Details on Doctor Who - Absolute Power

Out this month is the first of two Main Range releases featuring the 6th Doctor and Constance and for fans of Gerry Anderson this stort was written and directed by Gerry Anderson's son Jamie.  Absolute Power starring Colin Baker and Miranda Raison can be ordered from the Big Finish website.
https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/absolute-power-1058

Two thousand years ago, all civilisation on the planet Teymah was wiped out in an AELE – an Anomalous Extinction Level Event. Now, the galactic entrepreneur Lyam Yce hopes, at last, to learn the reason why the ancient Teymahrians went extinct – by funding a huge archaeological dig.

While the Doctor probes a strange sphere found by Yce's diggers, his companion, former Bletchley Park cryptographer Constance Clarke, agrees to help translate symbols written in the lost ancient language of the Teymahrians. And soon, they'll learn that ancient Teymah's secrets were best left buried deep beneath its shifting sands...

Written By: Jamie Anderson 
Directed By: Jamie Anderson

Cast
Colin Baker (The Doctor), Miranda Raison (Constance Clarke), Paul Reynolds (Lyam Yce), Jenny Bede (Florrie/Medical Doctor), Arian Nik (Ammar Elkady), Neil Edmond (Professor Aryan Wyke/Mine Worker), Gary Martin (Kohrbal), Esther Hall (Pheenan). Other parts played by members of the cast.

Producer David Richardson
Script Editor Alan Barnes
Executive Producers Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs

The Worlds of Gerry And Sylvia Anderson - Sylvia, Thunderbirds Are Go, Firestorm, Terrahawks

                                               By Ken Parker

Forgive my absence for the past few months.  I really wanted to get this latest blog post done a few weeks ago but alas, it was not to be.  There is a lot to cover so here we go.

Sylvia Anderson - The amazing Sylvia Anderson, half of the creative team that brought us Thunderbirds, UFO, Captain Scarlet, Stingray, Space: 1999 and so much more has passed away at the age of 88.  Her death, on March 15 was very depressing for me.  She was such a creative force behind so many of those TV shows that I love and her involvement has been often over looked.  Her voice talent gave us the memorable Lady Penelope from Thunderbirds and Venus from Fireball Xl5 but there is so much more that she did.  Even as far back as The Adventures of Twizzle and Torchy the Battery Boy she had an involvement that would grow with Supercar, Fireball Xl5 and Stingray.  The highlight of her work would come with the highlight of the Supermarionation format with Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet. Sylvia’s work on costumes, characters and scripts complimented Gerry’s emphasis on special effects and hardware.  The combination of Andersons was a perfect storm of quality that would be abandoned after they
divorced one another in the 70’s.

Her work in television is sometimes in the shadow of Gerry but cannot be lessened because of that.  The fact that she was a powerful woman in the television world puts her on par with Verity Lambert of Doctor Who fame around that same time period in the U.K.  Sylvia was probably better known because of the popularity of the Anderson series around the world.  I never met Sylvia but she seemed like a wonderful woman and continued to work on projects and meet the fans at conventions.  She even voiced great aunt Sylvia in the new Thunderbirds Are Go TV series last year.

Her presence will be missed.  Prayers and thoughts for all her family and friends, especially Dee, who has been so instrumental in keeping the connection between her mother and her fans so strong over the past years.

SHADO News - The World's of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson - Soundtracks, UFO on Blu-ray and Thunderbirds 1965

December 2015

By Ken Parker

Three years ago today Gerry Anderson passed away. My love for Gerry's shows over the years helped shape, to a slight degree, the person I am today. I do not say that the influence was large but my interests and hobbies were certainly directed by Gerry and Sylvia's work. Gerry's death was a sadness that has ever been associated with a good friend of mines passing a short few weeks later. My friend, Dave was a fan of so many things including Gerry Anderson. Dave never met Gerry but I know he would have liked that. I feel that Dave did meet Gerry wherever they are now and Dave told Gerry about all the reasons people loved his shows.

Since Gerry's passing there has been a lot of effort in keeping his legacy alive with merchandise and revival's of some of his later work. In addition to blu-ray releases and a new Thunderbirds TV series, Gerry's son, Jamie has brought life to some of his father's unseen work. I feel confident in Gerry's legacy. I share with you my 2012 tribute video that I put together shortly after his passing.

The Worlds of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson - Happy Birthday Thunderbirds and Space: 1999, New Thunderbirds 1965 Trailer

By Ken Parker

Lot's of things happening in the worlds of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson including some huge anniversaries, lots of merchandise and some incredible projects coming together - so let's get to it!!



Thunderbirds are 50! - On September 30 the original TV series celebrated its 50th anniversary in style.  Lots of merchandise and press surrounded the day.

SHADO News - The Worlds of Gerry & Sylvia Anderson - New Classic Thunderbirds, New Captain Scarlet, New Space: 1999 book review

July
By Ken Parker

We have a very exciting article this time out with so many things to cover. So let's get right to it.

More Classic Thunderbirds to be made -This exciting announcement of the Kickstarter plan to produce at least one of the specially recorded 60's audio adventures for Thunderbirds has reached its original goal and is now at around $200,000 and on it's way to it's 3rd stretch goal.  The project's plan was to produce at minimum one, hopefully three of the original audio only tales from the 60's TV show Thunderbirds and create a video production using puppets, sets and miniatures.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1558089494/thunderbirds-1965-new-episodes-from-1960s-recordin

These short stories were created using sound effects, music and original cast member voices.  There were numerous releases that included shortened versions of some aired episodes but there were three original stories and these are being targeted for being made.

The Kickstarter plan has the blessing of ITV, Sylvia Anderson and the estate of Gerry Anderson. Project Producer Stephen La Riviere has already shown his interest in the product and has already worked with many of the original crew and others to recreate effects and sets for his Filmed in Supermarionation documentary.

I would go as far and say that if this Kickstarter is successful then there are other possibilities including stories from Stingray and Captain Scarlet.  This is feasible if the blessings continue to happen but what about a brand new interest in puppet series? If there is an interest in this and Jamie Anderson's successful Firestorm pilot, which is boasting similar practical effects and puppets, would we see new versions of any of the other series. Could a new original tale from Fireball X-l5 or Stingray see the light of day? Possible.

For now let's support this Kickstarter with it's three story plan.  Be part of this project, get your name on the disc and get a region free DVD or Blu-ray of the finished project!  

SHADO NEWS - Information about Gerry and Sylvia Anderson Related Projects - June 2015 - Thunderbirds Are Go TV Series, Christopher Lee and Firestorm

June 2015
By Ken Parker

Lots of cool Gerry and Sylvia Anderson related stuff this time out.  Not only do we have mini reviews of the remaining Thunderbirds are Go first 13 episodes, we will also look at some merchandise and look at what might have been with the Space: 1999 comic series.  We also pay tribute to a couple of actors who appeared in Space: 1999 as well as get an exciting update from the Gerry Anderson Kickstarter project, Firestorm.

Gerry inside the TARDIS!!

SHADO News -The Worlds of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson - Thunderbirds Are Go and Terrahawks

May 2015
By Ken Parker

We have a few things going on in this wonderful world of Anderson including the ongoing Thunderbirds Are Go TV series, new stories from Terrahawks and the ending of the Space: 1999 book range.  Enjoy!

Gemini Force One Book - Mass Paperback Now Out!!

Book written by M.G. Harris

Preview Review by Ken Parker

NO SPOILERS

After the tragic death of his father, Ben Carrington's mother teams up with a wealthy entrepreneur to form an elite, top-secret rescue organization - Gemini Force. Ben is determined to become part of the team, but can he prove he has what it takes to face dangerous situations and save lives? Impossible rescues. Maximum risk. This is Gemini Force 1.

SHADO NEWS - Information about Gerry and Sylvia Anderson Related Projects - April 2015 - Thunderbirds Are Go TV Series

By Ken Parker

It's official. Thunderbirds Are Go TV series will debut on April 4 in the U.K. Saturday, 5pm on ITV. New Zealand gets the show a week later on the 12^th.

More Thunderbirds Are Go coverage plus -
Terrahawks, the original Thunderbirds, A Christmas Miracle and The Last Station after the break

SHADO NEWS - Information about Gerry and Sylvia Anderson Related Projects - March 2015 - Thunderbirds Are Go TV Series

Lady Penelope, her chauffeur Parker and some Pug.

I couldn't quite wait a month to post more news concerning the world of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. The first bit is pretty big news.

Sylvia Anderson to guest star in Thunderbirds Are Go! TV series.  It was announced that Sylvia Anderson will lend her voice to the part of Lady Penelope's great aunt, Sylvia!  Sylvia not only co-produced the original Thunderbirds TV series but also voiced the original Lady Penelope.

Here is what she said about her involvement -

“I am completely over the moon”, Sylvia exclusively confessed to us. “I’m looking forward to playing yet another feisty lady, and I know that Thunderbirds Are Go is going to be a great series! It’s wonderful to witness the rebirth of something so close to my heart. Oh, and if you must know, there is more to the character than meets the eye”.

SHADO NEWS - Information about Gerry and Sylvia Anderson Related Projects - February 2015

by Ken Parker

Welcome to the first of an ongoing series of articles that will include many of the happenings in the worlds of Gerry, Sylvia and Jamie Anderson. The mastermind behind such shows as Supercar, Stingray, Thunderbirds, UFO, Space:1999 and Captain Scarlet, Gerry Anderson, is gone but certainly not forgotten. There is a ton of news related to his shows and the ongoing work of his son, Jamie. So let's start with some news.

The New Thunderbirds Are Go TV Series is renewed for a second series!!

And it hasn't even aired yet!!!

ITV Studios has announced that the WETA produced half hour TV series remake of Thunderbirds will go from 26 episodes to 52 and the second series will air in 2016 and 2017.  Meanwhile the first season has yet to air anywhere but is due this spring, 2015.

http://thunderbirds.com/

Thunderbirds Are Go is a remake of the 60's TV series by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson which was their pinnacle Supermarionation series which used sophisticated marionettes instead of real people.  Ground breaking special effects and superb action highlighted the

series and was a favorite for kids and adults like for years.

WETA (Lord of the Rings) is producing a new series which will feature CG and real models and effects.  The series stars the voices of Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope, David Graham (reprising his role as Parker) and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Game of Thrones).

Last Chance to be part of Firestorm!! - 7 hours to go!

7 hours to go and Jamie Anderson's Kickstarter project for his late father's Firestorm will be done funding.  There are plenty of gifts including DVDs, Blu-rays, digital download, T-shirts and so much more as incentives.  The project is now over 80,000 pounds which means that a new scene and puppet can be funded for the pilot.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1717674777/gerry-andersons-firestorm-filmed-in-ultramarionati

This pilot is going old school with practical effects, miniatures and puppets and looks outstanding!

Gerry Anderson's Firestorm Kickstarter - Still Some Time to Be Part of the Adventure!!

Jamie Anderson, Gerry's son, is spearheading a new project based on Gerry (Thunderbirds, UFO, Space: 1999) Anderson's concept created in 2002.  The idea of a team combating terrorists with high tech craft and weapons sounds like a perfect Anderson like project and this one will be done with miniatures, practical effects and puppets along the same vein as Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet.

The Kickstarter has reached its primary goal to produce a minisode and several stretch goals including funding for a new scene and a huge explosion.

The Kickstarter has raised over 65K pounds and is hoping to reach higher with more goals.

New pledge gifts include prototypes of actual prop weapons that will be used in the production. There are still some other gifts available from a copy on DVD or blu-ray to a real prop to your likeness being used for one of the puppets (anyone have some extra cash to send my why so I can do this?  Thanks)

The Kickstarter has only 10 days left but has already had over 1,000 supporters. Be part of the production or at least get some cool gifts.  The minisode will be made so your gifts are guaranteed.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1717674777/gerry-andersons-firestorm-filmed-in-ultramarionati

Firestorm is Go!! Jamie Anderson's Kickstarter Reaches First Goal

This is incredible news and in just 3 days Firestorm has raised enough money to be produced into a minisode of around 5 minutes. Stretch goals are now hoped for and would lengthen the production to a 22 minute or even a 45 minute pilot.  Given that the pledged amount has already topped the goal of 49,280 pounds, it seems highly likely that the next goal is achievable.  There are still 29 days left and it is not too late to pledge for some great rewards.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1717674777/gerry-andersons-firestorm-filmed-in-ultramarionati

Firestorm Kickstarter Project - Ultramarionation!

In 2003 Gerry Anderson created an idea for Firestorm.  The series followed the group called Storm Force 9 as they went up against a terrorist organization called Black Orchid.  The anime mixed classic cel animation and CG.  Alas the series had little publicity and was only shown in Japan.

Fast Forward to the present day and Gerry's son, Jamie is relaunching the Firestorm idea with Kickstarter. He plans on funding a short pilot in hopes of selling the idea for a future TV series.

Go to the website link below to read up on all the exciting things going on with this project.  There is more background information about the project, its goals and stretch goals and the rewards you will receive at different pledge levels.  If the project goal is not reached, you are not charged your pledge but at the current rate, things look good!!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1717674777/gerry-andersons-firestorm-filmed-in-ultramarionati?ref=email

For the story, teaser trailer, information on who is going to be involved, including a Doctor Who connection,

Gerry Anderson's Firestorm Kickstarter Is Go!!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1717674777/gerry-andersons-firestorm-filmed-in-ultramarionati?ref=email

Firestorm Endorsement from Nick Tate

Nick Tate, who played Alan Carter in Gerry Anderson's Space: 1999, has a short message about Jamie Anderson's new Kickstarter plan to relaunch Firestorm.

Firestorm was an idea of Gerry's that was made into an anime back in 2003.  The series saw little airtime and promotion and even less praise.  Jamie wants to relaunch the idea using Ultramarionation which will be an updated version of Supermarionation with sophisticated puppetry, miniatures and practical effects (less with CG).

More info on Firestorm Kickstarter this Tuesday.

Kickstarter for New Gerry Anderson Production - Firestorm TV Pilot

Jamie Anderson and Anderson Entertainment have announced a new Kickstarter project which will use ideas based on the late Gerry Anderson anime series called Firestorm.  The ideas were created in 2001 and saw development in an anime TV series that the vast majority of people in the world never saw or even heard of.  The new project is being funded through Kickstarter, a method that Jamie Anderson recently used to help get a series of novels called Gemini Force One which were also based on his father's ideas.

Firestorm was a series about a group of peacekeepers who must combat a new threat to the world in the form of a terrorist group called Black Orchid.  The series used a mixture of standard cel and CG animation and went 26 half hour episodes.  The series was horribly received in Japan and has seen little light of day despite having some excellent animation and stories (in my opinion at the time). Gerry Anderson's name at one point was removed from the production.

Jamie has been hinting at this project for weeks now but revealed the project to past contributors to the Gemini Force One Kickstarter the day before the public reveal of the project.  The Kickstarter will officially open on September 30 and will be for the funding of the pilot episode. The pilot can then be used to sell a series.

The series is to be made in Ultramarionation which is going to be an updated process utilizing miniatures, physical sets, practical effects and puppets!! One has to imagine that Jamie is looking at what the new Thunderbirds Are Go TV series is doing with miniatures and sets along with CG and is going to go full old school with this idea.

#Firestorm
#Ultramarionation

http://www.gerryanderson.co.uk/firestorm/

https://www.facebook.com/GerryAndersonOfficial?fref=ts

Gerry Anderson's Gemini Force One - Black Horizon Book Preview/Review

Book written by M.G. Harris

Preview Review by Ken Parker

NO SPOILERS

After the tragic death of his father, Ben Carrington's mother teams up with a wealthy entrepreneur to form an elite, top-secret rescue organization - Gemini Force. Ben is determined to become part of the team, but can he prove he has what it takes to face dangerous situations and save lives? Impossible rescues. Maximum risk. This is Gemini Force 1.