Optomen Scores Gordon Ramsay Sales

LONDON: Optomen International has closed new deals across seven different territories on two series featuring the famed British chef Gordon Ramsay.

Deals have been firmed up for the fifth season of Gordon Ramsay’s F Word, currently airing on Channel 4 in the U.K., and the brand-new show Gordon’s Great Escape, which will premiere on Channel 4 early in 2010. Canwest in Canada, SBS Belgium and TVNZ in New Zealand have all licensed both series. IMC snapped up the U.K. DVD distribution rights. More 4 went for Gordon Ramsay’s F Word, whole Globosat in Brazil, Viasat Hungary and Nine Network in Australia sealed deals for Gordon’s Great Escape.

Gordon’s Great Escape, a One Potato Two Potato production, chronicles Ramsay’s first-ever trip to India and follows as he travels the length and breadth of the country learning about Indian ingredients, dishes and the people who cook them. In the latest season of F Word, Ramsay and his team search for the best local restaurant in the U.K.

Caroline Stephenson, the head of sales at Optomen International, said, "Gordon’s international popularity continues to go from strength to strength. The current F Word’s search for the best local restaurant in the U.K. is truly inspirational as Gordon tells the story of each restaurant brigade and salutes their passion and ambition. The eagerly-awaited Gordon’s Great Escape shows a fascinating flip-side to Gordon’s character as he becomes student rather than teacher meeting some amazing people along the way."