Andy & Ben Eat Australia Lands on Food Network in Oz

SYDNEY: Food Network Australia has ordered the culinary and travel series Andy & Ben Eat Australia, marking the first Food Network commission for Parade’s joint venture with Projucer.

The 15-part multiplatform series follows MasterChef alums Andy and Ben as they explore Oz’s contemporary cuisine and food culture. Production on Andy & Ben Eat Australia has already begun and the series is slated to air on Food Network, part of the SBS portfolio in Australia, in February 2017.

Chris Keely, Food Network Australia’s general manager, said, “Food Network is delighted to welcome Andy and Ben, two Aussie food all-stars, to the Food Network family—the happiest family on television and online. It’s taken only months for Food Network to become the go-to destination for discerning audiences looking for fun and everyday inspiration based [on] food—whether it’s travel, entertainment or ‘how to’ opportunities to dazzle their lucky families, friends or even absolute strangers!”

Matthew Ashcroft, Parade’s managing director, commented, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Australia’s leading food destination—Food Network—on the second installment of the Eat series franchise. Andy and Ben are set to serve up more of what they do best.”

Matty Roberts, co-founder and managing partner of Projucer, added, “At Projucer we are all about multiplatform projects with innovative funding models having a clear pathway to television. Working with Parade under our joint venture to establish a working relationship with Food Network Australia has been a pleasure, and this commission couldn’t be more of a better fit for the Eat series franchise now that it’s growing into a format fit for both broadcast and online release.”