Longtime AICN readers may recall my affection for the works of Gerry Anderson, who brought us shows like THUNDERBIRDS…
FIREBALL XL5…
UFO…
…and SPACE: 1999.
I’ve previously displayed vast affection for the later two shows here on the site - but those are matters for a different day.
Although Anderson passed away back in 2012, interest in his properties endures healthily - a truth evidenced by this newly started, and so far highly promising, Kickstarter aimed towards revisiting an Anderson property called FIRESTORM.
FIRESTORM was adapted for a Japanese animated market back in 2003 - but is now being re-launched as a practical effects-driven “Marionation” piece akin to Anderson’s iconic THUNDERBIRDS. The designs look amazing…
…and the crew which has been assembled thus far…including FX overlords like Steve Begg (SKYFALL, ALIENS, BATMAN BEGINS), Bill Pearson (GRAVITY, ALIEN, MOON), and designer Eric Chu (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, CAPTAIN POWER AND THE SOLDIERS OF THE FUTURE) is top-notch. FIRESTORM’s terrorist-centric storyline seems promising, and perhaps even supremely relevant given today’s work climate.
Here’s FIRESTORM’s pitch reel…
…and HERE is a link to its Kickstarter page, where you can see several pieces of concept art, a teaser trailer/test reel, and learn more about macro-plans for the franchise.
The Kickstarter has been progressing wonderfully up to this point - but let’s help ‘em put it through the hoop and illustrate what can happen when seasoned industry professionals are backed by Geek-history (would that be Geektory?) loving folks like us.
————
Glen Oliver
“Merrick”
