NI firm secures broadcast deals

One of Northern Ireland's leading television production companies has announced a raft of new commissions for UK based broadcasters.

Under its Head of Programmes, Jannine Waddell, who recently left the BBC in London to join the family firm, Northern Ireland based Brian Waddell Productions Limited (BWPL) is going through one of the busiest periods in its 16-year history.

Shot on location in London, Manchester and Northern Ireland, 'CarHunt' is a new-format series for ITV1 and marks the company's first commission for the ITV network. Fronted by News of the World motoring editor and BBC 'Holiday' presenter, Ginny Buckley, it challenges two pairs of contestants to buy a car at auction, do it up and resell it at another auction - hopefully for a profit.

A six-part series 'Innovators' for BBC NI examines developments in technological innovation and scientific entrepreneurship, originating in the province that have worldwide recognition. The programme was produced in association with Invest Northern Ireland.

'Getaways' is the new title of 'Ulster Fly', a series recommissioned by BBC NI, which travels all over the world with local holiday makers. The new co-presenter is GMTV's Ireland correspondent Emma-Louise Johnston.

'The Road to Monte Carlo' (working title) is a landmark documentary for BBC Northern Ireland, in which rallying legend Paddy Hopkirk retraces the route of his historic victory in the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.

Hopkirk is joined by 'Top Gear' presenter Jason Barlow on the long drive from Minsk in Belarus to Monte Carlo. The programme features atmospheric archive footage from the Swinging Sixties, when the Mini was a style icon and is directed by Jon-Barrie Waddell.

'Top Dogs' is a documentary for BBC Northern Ireland, which takes a wry, behind-the-scenes look at show dogs and their devoted owners in the run-up to the Belfast Championship dog show in July.

(GB)