[isuzurover]

Have they cast it yet Quiggers ?

What's the chance of a fast approaching middle age, legend in his own lunchtime still thinks he's a hit with the girlie's fella getting an audition ?

At least I could guarantee a Cool Wall showing for the Defender :lol2:

You can be the "hippie" :D

[carjunkieanon]

I think this has already happened in Aus. Channel 10 a few years ago? I think they tried to copy the format, same shed, same number of presenters, similar commentary. It failed miserably IMHP. They couldn't get good cars to review, they only said nice things about the cars & Aussie humour doesn't lend itself to the overblown & extravagant hyperbole & exaggerated metaphors of the brits.

I'm predicting it'll be rubbish.

[WhiteD3]

I'm predicting it'll be rubbish.

Sadly I agree. There hasn't been a decent motoring show on Oz TV since Peter Wherret and Wheels. I had high hopes for that one Glen Ridge does (as at least he knows something about cars) but its crap as well. It tries to be too hard to be entertainment where the point is to convey information in an entertaining way.

My 2C's worth.

[solmanic]

I wonder if John Doyle (aka Roy Slaven) will be one of the hosts? He does the odd column in the motoring press and could carry off the cutting criticism necessary to make the show work.

[Ken]

I cant get SBS on our tele :mad: damn thing doesnt matter what I do
Ive missed so many good shows on SBS damn aerial :D:D

[solmanic]

go D I G I T A L :cool:

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I Am The Stig :d:d

[Ken]

go D I G I T A L :cool:

Is that one of them set top box thingys

[HangOver]

I Am The Stig :d:d


You can't be coz it's ME !! :D

[Captain_Rightfoot]

You can't be coz it's ME !! :D

Nah... it's me. I even have the t-shirt :)

[Quiggers]

I just hope its not Will Hagon, John Smailes and Neil Crompton.....:eek:

I kinda pity whoever gets this guernsey, (unless it's any of the above) 'cause they'll be torn to bits by the Australian viewing/motoring cognoscenti....


however, this website will give numerous clues as to who may be our local presenters:

http://www.freehandtv.com.au/index.php

and the real reasons behind why top gear has been franchised to australia - product placement opportunities anyone?

uh-oh...


GQ

[duncanw]

I saw a bloke on Channel 31 last year did a very similar show but not with the same level of money doesnt matter stunts.

The wildest thing I saw him do was they did a motorkana in an evo lancer and went 4wding in the sand in a Volvo lol.


would that by any chance be a show called racescar ? I saw it on tv about 6 years ago in Perth.

If Russel Coight isn't in it then theres something wrong, and so long as that fat failed F1 "champion" australian driver who comments on the f1 isn't in it then it will be a ripper of a show, we dont need another Tiff the idiot Needell.

Theres enough people over here in the know about cars, the trouble is they will get one of those puffy gay boys who talk like their chewing a pillow from a holiday program to host it, the only other thing that can spell disaster for the show would to have a whiny women talking about global warming and hugging trees and then talk about the "glass ceiling" and how its a male dominated industry.

maybe this should have gone in the rant section... :p

[cdrtravis]

There's only one Top Gear. Imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, but it's still imitation. I don't even bother watching the show on SBS anymore. They are so far behind the UK broadcasts it's a joke. I download the show off the Internet now, so I'm bang up to date. TV stations, take note!

[eddiec]

I'm a huge fan of the show (and similarly download the lot - The new Polar special (where they drive a Hilux to the north pole) is outstanding!)

But I fear this will be a disaster. Top Gear is one of those shows that relies on the personalities of the presenters... It's why Fifth Gear might be more informative in a technical sense, but a yawn to watch comparatively... They'd be better off trying something completely different than trying to re-create the banter of May, Clarkson and Hammond... In many ways the show is more about them than about cars - and that's why people (including non-car nuts) enjoy it...

It's the same reason that the Australian Queer Eye (ok - a VERY different kind of show!) flopped miserably and was just painful to watch.

Why do we always need local versions of shows like this anyway? I enjoy watching cars we will never see here, and countryside I've never visited. If I want to see a Monaro racing an Evo around the outback, I'll just go down the road! :D

It'd be interesting to toss the car show idea to the Working Dog people (Panel, Russel Coight, Frontline) to see what they came up with...

[cdrtravis]

Agree about the Polar special. The most stunning piece of motoring television I've ever seen. Heresy to say it here, but I want that Hilux!

As for your comment about Monaros racing Evos around the outback, that made me laugh!

[DiscoStew]

It's the same reason that the Australian Queer Eye (ok - a VERY different kind of show!) flopped miserably and was just painful to watch.


Don't know if you knew this or if coincidence but the link supplied above shows that the same outfit that did Queer Eye in Oz will be doing Top gear in Oz. They also did a couple of other shows I dislike. Given they also represent Kate Ritchie maybe she will get a go.

I agree, this does not bode well. I am not a motoring nut but I do enjoy Clarkson's take on things, even when he is just being a boofhead. I think they need to find a genuine character who knows his/her stuff and avoid "celebrities" altogether, except maybe one as a sidekick.

[Scallops]

I wonder if John Doyle (aka Roy Slaven) will be one of the hosts? He does the odd column in the motoring press and could carry off the cutting criticism necessary to make the show work.

To have Slaven, who, let's face it - is a symbol of everything good in automotive hyperbole, host the show would be.... a tremendous wrap, further cementing the Lithgow Shamrocks Auto Club on the pedestal fitting of its charter:p....

[solmanic]

We had a very in-depth discussion of who might be suited to host the show. Bearing in mind that the producers have already stated that they do not intend just using Aussie versions of Clarkson, Hammond & May. We agreed that they need to source at least one presenter from the established motoring press for it to have any credibility. It's not good enough just to get a bunch of comedians to slang off at different types of cars. Unless the viewer believes they at least know something about cars.

I am trying to picture who has recognised car knowledge, is funny, and would look comfortable talking to camera whilst holding a power-slide in a WRX. Maybe a scan back at the winners of previous Bathurst & Indy celebrity races might turn up someone.

Also, for the show to be "quintessentially Australian" there would need to be a fair percentage of 4WD content in it. It is probably worth considering one of the guys from Pizza to ensure that there is a suitable "woggy" perspective since it is so prevalent in Australian urban street-machine culture too.

[Quiggers]

Given who the producers are, of the upcoming Aussie TopGear, (and their track record with other, err, umm, tv programmes:eek:) I suspect maybe four presenters, two of which will be cute chicks.

To match the 'original' they'll need a seriously huge budget...and some very seriously capable 'behind-the-scenes' people.

Big budgets for local tv shows are becoming very rare in Aussie....

So to get some serious money, the producers will have to go down the 'product placement' route...

Which will compromise the shows integrity...

I can't see Toyota or Hyundai chipping in several million $$$, if their products are going to be trashed, verbally and physically....

Getting money from sponsors for tv shows is not easy (been there) and they want much favour in return.

I reckon there'll also be a heap of ego driven motoring journos banging on the door of the production company, all touting their often questionable abilities.
(I found out recently that a number of motoring journos aren't actually qualified journos, but I digress).

If I was producing this show, I'd very seriously look at Michael Stahl (who's about 45-50) as the 'expert', a damn good, funny and irreverent guy, an excellent writer and presenter. (he's also a proper motoring journo).

Paul Fenech, (Pauly - Fat Pizza) as mentioned would be interesting and appeals to a wide audience. Bit of a car nut, apparently. I'd maybe bring some his 'on camera' crew, for a bit of fun when it comes to wrecking things...:twisted:

Chicks, mate, chicks....

hmmm...

I'm thinking...

Mandy Nolan, attractive, ascerbic, capable, funny...and always ready for a challenge...

Guests could be fascinating, a lap dash (2 cars) one driven by Howard, the other by Rudd, in 1980s Volvo 244s:D:D:D

Alexander Downer is a serious revhead, runs around Adelaide in a black HSV Commodore, apparently....:eek:

Cheers, GQ

[eddiec]

Actually, you've raised a good point there QG about the production values - One of the most appealing (but almost invisible) aspects is the quality of filming and editing on Top Gear - If you watch closely, it's meticulous, and remarkably well done. I don't know if many in Australian TV would have that skill or experience, or whether the producers would bother...

Otherwise it just ends up looking like any other lifestyle program...

I hadn't thought about the product placement issue, but agree that it will be hard to avoid, and that'll ruin it.

The other issue is that I wonder if the show will be held accountable to the same standards as motoring advertising, in that they can't promote 'reckless' or 'illegal' behaviour...

[Quiggers]

Actually, you've raised a good point there QG about the production values - One of the most appealing (but almost invisible) aspects is the quality of filming and editing on Top Gear - If you watch closely, it's meticulous, and remarkably well done. I don't know if many in Australian TV would have that skill or experience, or whether the producers would bother...

Otherwise it just ends up looking like any other lifestyle program...

I hadn't thought about the product placement issue, but agree that it will be hard to avoid, and that'll ruin it.

The other issue is that I wonder if the show will be held accountable to the same standards as motoring advertising, in that they can't promote 'reckless' or 'illegal' behaviour...

Top Gear UK is possibly the most beautifully crafted show on TV, it is EXTRAORDINARILY well made and an absolute credit to those who obviously spend many hours scripting, shooting, colour grading, editing, etc...

One of the reasons why it works is that all three presenters are very actively involved, from conception of each segment...

To answer your question, the skill base exists in Australia, but finding those with the skills relative to the interest in creating a local Top gear may be problematic - then the producers need the big $$$ to get the (all) right people...

It saddens me that, having worked in the TV game for more than 30 years, that these days, decider is the budget (sponsors) or lack thereof...

Time to get it right, scripts, presenters and lots of money are the keys to the success of a local Top Gear....

And other thing: budget: at least $15 million for 13 x 1 hour eps...
to do the local version at the level at which Top Gear UK is....

Hmmm........

GQ

[rick130]

Given who the producers are, of the upcoming Aussie TopGear, (and their track record with other, err, umm, tv programmes:eek:) I suspect maybe four presenters, two of which will be cute chicks.

To match the 'original' they'll need a seriously huge budget...and some very seriously capable 'behind-the-scenes' people.

Big budgets for local tv shows are becoming very rare in Aussie....

So to get some serious money, the producers will have to go down the 'product placement' route...

Which will compromise the shows integrity...

I can't see Toyota or Hyundai chipping in several million $$$, if their products are going to be trashed, verbally and physically....

Getting money from sponsors for tv shows is not easy (been there) and they want much favour in return.

I reckon there'll also be a heap of ego driven motoring journos banging on the door of the production company, all touting their often questionable abilities.
(I found out recently that a number of motoring journos aren't actually qualified journos, but I digress).

If I was producing this show, I'd very seriously look at Michael Stahl (who's about 45-50) as the 'expert', a damn good, funny and irreverent guy, an excellent writer and presenter. (he's also a proper motoring journo).

Paul Fenech, (Pauly - Fat Pizza) as mentioned would be interesting and appeals to a wide audience. Bit of a car nut, apparently. I'd maybe bring some his 'on camera' crew, for a bit of fun when it comes to wrecking things...:twisted:

Chicks, mate, chicks....

hmmm...

I'm thinking...

Mandy Nolan, attractive, ascerbic, capable, funny...and always ready for a challenge...

Guests could be fascinating, a lap dash (2 cars) one driven by Howard, the other by Rudd, in 1980s Volvo 244s:D:D:D

Alexander Downer is a serious revhead, runs around Adelaide in a black HSV Commodore, apparently....:eek:

Cheers, GQ

Quiggers, is James Cleary still in the PR or motoring Journo game ?
I knew him back when he was with MOTOR as 2IC under Barry Lake. He decided to go racing when I did and wasn't a bad steerer, although I kicked his a**** :D

[muddydigger]

I like the idea, but It cant mirror the UK show, or it will allways be called a copy
My pick for presenters

Roothey from 4wd monthly
John laws
Dick Johnson
Judith lucy

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I hope they do bring it to aus... it has big potential. I can't see how they can get the money for it though.. at most it will have an audience of 20 mil... but the real one has a really huge audience.

I hope it doesn't mean they stop bringing it here.

[Quiggers]

ahh, rick, dragging up the past.....

barry lake was a true gentleman,

i dont know j cleary well so I cant comment there

havent thought of barry in years, sadly and remiss of me, but he was one of those 'nice guys'...

might just go for a dig re TopGearOz and see what i find........

GQ

[matbor]

interesting... taken from finalgear.com forums.


BBC has a 25% stake in Freehand which is making the show for SBS.
http://www.freehandtv.com.au/index.p...&Itemid=31#bbc (http://www.freehandtv.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&taindex.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=31#bbc)

[matbor]

update.....



Here is a message that has just been posted on another forum :
***************
I just read on the TV Week that apparently a Gold Logie winner has put in a application for a hosting position on the Australian version of Top Gear. Assuming that they are male and was won within the past 10 years that would mean that either Rove McManus of John Wood have applied to be a host. FinalGear.com :: There's Fifth Gear, There's Top Gear, And Then There Is Final Gear (http://www.finalgear.com)


I guess Hamster and Rove are the same height !;)

[Bushwanderer]

Hi All,
Personally, I can't see John Wood getting out of First Gear.:(

[DiscoDave]

Motoring journos, great motor-racing names of the past, gold Logie winners... If that's who's lining up then what's the point of this "send us your video - you could be a presenter" advert that SBS/Freehand is running?

[shorty943]

World first for SBS with local version of Top Gear
http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/blahdocs/images/profile_sm.gif Author: SBS | Nov 19, 2007, 10:20Following a major deal with BBC Worldwide, SBS will build on its association with Top Gear – a program that has aired on the network since 2005.

In a world first, SBS has secured the rights to make a local version of the show. It has also extended its commitment to the UK version for the life of the series.

Freehand Productions, BBC Worldwide’s Australasian partner, will produce the local version, which will transmit on SBS in 2008.

“This is fantastic news for SBS, for Top Gear fans and for Australian audiences,” SBS Director of Content, Matt Campbell said.

“Top Gear is a unique show and one of BBC Worldwide’s biggest global properties.
In making it, we won’t simply replicate the UK series with an Australian version of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond or James May. SBS plans to make a program that is uniquely and quintessentially Australian.”

“It is very exciting for us to have done this deal with SBS,” added Julie Dowding, BBC Worldwide Australasia’s Head of Sales. “We are very proud that the first global deal for a local version of Top Gear has been done here in Australia.”

Top Gear is the BBC’s top-rating, high-octane mix of performance cars, adrenalin, comedy and celebrities. It test drives and brutally appraises the world’s most popular cars with startling honesty – along with celebrity laps, irreverent wraps and breathtaking stunts and driving.

Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson said: “I'm delighted that Top Gear is going to Australia. Maybe the first guest could be Jonny Wilkinson.”

Top Gear is currently showing on Saturday nights on SBS from 7.30pm.

World first for SBS with local version of Top Gear (http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/enews/top-gear-australia-191107.html)




Old news.

[VladTepes]

update.....
I guess Hamster and Rove are the same height !;)

yeah I can see it now......



So this is the New Aston Martin DB9 Volante. This is really a fantastic car.... hey, say hi to your mum for me !"

[460cixy]

if roves running the show it wont be worth watching

[ATH]

I can just imagine the creeps we have here who pass themselves of as motoring journos, never saying a bad word about an advertisers products and the cautions constantly shown about the driving being done by "professional drivers" and warning the public not to attempt it!

When testing a vehicle they won't be allowed to say it'll do 250 or 300kph whatever, but will have to say "This car will exceed the Australian open road limit of 110kph" or some such garbage.

Can't say as I'm looking forward to a local copy of a great program.
Alan.

[460cixy]

I can just imagine the creeps we have here who pass themselves of as motoring journos, never saying a bad word about an advertisers products and the cautions constantly shown about the driving being done by "professional drivers" and warning the public not to attempt it!

When testing a vehicle they won't be allowed to say it'll do 250 or 300kph whatever, but will have to say "This car will exceed the Australian open road limit of 110kph" or some such garbage.

Can't say as I'm looking forward to a local copy of a great program.
Alan.

i agree how ever ile give it a chance but recon it will be a poor copy of what i recon is a top program

[matbor]

Old news.


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BigJon]

Has anybody actually submitted an application?

[mcrover]

I was thinking of submitting but like most Aussies, I will wait and see who they choose and then complain about them :o

The only one I would be like would be James (Captain Slow) as I dont like going all that fast but will if I have to or it is expected (e.g. on a race track) but most of the time Im the slow and steady sort of driver.

They say they dont really want to do a direct copy of the UK version so Im going to give it a fair go before I start sending them nasty Emails saying that I could do a better job :p

Im also not a huge fan of the exotics, I would prefer something reliable and affordable as well as the couple of Ferrari's and Porche's that I have driven I wasnt all that impressed with other than the power (except one of the Porches a 1972 911 I think it was) but they were old ones so probably not un expected.

[BigJon]

I was thinking of submitting but like most Aussies, I will wait and see who they choose and then complain about them :o


I hope most Aussies haven't bothered to apply, because I did :D and I think it would be a good laugh to get involved with. Mind you, if by some stroke of luck I get chosen you can keep your complaints to yourself :p.

[harry]

i recently heard that there has been a film crew from top gear looking at a holden near where i work.
you have to expect to see holdens and fords though.

at least brock won't get a gernsey on this show.
and we don't want peter wearit on this show. too old.
and if as suggested there is to be a current racing driver compere - god please not scafe! there's a few others in my list, but i do have to go to dinner soon.

[460cixy]

i read somthing in the paper a few years ago about peter wearit being a cross dresser

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I finished the video application last night, and I'm doing the paperwork tonight. It will be in an express post satchel tomorrow :)

[p38arover]

i read somthing in the paper a few years ago about peter wearit being a cross dresser

I thought that was his brother.

[procrastination inc]

Has anybody actually submitted an application?...

my neighbour did. He'd actually be pretty good I reckon

He's a quirky fella (owns an Austin champ and two chevy Blitz trucks, one restored...nearly... very nicely) If they show the applications, look out for "Captain Bogged to the Balls (I mean the EYE balls)"

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Has anybody actually submitted an application?...

my neighbour did. He'd actually be pretty good I reckon

He's a quirky fella (owns an Austin champ and two chevy Blitz trucks, one restored...nearly... very nicely) If they show the applications, look out for "Captain Bogged to the Balls (I mean the EYE balls)"

:D:D

We already have one AULRO member who is a TV host. We just need a couple more :)

[460cixy]

I thought that was his brother.

that might be it it was a long time ago never seen him on a motoring show since

[procrastination inc]

:)

He miight well have been a member here if it wasn't for a 300tdi powered defender. He'd had many series over the years, lashed out on his first NEW car ever and go bitten really badly. Sold it and bought an old falcon wagon, then a GQ Pootrol. Swore of LR forever... got pretty excited when I brought home a 95 disco "atleast you got the 8, nice motor that, luv the sound of 8's... be nice hearing you take off for work in the mornings" :)

[numpty]

I thought that was his brother.

Yes Peter Wherrett was a cross dresser, whereas his brother, Richard, batted for the other side and at one time was married to Jacki Weaver.:o It takes all kinds.

Whatever people say, Torque was bold television for it's day and I thought was done pretty well.

[procrastination inc]

Peter Wherrett
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Peter Wherrett (born 1936) is an Australian motoring and motor sport journalist and former race car driver.

Wherrett first learned to drive and maintain a car when his parents got their first motor car when he was 12.[1] Angry at the lack of motorsport newspaper coverage, he complained to various newspapers and was hired in 1958 by the Sydney Morning Herald to write for them on the sport.[1]

In 1967 Wherrett set up Australia’s first post-licence driver training school as the Peter Wherrett Advanced Driving School. In 1980 he sold the school to his manager Peter Finlay.[2] Wherrett drove in the 1969 Bathurst 1000 race for Mazda, in 1970 for Ford and in 1974, 1975 and 1976 for Alfa Romeo. In 1981, Mitsubishi Australia produced a limited edition "Peter Wherrett Special" GH Series Sigma sedan. Only 500 cars were produced, which were commissioned after Wherrett complained about the GH Sigma's handling and was challenged to design a better car by the Mitsubishi Chief Engineer.[3]

From 1973, he presented the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's television programme series Torque and later a historical series called Marque, which is the only television programme on that topic to be produced for free-to-air television.[1]

Wherrett also wrote a memoir entitled "Desirelines" with his brother Richard, who died in 2001.[4] In the book he revealed that he is a cross-dresser; however he is heterosexual, though his brother is gay.

[edit] Bibliography

[Phoenix]

I don't know that wikipedia is a good place to source facts, but it's not always wrong.

[mrapocalypse]

if they have learnt any lessons, which Freehand haven't, they will only use professional talent. It's too hard to cold start amateurs on a show like that!

Someone like Grant Denier who drives, is funny and short would be my pick.

[DiscoDave]

SBS were at the NRMA Motorfest doing 'walk-in' auditions for Top Gear Australia.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/02/544.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/8911)
They're making a lot of effort to attract "amateurs" - strange if their not going to use any.

[DiscoTDI]

I hope I am wrong but it wont work:(

[p38arover]

Torque was bold television for it's day and I thought was done pretty well.

Absolutely. I never missed it. There was nothing like it on commercial TV.

[p38arover]

:D:D

We already have one AULRO member who is a TV host. We just need a couple more :)

We do? Pray tell!