MUMBAI: BBC Library Sales, a division of BBC Worldwide Limited, has secured major deals around the world for the hit motoring show Top Gear.
In a major licensing deal between BBC Worldwide and Walport International, the Merchant Navy is set to trade ships for cars, so to say. It has acquired six episodes of Top Gear for part of the onboard entertainment package on Shell, BP and other crew ships.
The series can also be seen from this month on TVN Turbo in Poland and Prime TV in New Zealand. Additionally, it will launch shortly on TV+, the pan-Europe Russian language channel.
BBC Library Sales sales and marketing director Paul Maidment was quoted in an official release saying, "The global appeal of Top Gear has been re-enforced by the raft of overseas deals. It is very satisfying to see variants of the show being broadcast throughout Europe, as well as in New Zealand and the Middle East. The fact that we also licensed the show to the Merchant Navy is further testament to the show's popularity."
The show is famous for its super-cars, stunts, time trials and road tests, and the sharp wit of its presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. The BBC has stated that Top Gear has already become a success for broadcasters in Holland (Veronica channel, part of the SBS group in Holland), Norway (NRK) and the Middle East (MBC).
BBC Library Sales offers media professionals in advertising, commercials, television, film, interactive and corporate video production access to a comprehensive collection of high-quality motion imagery for licensing worldwide. It claims to have over 500 million feet of film and 300,000 hours of video at its disposal. Its content covers natural history, wildlife, news, locations, art, music, celebrities, culture, performing arts.