ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide Productions will produce an American version of Hairy Bikers for the HISTORY channel in the US. The commission comes after ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide struck a partnership with Hairy Bikers to license their brand and format around the world.Β  The Hairy Bikers are managed by James Grant Group (β€œJGG”) both domestically and internationally.

US cable channel HISTORY has commissioned Los Angeles- based ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide Productions to produce 12x30’ episodes to be broadcast later this year.

The US Hairy Bikers are former personal chef for President George W Bush, Paul Patranella and his motorcycle mechanic and foodie friend of 20 years, Bill Allen. Paul, a classically trained chef, will travel with Bill across the country sampling unique delicacies, as well as uncovering America’s traditional dishes and putting their own twist on them.

This is ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide’s first deal for the Hairy Bikers brand after recently striking this innovative partnership. The structure also includes DVD, merchandise and live events rights globally.

Matt Paice, EVP International Production at ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide, said: "The Hairy Bikers have really captured viewers' attention in the UK and the introduction of their stateside doppelgangers is a really exciting development.Β  We look forward to striking innovative new deals for Dave & Si and we will be looking for talent to replicate this success for broadcasters around the world."

Holly Pye, Head of Television, James Grant Group added: "The HISTORY deal represents the first of its kind for the Bikers.Β  We look forward to working in partnership (for our clients) with ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide in the coming months and years. HISTORY has the ideal platform and audience from which to showcase the Bikers unique concept."

Hairy Bikers Dave & Si commented: "We are delighted to be working with ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide. The company has a fantastic track record of building successful international brands and we are looking forward to seeing what tasty treats our American cousins will be cooking up across the pond!"

The overall deal with the Hairy Bikers was brokered by Matt Paice, William Miller (Director of Talent and Brand Ventures) and Saul Venit (Head of Business & Legal Affairs, Content & Production) from ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide and Holly Pye and Nicola Ibison from JGG on behalf of the Bikers.

This is the second programme commission ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide Productions has received from HISTORY. The first commission, the U.S. version of Top Gear, recently finished eight episodes of its second season for the network. Dawn Fitzgerald is executive producer for the US Hairy Bikers series. Elli Hakami and Jane Tranter are executive producers for ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide Productions.Β 

The original Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers and Si King, first appeared on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Two in 2005 in The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook: Si and Dave do Portugal. Their genuine friendship, charm and passion for cooking appealed instantly to viewers and the duo then went on to make a series of many other successful culinary programmes.Β 

The Hairy Bikers programmes have been sold by ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide to more than 160 territories around the world; titles include Mums Know Best, The Hairy Bakers and The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off.

Cristina Dunn