Thunderbirds 1965 is Go, now aims for ‘Prequel’ Production!

Thunderbirds 1965 Prequel Banner

The Thunderbirds 1965 Kickstarter to create new episodes of “Classic Thunderbirds” has reached its £75,000 base target in less than five days – and now the race is on to achieve a ‘stretch goal’ that will enable production of a Thunderbirds ‘prequel’.

“We want to say a big big thank you to all of our generous backers and to those of you who have spread the word,” says Stephen La Riviere, director of the brilliant Filmed in Supermarionation documentary about Thunderbirds released last year and the ‘brains’ behind this new special anniversary production.

Thunderbirds 1965 is supported by ITV and has the blessing of Sylvia Anderson and the Gerry Anderson Estate, and will be made by the Filmed in Supermarionation team.

Achieving the initial £75,000 goal means production will go ahead on the first of three episodes based on mini audio dramas originally released in the 1960s and featuring the original cast of Thunderbirds. In “The Abominable Snowman”, when reports come in from the Himalayas of kidnappings carried out by the Abominable Snowman, International Rescue sends Lady Penelope to investigate. She soon reveals the dark truth and finds herself a prisoner of The Hood who will stop at nothing to get the secrets of the Thunderbird machines. Can International Rescue save Penelope in time?

“£75,000 guarantees the world one brand new episode of Classic Thunderbirds, but there is still more than enough time to see to it that we produce two or even three,” Stephen enthuses.

“For this reason, we’re pleased to announce the first of our stretch goals. If we can raise £120,000 in pledges Thunderbirds 1965 will be able to bring you the episode “Introducing Thunderbirds”, a prequel which tells the story of Lady Penelope and Parker’s first trip to meet Jeff on Tracy Island.”

“Introducing Thunderbirds” an audio story released by Century 21 Records in 1965, is set before the first episode of the original television series, and features Lady Penelope and Parker heading to Tracy Island in order to discover more about International Rescue. There, they witness the Thunderbird craft in action for the first time.

“This is unashamedly a celebration of Thunderbirds‘ best technology!” says Stephen.

If funding is achieved, the episode will be directed by none other than the original series director David Elliott, returning to Supermarionation after a break of nearly half a century!

The team can’t continue to make this dream a reality without help, so if you haven’t already, head over to Kickstarter and make a pledge, or continue to spread the word about Thunderbirds 1965 – and stay tuned for more exciting announcements in the days to come.



Categories: Digital Media, Other Worlds, Television

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