(from Ford Press Release) Ford is
supporting the production of ‘THUNDERBIRDS’, a big budget, live-action
family movie based on the cult ‘Thunderbirds’ TV show and due for global
release through Universal Pictures from Summer 2004.
Ford’s primary involvement with the movie has been to assist in the
development of Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward’s FAB1 limousine – a
stunning pink, 27-foot, six-wheel/bubble canopy vehicle, which can
transform between car jet plane and hydrofoil and features clear Ford
Thunderbird design cues.
THUNDERBIRDS producer, Tim Bevan, commented, “FAB 1 provides the first
glimpse into the new-look THUNDERBIRDS movie. We hope to realize fully
the genius of the original series and bring it to life for an entirely
new generation worldwide.”
Ford Design Europe led the design of the FAB1 vehicle and also delivered
a number of ‘virtual’ concept vehicles for the movie. The Ford EX
concept is also prominently featured in one of the movie’s chase
sequences and other Ford vehicles, including the new Focus C-MAX, will
feature in appropriate scenes.
“For our design team, it was essential that the new FAB 1 captured the
essence of the original – its size, power and sheer presence,” explained
Chris Bird, Director of Design for Ford of Europe. “The people that have
worked on this car were already fans, so we hope the end result will
please ‘THUNDERBIRDS’ purists as well as the new generations of movie
goers who will see it in action on-screen.”
Set in 2010, the film is directed by Jonathan Frakes, famous for his
role as William Riker in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ TV series, and
as the Director of ‘Star Trek: First Contact’ and ‘Clockstoppers’
feature films. It is produced by Working Title, Europe’s most successful
production company, which numbers amongst its hits ‘Bridget Jones’s
Diary’, ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ and the current box office hit
‘Love Actually’.
The cast is headed by Sir Ben Kingsley (The Hood, number one villain),
Anthony Edwards (Brains, head boffin for International Rescue), Bill
Paxton (Jeff Tracy, head of International Rescue), Sophia Myles (Lady
Penelope) and Ron Cook (Parker).
