When Gerry Anderson began his filmmaking career in the 60s, he was approached to create a children's television show using puppets. With everyone's minds on the likes of 'Andy Pandy' and 'The Flower Pot Men', it was understandable that his ambitious team were reluctant to emulate that. Instead, Gerry, alongside his wife Sylvia, created Supermarionation and embarked on a pioneering marionette project releasing incredible shows such as 'Thunderbirds', 'Captain Scarlet' and 'Stingray' using basic model set ups, sound effects and pyrotechnics which turned what could've been more monotonous programs into an action-packed, thrilling adventures. They helped to change the way children's shows were seen and made, and even managed to bring their impressive creations to the big screen. Supermarionation was without a doubt one of the biggest saviours of animated television and now those original creators return to their roots to explore the impact of their work.
'Filmed In Supermarionation' is a new documentary about the development of TV show puppetry, hosted by Lady Penelope and Parker from 'Thunderbirds'. The movie has been directed by Stephen La Rivière ('The Morning After: Remembering the Persuaders!', 'The Saint Steps in... To Colour') and co-written by Andrew T. Smith ('Orson Welles - Fade to Black ') and it's set to make its premiere on 30 September at BFI Southbank.
Starring: Thunderbirds, Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson, Robert Easton, Shane Rimmer, David Graham, Nicholas Parsons, Jill Freud, Denise Bryer, Derek Meddings, Elizabeth Morgan, Brian Johnson, Matt Zimmerman, Alan Pattillo, David Lane, Leo Eaton