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When
it was announced a live-action movie based on one of my all-time
favorite series (Thunderbirds) was going to be made (back in 2002).
I was delighted but at the same time apprehensive about how this
very popular series could be brought to life on the big screen.
But then the announcements came in about the cast (Sir Ben Kingsley,Bill
Paxton) and crew (dir.Jonathan Frakes) I was then further reassured
,that this could work, by the footage shown on the BBC that this
movie could really be something special. My curiosity in this
project lead me to wonder what's be going on behind-the-scenes
of Working Title Films biggest project ever. Luckily someone who
worked on the project for a short time answered my call. That
person is Matthew Savage. Matthew is a concept designer/model
maker (among other things) who worked on the movie early this
year as an intern. He obviously can't show any designs but i'm
delighted that he took time to answer my questions about Thunderbirds.
 Q:
When and how long did you work on Thunderbirds?
Matt: I worked
on Thunderbirds for 2 weeks in January-February of this year as
an intern. I worked as an art dept assistant / model maker.
Q: How did you go
about preparing for this project;Were you already familiar with
the tv-show?
Matt: I was
already up to speed with all of the Gerry Anderson shows as I've
been watching them since I was a kid.
Q:Where was the art
department located and how big was it?
 Matt:
The art dept for TB was at pinewood, where the sets were built
and a lot of the shooting took place. It was a big art dept, over
25 designers of different levels
Q: Who did you work
with?
Matt: I worked
under John Beard who was the production designer and head of the
whole art department, his designs are amazing, a real tribute
to the TV show and the swinging London of the sixties. I also
met the director, Jonathan Frakes, who was a really cool guy and
had more energy for the film then any one else I met. I also had
a look around the action vehicles department who were building
the full size vehicles. I saw Lady Penelope's car and the Mole.
Q: What models were
you working on and can you describe them?
Matt: I was working on models
of the sets, working from the art director's drawings. I worked
on models of Jeff Tracy's office (which is totally cool, your
going to love it) and for another set which I can't really mention
as it's a big set piece in the film.
Q: Is their anything
more you would like to share from your time on Thunderbirds?
 Matt:
I can't think of anything at the more, if I remember anything
I'll let you know. The Art department was really great place to
be, I made some really great friends, learnt loads of new techniques
and made good contacts within the industry. I can tell you that
the design of the whole film is amazing, from the ships to settings.
It was amazing to see it life size and in the flesh.
Q: What audiences
can expect next year?
Matt: No idea,
the film is going to be aimed at the children and should be big
with the family audiences.
Q: Which upcoming
action movie would you like to work on?
Matt: I am hoping
to work on the cinematic Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy which
is being developed at the moment. In general, I'm pursuing big
sci-fi features in the concept design area but it's hard work
chasing the leads and trying to crack the industry from the outside.
Thunderbirds are go in Aug 2004.
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