Philosopher's Stone

Lore & Background

King's early career in film and television production included work as a runner on the children's series Byker Grove. He then served as assistant location manager on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and later as location manager on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. He also worked as second assistant director on a TV drama entitled The Gambling Man. These roles came before he met Dave Myers in 1992 and the duo went on to become the Hairy Bikers, presenting cookery series for the BBC.

In Their Own Story

Before he was one half of the Hairy Bikers, Si King was helping bring the magic of Harry Potter to life. As assistant location manager on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, he coordinated the real-world settings that would become Hogwarts and its grounds. The experience gave him a behind-the-scenes look at one of the biggest film franchises in history, long before he traded film sets for kitchen sets.

Reader's Guide

King's path from film production to television presenting shows how diverse early career experience can build a foundation for later success. After working as a runner on Byker Grove, he moved up to assistant location manager on a major film. That role led to location manager on the sequel, and then to second assistant director on a TV drama. Each step added skills in coordination, logistics, and teamwork — all of which served him well when he and Dave Myers began creating their own television series.

Did You Know?

• King worked as assistant location manager on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
• He also served as location manager on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
• King's first TV job was as a runner on the children's series Byker Grove.
• He worked as second assistant director on a TV drama called The Gambling Man.
• King met Dave Myers in 1992, before they became the Hairy Bikers.