New Home of Automotive, Motorcycle Icon Jesse James Is Spike TV

Two-Year Deal Brings One of Television's Boldest Personalities to the Network for Multiple Specials and Pilots

NEW YORK, Oct. 8 -- Spike TV signed a major talent and production deal with multi-media impresario, Jesse James; it was announced today by Sharon Levy, senior vice president, development, Spike TV. The exclusive two-year deal includes multiple pilots and specials for the network. James, who gained international fame for the hit series, "Monster Garage," is president of Payupsucker Productions and Payupsucker Publications.

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Over the two-year deal, James' production company, Payupsucker Productions, will produce two specials and two primetime pilots that will air per year. The deal also includes the pilot, "Metal Church," a do-it-yourself series showcasing James' vast welding and fabricating talents. The first special is slated to air second quarter 2008. Along with appearing in the shows, James will serve as executive producer.

"We're proud to be the exclusive cable home of Jesse James, whose authentic, straightforward persona resonates perfectly with the Spike TV audience," said Levy. "He embodies the brand with an incredible energy that we are thrilled to have on our network."

"I am very proud and excited to have a home for everything I have to offer," said James. "From day one, Spike has been tailor-made for the nutty stuff I do and for the people who watch it! I look forward to years of busting my a**!"

Jesse James is a custom bike and car builder, producer, publisher, television host and restaurateur. In 2000, James started his TV career with Discovery Channel's "Motorcycle Mania," and in 2002 produced and starred in the international television hit, "Monster Garage." Before his TV gigs, James started West Coast Choppers by doing what he loved: building motorcycles in his mom's garage. James built his shop from the ground up and through nothing more than hard work and dedication, turned it into the phenomenon it is today. The iconic logo is now recognized around the world. As an expert welder, Jesse produces only 12-14 bikes a year, making a very long wait list for his coveted custom machines.

More recently, Jesse established his own production company, Payupsucker Productions, and in 2004, he became publisher of Garage Magazine and launched Payupsucker Publications. In 2006 he opened an eco-friendly burger joint, Cisco Burger.

Spike TV is available in 91.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Source: Viacom