Written & issued by 4CM Telephone: 01908 533253 Email: [email protected]

Keywords: Ormiston Wire, Thunderbirds, durable metal wire filament

How Ormiston Wire brought Thunderbirds to life

Five…

Ormiston Wire came to the aid of International Rescue in the 1960s when ’s required a wire solution for his classic 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 and his five sons, plus agent 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’.

4CM, Challenge House, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6DP, UK. Tel +44 (0) 1908 533253 www.4cm.co.uk Three…

Anderson wanted fine metal wire that would not only suspend the and control movement but also act as electrical cables that carried control signals to electronic components concealed in the ' 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 . 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… … 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!

4CM, Challenge House, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6DP, UK. Tel +44 (0) 1908 533253 www.4cm.co.uk For further information contact,

Ormiston Wire, 1 Fleming Way, Worton Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6EU.

Tel: 020 8569 7287. Fax: 020 8569 8601.

Email: [email protected] Web: www.ormiston-wire.co.uk

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please contact us on 01908 533253.

About Ormiston

Ormiston Wire manufactures wire to any size or length, with facilities for rolling, winding, rewinding, spooling, braiding, bunching, stranding and plastic coating, according to specification. The company was founded by James Ormiston in 1793 and six generations later the company is still led as an independent and family-run business by his descendant,

Mark Ormiston. Based on centuries of expertise across many applications, Ormiston Wire is now more than just a manufacturer; it is a solutions provider, offering problem solving design capabilities, prototyping and the ability to supply small as well as large volumes, with speedy delivery and exceptional quality control.

4CM, Challenge House, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6DP, UK. Tel +44 (0) 1908 533253 www.4cm.co.uk