Ford and Universal Team Up for "Thunderbirds"
from Ford Motor Company
December 2003 - Cinema audiences will be asked to 'Stand By' this Christmas with a sneak preview of a FAB new adventure film - "Thunderbirds."
For the heroic 'International Rescue' organization, mission success can only be achieved with the skilled use of its futuristic, dependable machinery. As International Rescue moves from the small screen to the big, Ford has helped to ensure that success by providing design and technical support for the forthcoming live-action film, based on the cult 'Thunderbirds' TV series. Universal Pictures will release "Thunderbirds" in the summer of 2004.
ALL-STAR CAST
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', 'Johnny English', 'Notting Hill', 'Bean', 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', 'About A Boy' 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).
A CAR IS A STAR
One of the stars of the movie, and a key part of the International Rescue fleet is a machine known as FAB 1 - the personal transport of London Agent, Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward.
The term 'supercar' falls a long way short of beginning to describe the capabilities of FAB 1, which travels at amazingly high speeds on land, air or sea. John Beard, the film's production designer, and his team turned to Ford of Europe's Design Group for help in creating this fantastic six-wheeled transportation device. FAB 1 is set to amaze audiences under the guidance of Lady Penelope and her chauffeur, and partner in international crime busting, Parker.
"Thunderbirds" Director, Jonathan Frakes commented: "We were anxious to pay appropriate homage to the original TV show but at the same time deliver a film that would appeal to the latest generation of movie goers and provide the best representation of the 2010 time frame. Ford's vision of the future has been crucial in achieving the look we needed for the movie."
FORD AND THE FUTURE
FAB 1 is a collaborative effort between the "Thunderbirds" production team and Ford's European design team. John Beard said: "We had a concept that updated the original, 1960's-designed pink, six wheeled, glass topped limousine for the 21st century. Ford's designers, who coincidently were also re-inventing design classics for the future, came on board and successfully perfected the concept and gave it the Thunderbird identity."
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:thewave: 
