How Ormiston Wire brought Thunderbirds to life
Five…
Ormiston Wire came to the aid of International Rescue in the 1960s when Gerry Anderson’s required a wire solution for his classic puppet show Thunderbirds. The solution from Ormiston Wire contributed to the success of an innovative and inspired series that remains a much-loved TV classic among audiences and a valuable brand name around the world.
Four…
The series, which followed the adventures of International Rescue chief Jeff Tracy and his five sons, plus London agent Lady Penelope and her lugubrious chauffeur Parker, was an expensive and ambitious series, shot in full colour and always climaxing with a dramatic action sequence. However, it was important that, among these explosive action sequences, an equally impressive appearance was put in by the ‘actors’.
Three…
Anderson wanted fine metal wire that would not only suspend the marionettes and control movement but also act as electrical cables that carried control signals to electronic components concealed in the puppets' heads to allow facial movement. But with the programmes being shot on 35mm film in colour – the highest grade of television production by far in the mid-1960s – the wire also had to be thin enough not to be too obviously visible on film. Ormiston Wire, which had over 150 years of experience, provided the solution.
Two…
Ormiston solved all the technical issues in filming the marionettes by supplying a very thin yet durable metal wire filament to manipulate the puppets, providing enough the strength to support the marionettes as well as the right specification to carry the electronic signals. The 0.125mm diameter wire developed, manufactured and supplied by Ormiston was also darkened so there would be no reflection from the bright studio lights of the model stage, making it as invisible as possible.
One…
Ormiston Wire was also employed in many other Anderson series, including Fireball XL5, Stingray, and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. Ormiston thus played a significant part in supporting a hugely successful British film making enterprise that produced innovative and hugely popular entertainment exports throughout the 1960s.
Lift Off… Thunderbirds Are Go… Again!
In 2013 it was revealed that Thunderbirds is to be revived using a mix of live-action model sets and CGI animation and, once again, Ormiston Wire will be providing vital support to the stars of the show!
This press information was written and distributed by 4CM. For further copies, colour separation requests, images or other details on 4CM, please contact us on 01908 533253.
For further information contact: Ormiston Wire, 1 Fleming Way, Worton Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6EU.
Tel: 020 8569 7287. Fax: 020 8569 8601. Email: info@ormiston-wire.co.uk Web: www.ormiston-wire.co.uk
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