Florida - The Asheford Institute of Antiques (AIA), a professional-level, distance learning program on antiques, collectibles and appraising, recently announced at an industry trade gathering, that it plans to roll-out a half-hour pilot TV show tentatively scheduled for release in the fall of 2011.

Sources close to the school confirmed that the "On The Road" style pilot began initial production earlier this summer, with hosts of the show Peter Green (original founder of the AIA), and his son, current Director of the Institute, Charles Green, both participating in some practice-run taping's. "It was great fun attending the auctions, meeting the people and getting to rummage about," said the elder Green… "I just hope I can keep up the pace!"

The schools in-house production group claim that they came up with idea for the show, which centers around the father and son team as they take to the road in search of the ultimate "antique" purchase, after regularly observing them argue and debate the value of antique items at auction sales. "They have a natural chemistry that is quite funny to watch" said producer Jim Blackburn, "but at the end of the day, when it comes to discovering great antiques - they're all business."

When pressed on what future episodes might be like moving forward, Blackburn said that the shows theme will evolve as the pair motor through the highways and byways of back-country roads, hunting for forgotten treasures at remote auctions, carnival-like flea markets, and even the odd garage sale. "It'll be a bit like watching a road movie with some great antique adventure thrown in," says Blackburn, "you'll never know where they're going next!"

Distribution for the pilot is still apparently being negotiated, however, according to a statement released from the school, a number of potential cable networks that carry shows of this type have already expressed strong interest in developing the show past the pilot stage. "We'll just have to see where it goes, said current AIA Director, Charles Green, "Right now we just want to get the first one done, and then see what happens from there..."

For readers seeking more information about the upcoming Asheford pilot or the schools antique and appraisal Course, they can be contacted at: (877) 444-4508 or visit their web site at; http://www.asheford.com. You can also write to them at; the Asheford Institute of Antiques 981 Harbor Blvd., Suite 3, Dept. 275YZ22 Destin, FL 32541-2525, or at their Canadian office at; 131 Bloor Street West, Suite 200, Dept. 124YZ22 Toronto, ON M5S 1R8.