Top Gear heading to Australia in 2008

[scotth_uk]

Hi All,

I noticed in mid December that Top Gear is going to be produced here in Australia in 2008, by a local production company called Freehand. They've decided to open the hosting roles to anyone in the country - including the Stig. Freehand state that it's being done in partnership with BBC Worldwide and that it will not be a clone of the UK program. Also interesting to note that they aren't looking for clones of James/Richard/Jeremy.

Here's the link:
http://www21.sbs.com.au/topgear/

Anyway... As some of you remember, I'm quite keen on cameras in cars and producing substandard DVDs of motoring events. ;-) Therefore I figured that I'd try and cobble together an audition for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

I called a few friends for some assistance, and it looks like I've somehow managed to cobble together the following for this weekend:

1 x Lamborghini Gallardo SE
1 x Audi RS4 w/ aftermarket exhaust
1 x Remote airstrip - current waiting for permission to close for filming
2 x MiniDV cameras with external/internal vehicle mounts
3 x Drivers (all idiots)

So this weekend, I am travelling up to Cairns and on to Innisfail for this weekend of motoring idiocy. It's got to be in by Feb 1st, so next week my life will be spent editing. I'll post it online for laughs when it's done.

Wish me luck.

 

[robert.saunders]

Sounds fab!

Good luck

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Wow, sounds interesting, hope we get to see the result of your handywork too

Couple of great cars you've lined up - wish you all the best. Sounds like you're going to have fun :bannana: :bannana: :bannana:

 

[Spin_bowler]

great project, good luck

 

[Spinal]

Break a leg!

All the best with your project!

 

[scottinbelfast]

Sounds great - any spare places!!!

Have a good time

 

[GRAV888]

Good luck Scott.
Having seen your Bruntingthorpe dvd, I have no doubt you'll succeed.

 

[Howard]

Then at least we'll be able to say we know who the Aussie Stig is !!

 

[scotth_uk]

Thanks for the kind wishes all. I'm still waiting to hear about the airstrip closure. Fingers are crossed.

Also trying to find a device to allow me to record phone calls - one of my script ideas was to call a few people that I know and ask if I can borrow their cars, promptly hanging up on anyone who doesn't drive a European car!

Here's a photo of the tools I have available:

 

[Howard]

Cheap and cheerful .... they work , i've used one ....

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=3519&criteria=telephone microphone&doy=23m1

More expensive ( but better )

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=219205&C=Maplin&U=SearchTop&T=phone bug&doy=23m1

Another option ...

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=30352&criteria=call recorder&doy=23m1

 

[scotth_uk]

Thanks Howard!

Also forgot to mention that the UK Top Gear crew are apaarently heading out here to host MPH in Australia and as such are expected to film some segments out here for the UK show. Apparently Jeremy wants to meet and interview the local hosts before approving them.... ;-)

 

[BTB 500]

Good luck! I was reading in Top Gear mag this morning about the move into both Aus. and the US. There will be local versions of the mag and website too, not just the TV programme.

 

[C240Sport97]

excellent stuff and good luck

I still have your professionally produced Bruntingthorpe DVD

 

[scotth_uk]

Well I am knackered. I spent most of Saturday filming in 34-37 degree heat at an airfield:

1. Didn't get to drive the Gallardo
2. Did get to drive the RS4
3. Didn't give CASA enough notice to close the airfield
4. Did get the use of a helicopter and pilot to film the intro

My external HDD (Western Digital) dies completely on Friday morning and I've lost 500GB of data, including all of the work I've done on the intros so far. Must work on getting that data back asap.

 

[wallingd]

Backups.

 

[scotth_uk]

Two updates for today:

1) The external case of the WD My Book failed, not the drive. I transplanted the drive into another enclosure and we're off and running.

2) Here's a sneak preview of the intro for the audition tape:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2957552628988060503

 

[grober]

That'll be Cash on the Barrelhead Son

Hi, I'm Scott Hamilton and your watching "Wrong Gear" Nice one Scott! Did the helicopter pilot want paid in cash??

 

[scotth_uk]

Helicopter pilot was a mate's dad who was really keen to get in on the action. He's a bit of a show off. ;-)

 

[Howard]

Could have landed centrally between the two cars

Thats what seperates the men from the boys ...

Seriously , very good .... 'Wrong Gear !'

 

[scotth_uk]

New version of the intro:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6769408621583722091