Nissan strikes Professionals TV deal

Nissan has struck a deal to supply one of its top-of-the-range cars for a remake of The Professionals, one of the cult series which it parodied in a popular series of ads for the Nissan Almera GTi.

The updated version, called CI5 – The Professionals, features two characters called Chris Keel and Sam Curtis, in place of the original Bodie and Doyle played by Martin Shaw and Lewis Collins in the original series.

In the new series, a Nissan 200SX sports coupe will be driven by Keel, played by actor Kal Weber. Upmarket car manufacturer Lotus has also struck a deal to supply an Esprit for the character of Curtis, played by Colin Wells.

Negotiations are underway to sell the series around the world, including the UK. Episodes have already been shot in South Africa, America and France.

Quentin Griffiths, a director of Entertainment Marketing, which brokered the deal for Nissan and Lotus, says: “The Professionals offers one of the most high-profile TV placements for us because of the international ramifications.

“There could be an audience of up to 100 million around the world.”

Possible repeats, video deals and a spin-off feature film offer more exposure for Nissan and Lotus cars.

Entertainment Marketing, partly owned by Carat UK, also arranged the wardrobe for Curtis, courtesy of Hugo Boss.

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