It’s the moment fans have been waiting for for nearly 50 years – but soon they’ll be able to get hold of brand new episodes of classic Thunderbirds thanks to a new project: Thunderbirds 1965.
Thunderbirds 1965 is the brainchild of Filmed in Supermarionation director Stephen La Riviere, and is going ahead with the blessing of the Gerry Anderson estate, Sylvia Anderson, and ITV! The project will see the creation of up to three new episodes based on the audio-only ‘mini albums’ released in the 1960s.
The Thunderbirds 1965 project will launch on crowdfunding website Kickstarter on 10th July, and backing the project is the only way that fans from around the globe will be able to watch these new episodes. In addition to a DVD / Blu-ray of the finished production, project backers have the opportunity to receive other exclusive rewards including a commemorative photo-book featuring rare and previously unpublished stills from the original series and an exclusive ‘Thunderbirds Experience’. This experience will give backers the chance to visit the Thunderbirds 1965 production studio and experience first-hand the classic model and puppet filmmaking techniques first developed fifty years ago. The recreated marionette stars will also be around for meet and greets.
The Thunderbirds 1965 Kickstarter campaign is aiming to raise £75,000 to fund the first of the three special episodes. If the project surpasses this initial target, the remaining episodes will be also produced.
Thunderbirds 1965 will be produced by the team behind the critically acclaimed Filmed in Supermarionation documentary, which tells the story of the pioneering production talent of Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet and other memorable marionette television shows. Sylvia Anderson and the estate of the late Gerry Anderson have welcomed the initiative.
Stephen La Rivière says: “For Filmed In Supermarionation, we shot new sequences with the puppets using the old fashioned techniques. Whilst many of the methods used seem a little archaic and time-consuming by today’s standards, we thought that it would be very special to do a one-off project bringing Thunderbirds back to life 1960s style. Sadly, many of the original voice cast have passed away since 1965. However, thanks to the original audio footage we’ve rediscovered, we have new, authentic stories that have never been adapted for screen. This means that these old-new episodes should be the most authentic recreation of the 1960s experience as it’s possible to get.”
If you’re interested in getting your copy of these brand new episodes, then you can make sure you stay informed via the Thunderbirds 1965 website at: http://www.thunderbirds1965.co.uk
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