Hyper about Hypermarionation!

[Conrad Lefkon]

NCS - HYPER ABOUT HYPERMARIONATION!

As I have said (ad nauseum) it drives me crazy that New Captain Scarlet has not yet had national TV exposure in a proper family time slot. My campaign starts here ...

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=22

Campaign for NCS - Day One (FANDERSON PRODUCTION INDEX)

Right, here goes ... Fanderson is a wonderful organisation which gives fans like me a lot of enjoyment. The website seems to have had a new lease of life recently and looks really good.

... So Why Oh Why is the Second Series of New Captain Scarlet completely missing from the Production Index? The First Series was beautifully laid out with great screenshots and a nice professional review.

"Charity begins at home", so the first part of my campaign begins with Fanderson. We cannot expect the TV channels to take notice of NCS if we don't promote it ourselves.

It sounds like some influential people read and contribute to this Forum and I would be very grateful if they could maybe use that influence here... :)

[Virgil Tracy]

I don't think the Production Index has been updated for a long time, because if you look at the Fireball XL5 page it says "A complete episode guide is under construction and will be available shortly." And it's been like that for a long time,

And yes I do think that NCS should be on TV again

Hope that what your doing works:D

[Conrad Lefkon]

Thanks, Virgil - You're a star!

[TonyB]

NCS should definitely be aired again, no doubt about it. Thumbs up from me.

I was only looking at the NCS episode guide on the Fanderson web site a day or so ago, and was surprised that season 2 had not been added as of yet.

A 'pretty please' in the right direction might no go amiss, I am sure that the person looking after the web side of things is already on here. :)

[Silent Bob]

I guess there might still be a second chance for the New Captain Scarlet to find a wider audience. But i think this would only work if it was part of a package that includes gerry's earlier shows.
As happened throughout the 1990's on BBC with Thunderbirds, Stingray,Captain Scarlet and to a lesser degree Joe 90.

[shadokp]

I am amazed at the entire handling of the series in general. Here in America it only showed on an HD Satelitte channel that only a small audience could see. It has yet to be shown anywhere else. You would think that Sony (the distributers of the series) would spend just a little money to get it shown on the Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon at least once and then release it on DVD and bluray.

It makes no sense not to show it somewhere. I always thought that showing it right before Star Wars The Clone Wars on the Cartoon network would be perfect and that viewership would be respectable. Why not try it. They cannot make money if the product is just sitting on the shelf - this goes for ITV in the UK - make an effort to promote it and show it - they have nothing more to lose at this point.

KP

[Conrad Lefkon]

Thanks for your comments, Shadokp. :)

I think I read somewhere that when the Sony Executives were shown an advanced screening of the first episode(s) they all stood up and clapped.

Is that true and, if so, how can they explain such breathtaking hypocrisy? :confused:

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS - Day Two (APPEAL TO MIDDLE AGED FANS)

As one of the oldest members on this Forum you might expect me to be resistant to change. The puppets and models from the Supermarionation days were great so how could a CGI production possibly be of any interest to someone of my generation?

The answer is that New Captain Scarlet was created by Gerry Anderson, a perfectionist. He surrounded himself with a team of committed professionals who shared his vision and who worked day and night to make a great show.

So here is the message for Day 2 of the NCS campaign …

If you are over the age of 50, are a fan of original Captain Scarlet, but have not seen NCS and had not planned to… PLEASE GIVE IT A TRY!


http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=21

The above scene is from Enigma, an episode directed by Dominic Lavery, who has worked extensively on the Bond films. Aren’t you just a little intrigued?

[Silent Bob]

Having thought the situation over some more, i think that New Captain Scarlet would stand a better chance on the BBC than it ever would on ITV.
My reasoning is this, the way way ITV is organised now has changed drastically in the last 3 or 4 years. ITV(1) now carries no childrens programming at all, ITV4 only screens Gerry's 'adult' shows UFO and Space 1999. So if NCS is going to be re-shown it will be on CITV,which would be of no use at all, being another minority channel.
Also if NCS was not part of a package for ,say BBC2, it too would end up CBBC. I would love for NCS to be given another chance, i'm just not sure which channel it would have the best chance on. :confused:

[TonyB]

Time slot wise on the BBC, there is nothing wrong with the 6.00pm slot on BBC2, after all that was where Thunderbirds and Stingray were shown in the 90s and they had good ratings for supposedly children's TV show's. Star Trek Next Gen was shown for at least the first three season in that time slot too, 6.00pm is not too early nor is it too late.

The broadcasters, (any of them), wanting to show the series is the real issue.

[Conrad Lefkon]

Hello Tony and Bob!

I hope you two boys are not getting into any trouble like you did in "Cry Wolf"! You only had The Hood to worry about before!!

Thanks very much for your feedback. I understand that ITV currently have the rights to show NCS in the UK, and Sony in the Rest of the World, and I would like to know definitively the answers to the following questions:

1. Who owns New Captain Scarlet?
2. Is there a time limit on the ITV and Sony broadcast rights?
3. How can we get to the situation where NCS can be offered to the BBC?
4. If the BBC can already bid then why not let them have it for free for 2 broadcasts only?

Question 4 may sound a little crazy but when you think that Gerry's other series are constantly being shown all around the world in many countries then 2 free broadcasts of the entire series might be regarded as a clever promotion. :)

[torchy]

If you are over the age of 50, are a fan of original Captain Scarlet, but have not seen NCS and had not planned to… PLEASE GIVE IT A TRY!


Well.. I am 51, and I consider NCS to be right in there with the glory days of Supermarionation. I loved it, every Saturday morning was a return to the excitement of the sixties for me. Back in the eighties I had high hopes of Terrahawks, which sadly weren't realised, however, NCS ticks all the boxes and if I had one criticism, its that the voice talent of CS and some of the female leads were unconvincing, having said that, Col. White was spot on.
Yup, NCS was, to this Steve Zodiac fan, FAB!

[Silent Bob]

If you are right about ITV currently having the rights to show NCS, and they decide to rescreen it. It will not be broadcast on ITV, it will go out on CITV. On that channel it will never get the adult share of the audience that it deserves.

[TonyB]

IIRC ITV (well Yorkshire Television at any rate) did screen NCS in a teatime slot in 2007 I think, I can't remember the exact time but it was about 4.30/5.00pm, but again it was in a rather butchered format.

[Silent Bob]

Granada did the same, but i dont think they managed a complete season.

[Conrad Lefkon]

Hello Torchy,

Thanks for your contribution and I agree with you about those exciting Saturday mornings when NCS was first aired.

I always taped them but stayed around to see the first half before going shopping. When there was a particularly exciting episode I managed to stall and see the second half before I left.

Enigma was a case in point. How could I go out when the Mysterons had come to Earth?! :)

I agree with you about Colonel White. Mike Hayley gave a faultless voice performance and his rich tones, rounded personality and strong leadership qualities mad him the star turn. The CGI work for this character was consistent and first class throughout the entire series. He was actually an improvement on OCS in my opinion.

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS - Day Three (FANDERSON WELCOME SCREEN)

My next suggestion for promoting NCS is aimed at the many fans from all over the world who visit the Fanderson website on a casual basis to see the latest news and events. I am particularly anxious to target those visitors who have never heard of or seen New Captain Scarlet.

When users navigate to the site they are greeted by the new Fanderson Welcome Screen which looks absolutely terrific. This incorporates a program that randomly displays any one of 15 different images (mostly vehicles, such as Thunderbird 1 or Zero-X).

So here is my message for Day 3 of the NCS campaign …

A polite request to Fanderson to add a couple of extra vehicles from New Captain Scarlet to the randomizing program to promote the series. I suggest the Russian Druzynik Tank (much favoured by the Mysterons) and possibly the huge Mysteron Temporal Cell/Craft from Enigma.

Here is a rough mockup of how the Welcome Screen might look ...

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=24

The idea is that, instead of seeing a familiar craft like Thunderbird 2, the reader will be surprised to see a picture of an interesting vehicle that they don't recognise. This might encourage him or her to investigate the Fanderson site further to find out more.

I suppose in the interests of fairness it might be nice to add Mac’s Air Car from Joe 90 and Gabriel from The Secret Service which are both series that I love. However, my point is that New Captain Scarlet has some great vehicles and that by showing them on the front page of the Fanderson site it will emphasize the importance of the series.

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS - Day Four (SAMPLE DVD IN NATIONAL NEWSPAPER)

My final idea is to raise awareness of New Captain Scarlet with the British public, and particularly with those adults who were children when Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons first aired in the 1960’s.

It is clear from the posts on this Forum that many of the most ardent fans are middle aged adults. In my view, ITV targeted the wrong audience – young children. Why not start again and direct your marketing at the family/adult market.

So here is the final message of my NCS campaign directed at those people and organisations who either own NCS or have the broadcasting rights (ITV and Sony Pictures) …

Many newspapers give away free sample DVD’s. The ideal would be to arrange for the Daily Mail to include a free DVD in their Mail on Saturday newspaper. Don’t make adults feel embarrassed to play it – stress that it is a family show with adult content - after all, it is full of death and destruction!

Make sure that the DVD is available in store at the counter or, better still, sealed with the newspaper along with the TV Guide and other advertising material.

Take a look at this scene from the NCS Series 2 episode called Proteus, directed by Mark Woollard, and tell me that this cutting edge production does not look every bit as thrilling as the original puppet series.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=26

I suggest 2 great episodes for such a promotion – Rat Trap from Series 1 and The Storm at the End of the World from Series 2. Best of Enemies is very ‘heavy’ so you might consider that too.

Thank You

[Silent Bob]

Campaign for NCS - Day Four (of Four)
It is clear from the posts on this Forum that many of the most ardent fans are middle aged adults. In my view, ITV targeted the wrong audience – young children. Why not start again and direct your marketing at the family/adult market.


Ultimately this is the main reason why UFO failed to intially find an audience as the ITv companies did not know, who to aim the programme at!

[Conrad Lefkon]

STOP PRESS! DUE TO UNEXPECTED MYSTERON ACTIVITY THIS CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE ...

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=28

Today the Mysterons have shown themselves to be superior in ways we could never have imagined. They are an enemy that not only fights in the shadows but marshalls those shadows against us.

Today they have won but the war goes on, gentlemen, and we will win it!

New Captain Scarlet will be aired at primetime on national television ... It must.

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS - Day Five (BLU-RAY HIGH DEFINITION RELEASE)

Take a look at the following scene from the deep mining base on Mars which appears in the episode “Syrtis Major”. Don’t you think that it would look good in HIGH DEFINITION.

Well, New Captain Scarlet WAS made in High Definition!! So where is the Blu-ray boxset and when will it be released?

Sony Pictures have the worldwide broadcasting rights of New Captain Scarlet and Sony Corporation owns Blu-ray. Surely this is a huge opportunity, maybe not here in the UK, but across the rest of the world and, in particular, the lucrative American market.

As Griggs, of Vulcan Industries, says in Syrtis Major: “You’ve got to stay ahead in business!” so here is my next suggestion …

Can’t a deal be done between Sony and Sony Pictures to bundle a boxset of New Captain Scarlet with every Blu-ray player that they sell around the world?

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=36

Griggs, of Vulcan Industries: “We are even negotiating mining rights on Io and Ganymede.”
Dr Gold: “But Jupiter’s moons' surveys aren’t even complete yet!”
Griggs: “You’ve got to stay ahead in business.”

[Picasso61]

From what I've seen of New Captain Scarlet so far I'm most impressed with Hypermarionation. Very exciting to watch and super picture quality. I've got nothing but praise for this system.:)

[Conrad Lefkon]

Hello Picasso61,

It is very encouraging to hear your comments.

If I could have chosen the first Supermarionation series that would be reimagined in Hypermarionation then I think Captain Scarlet would have been the one, even if the Thunderbirds title had been available.

The campaign for NCS continues ... :)

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Six (OFFICIAL NEW CAPTAIN SCARLET WEBSITE)

Please take a look at the computer screen below which appears in the NCS episode “Virus”, directed by David Lane. Spectrum have been discussing the suicide of Miguel Fernandez, a high ranking member of the United Nations.

No doubt you will be interested to hear that Miguel was born on 23rd March, was 34 years of age and had brown hair. What is my point?

Today the internet is a vital source of current information and clearly it makes sense to publicize New Captain Scarlet on this global medium. Try pasting these links into your browser and let me know which one you prefer:

www.captainscarlet.com
www.newcaptainscarlet.com

Each about the same?! Here is my next suggestion …

Buy up the newcaptainscarlet.com site name and start giving New Captain Scarlet the global exposure it deserves.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=37

OK, so we haven’t learnt anything about NCS from those non-existent sites but we do know that if he hadn’t killed himself Miguel Fernandez would probably be the next Secretary General of the United Nations.

[Silent Bob]

From what I've seen of New Captain Scarlet so far I'm most impressed with Hypermarionation. Very exciting to watch and super picture quality. I've got nothing but praise for this system.:)

Hypermarionation is not a system, like the predecessors before it, Supermarionation and Supermacromation its really just an advertising gimic. It does not relate to any special production process.

[Picasso61]

Hypermarionation is not a system, like the predecessors before it, Supermarionation and Supermacromation its really just an advertising gimic. It does not relate to any special production process.I stand corrected although both Supermarionation and Supermacromation are referred to as systems of puppetry technique by Wikipedia. :confused:

[Silent Bob]

Hey my man, i'm not trying to pick holes in anyone's knowledge, you love of the shows is obvious in all your posts. Its just that theres newbies on here and it just best to keep everyone accurately informed.

[Picasso61]

Hey my man, i'm not trying to pick holes in anyone's knowledge, you love of the shows is obvious in all your posts. Its just that theres nebies on here and it just best to keep everyone accurately informed.Don't forget I'm a newbie when it comes to Hypermarionation too so I'm glad there's guys around on this forum who know what they're talking about, man.

[Conrad Lefkon]

I like to think of 'Supermarionation' and 'Hypermarionation' in the following terms:

Supermarionation

The use of highly advanced puppets being animated by strings (and moving walkways!) and having the ability to speak in synch with prerecorded dialogue via solenoids.

They also have the opportunity to interact in fantastic sets that would be far too expensive to build in real film studios and visit locations where filming costs would be prohibitive.

Hypermarionation

The use of highly advanced 3 dimensional CGI models of the original characters (sort of) being animated by motion capture artists and having the ability to speak via key-framing of the mouth and other facial features in synch with prerecorded dialogue.

Once again, the CGI 'puppets' have the chance to move in CGI sets and locations far beyond the scope of a normal film set or location shoot.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=38

It is because (in my mind) that the 2 approaches are so similar that I find New Captain Scarlet so compelling. :)

[Derek Eaton]

I was walking past one of those Sony Centre shops the other day - what were they showing on those lovely large TVs in the window? HD channels including sport. What a wonderful opportunity for Sony to play some of its own products in these display centres.

I can see a flood of people standing outside Sony centres all over the country - has someone just died? - "No he's alive".

The fight goes on!

[DukeDexter]

Today the internet is a vital source of current information and clearly it makes sense to publicize New Captain Scarlet on this global medium. Try pasting these links into your browser and let me know which one you prefer:

www.newcaptainscarlet.com

Here is my next suggestion … Buy up the newcaptainscarlet.com site name and start giving New Captain Scarlet the global exposure it deserves.

That's a very good idea.
I wonder if anyone's willing (and able) to set up a site in some basic form and members could contribute ep reviews, pictures etc. Anyone who has a site could link to it... worth a try exhuming New Scarlet!

However what's really needed is for ITV's rights to expire and for someone like the BBC to give it a chance in a family slot. The BBC are always going on about their HD service, well here's something other than a dancing show for them to screen! :)

[Conrad Lefkon]

Thanks for your comments and suggestions, Duke. :)

I wish I was not so much in the dark about how long ITV and Sony Pictures have the broadcasting rights for. I hope it is not forever!

Surely somebody can tell us or at least reassure us that there is a time limit?

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Seven (DOCUMENTARY)

There have been a number of superb documentaries on Gerry Anderson series over the years. Most, if not all, have been trips down memory lane. Here is my next suggestion …

Commission a new documentary with a difference which doesn’t focus on nostalgia but acts as an introduction to New Captain Scarlet for those unlucky people who haven’t seen it yet. I think BBC2 have a track record of showing such documentaries so that might be the way to kickstart NCS!

Here is the voice cast of New Captain Scarlet recording their dialogue …

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=45

… and here are some outtakes from a documentary by Stephen La Rivière which I think you will enjoy while you are waiting …

http://www.youtube.com/user/stephenlariviere#play/uploads/6/WklnWoJekN0

Of course, New Captain Scarlet fans will be interested to know that Jeremy Hitchen (Ninestein) and Robbie/Ben Stevens (Yung-Star) who appear in the above clip also voiced many characters in NCS including:

Robbie/Ben Stevens – Captain Blue, Captain Grey, Chang (Fallen Angels), US President (Touch of the Reaper).

Jeremy Hitchen – Xander Story (Chiller), Cadet Johnson (Trap For A Rhino), Frank Bogart (Contact), John Griggs (Syrtis Major).

[Picasso61]

Thanks for posting that pic of the cast of NCS, Conrad. BTW that's a great clip of the reunited Terrahawks voice cast. Again thanks for that.:) Interesting to see that two of the Terrahawks went on to NCS. Is Nigel Plaskitt in that picture?

[Conrad Lefkon]

Hello Picasso61,

Thanks very much for your post.

Yes, Nigel is the friendly looking character in the light coloured jumper towards the right. I emailed him at his personal website a year or two ago and he replied within a couple of hours. I don't know how I got that picture but thanks to whoever provided it!

I seem to recall that Nigel was originally just the puppeteer for Monkey but in more recent adverts I think he has done the voice work as well. Hard to believe that such a delightful person could be the voice of my good self!!

[Picasso61]

Thanks for your reply, Conrad. I believe Nigel Plaskitt was the voice of Hartley Hare in ATV's Inigo Pipkin/Pipkins during the 1970s. BTW I'm liking reading through all your suggestions. Some great ideas. :):D

[Conrad Lefkon]

Thanks again, Picasso61 - Nice avatar!

[Derek Eaton]

I always quite fancied one of the NCS off duty(?) t-shirts that scarlet and blue wear. You need a basic ringer T-shirt with red or blue trimming on the neck and arms and a good NCS badge. I think it could be a very fashionable item to wear at the next Fanderson Convention or at Memorablia. Perhaps we good get one produced on zazzle then we can all order one.

www.zazzle.com

It would be good for promotional purposes.

Also when OCS was relaunched in the 90s there was a "Black is Back" T-shirt which should really be redone for the NCS. What do other shades think?

[Conrad Lefkon]

Hello Derek,

Thanks very much for your suggestion.

I have a habit of hearing what I want to hear but I take it you are not hinting that there will be an NCS relaunch are you? :)

[Picasso61]

Thanks again, Picasso61 - Nice avatar!Thanks Conrad!:) I like my sig(pardon the pun!:p)nature too!:D

[Colonel Foster]

Even my long suffering friends actually ASK to watch this fantastic show! Especially after a few beers..jolly exciting stuff. My first memories are Anderson shows and I was borm in 1966...NCS is brilliant and a great follow on from the original.... It should have been put on ITV before the re launch of Doctor Who... what a fab Sat night viewing we would have had.... POLITICS me thinks.

[Conrad Lefkon]

Thanks very much for your support of NCS, Colonel Foster!

As I type the name 'Colonel Foster' the little voice in my head changes immediately to the distinctive American accent and sound of Ed Bishop's voice (as he bosses Foster around). :)

Foster was initially in the dark about SHADO but not as much as we are about the broadcasting rights of NCS. :confused:

[Colonel Foster]

" too slow earthman"

[TonyB]

but not as much as we are about the broadcasting rights of NCS.

There were actually broadcasting rights for NCS, blimey you could have fooled me. :(

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Eight (MERCHANDISE – OLD BOYS' TOYS)

Gerry’s Supermarionation and live action shows have always been associated with great toys, games and magazines for the younger generation and especially wonderful diecast models.

The old models, such as the Dinky 103 (SSC), Dinky 104 (SPV) and Dinky 105 (MSV) now fetch fabulous prices on eBay and Vectis Auctions when in mint condition. This is not parents humouring their spoilt children – it is Dads spoiling themselves!

With Hypermarionation, Corgi did a magnificent job in creating a set of 3 New Captain Scarlet diecast vehicles – the Rhino TRU (Tactical Response Unit), the Cheetah RRV (Rapid Response Vehicle) and the Falcon Interceptor aircraft.

However, I think we all know that there is now another market – old boys’ toys – which didn’t exist back then and so here is my next suggestion …

If this campaign for getting NCS on primetime TV is successful then please, please can Corgi create a set of “old boys toys” to include not only the Rhino, Cheetah and Falcon but also the Druzynik tank, Vampire Jet and Spectrum Albatross as well!

Here is a photo of Corgi’s glorious 2006 catalogue.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=46

I don’t think Corgi are making these fantastic vehicles any more but you can still pick them up brand new by surfing for online toyshops. eBay is excellent when it comes to selling ex shop stock.

A new Rhino should cost about £15 and the Cheetah and Falcon are priced at around £10.

[Derek Eaton]

Hello Derek,

Thanks very much for your suggestion.

I have a habit of hearing what I want to hear but I take it you are not hinting that there will be an NCS relaunch are you? :)

Dear Conrad Lefton - Your are the relaunch. You are the "Instrument" of it

[TonyB]

I don’t think Corgi are making these fantastic vehicles any more but you can still pick them up brand new by surfing for online toyshops. eBay is excellent when it comes to selling ex shop stock.

A new Rhino should cost about £15 and the Cheetah and Falcon are priced at around £10.

The Corgi CS/NCS vehicles are very good quality and well worth the prices, I highly recommended both the classic Scarlet and the NCS vehicles. Top notch stuff, and if you look around enough you will grab yourself a bargain.

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Nine (MERCHANDISE – PLASTIC TOYS)

Bandai Captain Scarlet 8cm Vehicle Set A http://www.bandai.co.uk/product-details-page.aspx?CI_ID=21

Up until a few years ago there was a Bandai toy shop. On its shelves, assembled with almost apparent care, were shining boxes filled with New Captain Scarlet plastic Mini Vehicles – Stallion raid bikes, Hummingbird helicopters, Vampire fighters …

Some of these toys had batteries and a little button on the roof which when pressed would produce engine noises. After school, the children would excitedly press these buttons and the shop would come alive. The toys would emit their sounds … Tiny wails, tiny cries. “Please buy me” they seemed to say …

But the children would have long gone, knowing that the batteries would not last forever. The toys stayed on the shelves until one day they were all cleared away into crates to make way for a new display.

Gone and forgotten, never to be seen again, the NCS Mini Vehicles shed tears at the wintered turn of the centuries.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=47

Sorry! I think I must have been affected by the gases in the Vulcan Industries deep mine on Mars (Syrtis Major). I was just lamenting the demise of Bandai’s wonderful range of NCS plastic toys – I doubt if many were sold and we are unlikely to see these particular ones again.

Let’s hope Bandai will be there for us and do as good a job next time around if a new range of NCS toys is needed!

With thanks to David Bowie (song "Glass Spider")

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Ten (THE CASE FOR HYPERMARIONATION)

Right! After the serious bit let’s have a go at explaining why I love Hypermarionation (if it exists!).

#1 BLOOPERS & HUMOUR

Most people enjoy seeing TV bloopers and comedy moments. Unfortunately, New Captain Scarlet delivers on neither.

Bloopers – the NCS Team would have to be mad to take the trouble to actually render, light and film a blooper. I can only think of a couple including when a strange glitch occurred during a high speed Rhino chase through the Scottish highlands. A ‘volcanic hill’ suddenly rose up and then disappeared just as quickly (Trap For A Rhino).

Humour – NCS is a very dark series so naturally there is little humour and what there is tends to be dark as well (most is supplied by Yours Truly). The only time I actually laughed out loud was when they showed the following scene from Instrument of Destruction part 2:

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=165

FBI Chief: “Say, where’s your weapon?”
Scarlet: “Cutbacks! Blue gets the gun on Fridays.”

Blooper and Humour Rating: 1 / 10
(Stick with it – things can only get better!)

[Virgil Tracy]

FBI Chief: “Say, where’s your weapon?”
Scarlet: “Cutbacks! Blue gets the gun on Fridays.”

I like that bit too, it's funny:D

Keep up the good work with your Campaign for NCS, I'm with you all the way:D

[Conrad Lefkon]

Thanks for your comments and encouragement, Virgil :)

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Eleven (THE CASE FOR HYPERMARIONATION)

‘Key Framing’ is an essential part of NCS and is used for animating faces and all manner of things. However, when it is used to make characters walk, run, jump and fall then it just doesn’t work for me!

Wikipedia says “A key frame in animation is a drawing that defines the starting and ending points of any smooth transition. Because only two or three keyframes over the span of a second does not create the illusion of movement, the remaining frames are filled with inbetweens.”

#2 RUBBERY LEGS AND WEIGHTLESSNESS

When Motion Capture is used to animate a character in New Captain Scarlet the results are usually superb. One reason is that MoCap, by its very nature, conveys an impression of weight in a figure. Maybe you don’t always appreciate this but you will notice its absence if MoCap is not used.

By contrast, Key Framing conveys no sense of heaviness. You could almost believe that the person is weightless or hollow. Whenever an NCS character's movements seem cartoon-like rather than true to life that is what I mean.

Also, with Key Framing the characters’ legs often seem rubbery or bendy in a way that is quite disconcerting. It is as if the technique cannot distinguish between animating the person’s legs and and animating their trousers!

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=227

Scene from “Touch of the Reaper”

Scarlet: “Help us, Dr King. Were your legs animated by MoCap or Key Framing?”
(I think you can tell from Dr King’s expression what his answer is likely to be!)

Rubbery Legs and Weightlessness Rating: 2 / 10

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Twelve (THE CASE FOR HYPERMARIONATION)

Spectacular explosions have always been a hallmark of Gerry Anderson’s Supermarionation series. I love the one that occurs when Sakov uses a rifle to shoot out the tyres of the GK2 test car in the episode of The Secret Service called The Cure. The car then careers off the track and explodes like an atomic bomb and yet the driver is still available for work the next day! What a guy!

#3 PYROTECHNICS

In spite of the obvious hard work that has gone into them, explosions are not a strong point of New Captain Scarlet. The worst ones are in Instrument of Destruction part 2 but that is not surprising as those were the early days of Hypermarionation.

Having said that, I think that the effects in the episode called Chiller are absolutely terrific and the lengths to which the Mysterons are prepared to go to kill Scarlet are quite shocking.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=228

Scene from “Chiller” (10 / 10)

The Mysterons take over a large petro-chemical tanker and use it to cremate Captain Scarlet in a huge fireball. It is so atmospheric that I must give full marks for this spectacular effort. As a general rule the explosions are not so convincing…

Pyrotechnics Rating: 3 / 10

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Thirteen (THE CASE FOR HYPERMARIONATION)

OCS usually involved someone having a very nasty accident at the hands of the Mysterons who would then replicate him as the instrument of their latest attack in the ‘War of Nerves’. A threat would be broadcast to the peoples of Earth at the start of the episode.

The format of NCS is similar but a little more loosely defined. There is no broadcast by the Mysterons and the plot generally becomes clear much later in the story.

#4 MYSTERONISATION AND THE MYSTERON THREATS

Mysteronisation - There is nothing remarkable about the methods used in NCS and sometimes you don’t see how it was done. A couple of the better ones are in ‘Rain of Terror’ where the rainclouds are affected by the green rings and ‘Chiller’ where green gases are seemingly forced down a trucker’s throat.

My favourite is in ‘Storm at the End of the World’ where a whole township is taken over. Even the cars, roads and buildings are destroyed and reconstructed, including an iconic church tower. This is not just a gimmick as the whole community is needed to help the Mysterons carry out their deadly plan.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=229

Scene from “Storm at the End of the World” (again 10 / 10 for this one)

Mysteron Threats - Many of these threats involve bombs, the destruction of Skybase and things like that. My favourite is in the excellent ‘Circles of Doom’ where the Mysterons say they will sabotage every digital system on the planet unless Earth surrenders.

The most outrageous is in the superb episode called ‘Enigma’. Something along the lines of “However they did it the Mysterons have destroyed one third of the world’s oil supply!”

Mysteron Performance Rating: 4 / 10

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Fourteen (THE CASE FOR HYPERMARIONATION)

In my view music is far and away the most important feature of any Gerry Anderson series. It feeds the imagination and not only complements the show but actually builds it up into something monumental.

For me the best example is in the Thunderbirds episode, ‘Day of Disaster’, where Barry Gray’s dramatic piece entitled ‘March of the Giant Oyster’ adds such grandeur to the procession of the rocket along the road to its launch site.

#5 MUSIC AND CREDITS

Crispin Merrell - I have great admiration for the work of Crispin Merrell, so much so that if Gerry got the chance to make another show then Crispin would be one of the first two people I would recruit, the other being Dominic Lavery.

Here is a link to Crispin’s website, called ‘toomanynotes’, and I urge you to listen to the 3rd piece on the playlist, entitled ‘Battleship Proteus’, while looking at the picture below. I think it is a stirring and dramatic score which adds considerably to the scene.

http://www.toomanynotes.co.uk/music.html

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=245

(Scene from episode ‘Proteus’)

Opening Credits – The music to the opening credits is the most important part of any Gerry Anderson show. The music sets the agenda at every level, intellectual and emotional, and even defines the target audience. A huge responsibility!

The current theme accompanies and mirrors the action of the opening credits well but adds nothing to the experience (and therefore takes away). It is superb incidental music but is not strong enough to launch the show.

Suggestion: If you have the NCS boxset I think you will find an astonishing improvement if you play Crispin’s other famous title music, Space Precinct (see above link), while watching the opening credits of NCS with the sound turned off!

Allow most of the opening hospital room sequence to pass and then start Space Precinct at about the same time as when Dr Gold says “Impossible!” It synchs up surprisingly well and the music adds richness and drives the titles along wonderfully well!

Opening Titles Rating: 5 / 10

[Chrisof]

I am enjoying this thread :)
Keep it up your doing a great job.

[TonyB]

Like Chris I am enjoying reading this thread, its great to have other peoples perspectives on things in the series that you either enjoyed or were disappointed with on a personal level.

[Conrad Lefkon]

Hello Chrisof and TonyB,

Many thanks for your kind comments, Earthmen. :)

If only something could be done about the American market - I cannot understand how Sony could buy the rights and then do nothing with them. Surely, a DVD release with a bit of advertising would quickly recoup the costs.

[Derek Eaton]

As of a result of this campaign we now have an NCS Fanderson logo on the Fanderson website landing page. You might have to keep pressing F5 on the homepage to see it in action as there are quite a few different graphics now. Special thanks to Conrad Lefkon and Mike Jones.

The fight goes on...

[TonyB]

As of a result of this campaign we now have an NCS Fanderson logo on the Fanderson website landing page. You might have to keep pressing F5 on the homepage to see it in action as there are quite a few different graphics now. Special thanks to Conrad Lefkon and Mike Jones.

The fight goes on...

Does this mean that the NCS episode guide on the Fanderson web site is to be updated then. :)

[Picasso61]

I'm also enjoying this thread - keep up the good work, guys.:)

[s3c]

Does this mean that the NCS episode guide on the Fanderson web site is to be updated then. :)

Its on the list but behind the Convention online registration form and updating the sales list with the new UFO CD. It could be a future campaign success.

[Conrad Lefkon]

Hello Derek,

Thank you so much for working with Mike Jones to get the Cheetah Rapid Response Vehicle up on the Fanderson landing page - it looks lovely. :)

I have just spent a delicious 20 minutes or so pressing F5 trying to spot all the new graphics. It is great to see Fireflash and the helijet given recognition... "I'd better get out of this piece of sky before I get my feet wet!"

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – "The Finger is on the Trigger!" (NEW OPENING TITLES)

This piece of music is only 30 seconds long and is absolutely outstanding - it makes my hair stand on end!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzAIz0VF5eE

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=246

Here is my 10th and last suggestion ...

Get the rights to the awesome music from Gerry Anderson's 'Eternity' and commission a new, almost identical video but this time based on Mars and the Mysterons. Use this 30 second masterpiece as a bumper at the start of every episode in a similar way to the atmospheric "The Mysterons, sworn enemies of Earth!" speech by Ed Bishop.

The planet would be replaced by Mars and the title would say "Gerry Anderson's New Captain Scarlet". The text would tell the story of how the Mysterons had lived undisturbed for millions of years until Black and Scarlet destroyed their city.

This standalone, slow paced piece of music would then be followed by an all new theme tune, written by Crispin Merrell, with all new film clips taken from the better scenes in the later episodes.

For example, the dogfight between the Angels and the Vampire jets (taken from Instrument of Destruction) would be replaced by the dogfight in, say, Fallen Angels, and so on.

I don't know who owns the copyright to this music but it could be the best money ever spent. Nobody could treat NCS as a kid's show ever again with an opening 30 seconds like that!

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Fifteen (THE CASE FOR HYPERMARIONATION)

I believe that Captain Scarlet was the Supermarionation show most suited to being reimagined in Hypermarionation (i.e. 3D CGI figures animated by Motion Capture).

The concept of transferring existing, well-loved (and feared) characters from puppets to CGI, rather than creating an all new show, was particularly appealing. So how successful was it?

#6 CHARACTERISATION AND VOICE WORK

Main Characters – The transition from OCS to NCS was, let us say, a bit of a curate’s egg. Colonel White was an improvement both in appearance and in voice. Other characters suffered from a certain amount of inconsistency of appearance, even after the first 2 pilot episodes. It was vital that Paul Metcalfe looked right throughout the show - he did and there were some terrific closeups.

Captain Black sounded better but looked worse whereas Captain Blue’s features seemed to change, particularly his eyebrows which on one occasion were almost yellow! The female Lieutenant Green worked out well and was a strong performer throughout the show.

Destiny changed from being eye candy into a strong-willed, feisty and even combative character. I liked her but was disappointed when she lost that voluptuous look after ‘Instrument of Destruction’.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=247

Supporting Cast – One of the pleasures of Supermarionation was seeing the Repertory Company in action, as I think the bit-part puppets were called. Good news! NCS also has a CGI Repertory Company and many of the supporting cast appear more than once, as does their wardrobe.

If you check out the Mysteronisation scene on Day 13 of this campaign, I think you will see Kopalski from ‘Mercury Falling’ and Conrad Lefkon’s checked shirt from ‘Enigma’ as a couple of examples. Also, the policeman may be from ‘Trap for a Rhino’ and the guy in yellow probably has clothes from ‘Syrtis Major’.

Voice Artists – Of course, nobody could replace Francis Matthews and Ed Bishop but then nobody was trying to. The standout performances are from Mike Hayley, as Colonel White, and Nigel Plaskitt, as Captain Black.

Mike adds humanity and warmth to a voice that was born to command. Nigel speaks quietly but there is an unfathomable quality, hard to define, in his performance - a sort of centuries old irony. I loved the voicework of Jeremy (Ninestein) Hitchen for lowlife villains such as Xander Story (Chiller) and Cadet Johnson (Trap For A Rhino).

Original Captain Scarlet Transferability Rating: 6 / 10

[Derek Eaton]

The only character I did not really warm to in NCS was Captain Blue - perhaps I was just missing Ed Bishop.

[shadokp]

Back in 2005/2006 I wrote a letter to Sony relating to NCS and sort of promoting and requesting information about the series. The letter was returned to sender so I never figured out if I had the wrong address or they just didn't want to read it.

If anyone has an address for Sony Pictures Television perhaps another letter can be sent. I seem to remember having trouble finding the address and when I did, it was wrong anyway.

Another letter could be written to the Cartoon Network.

KP

[Picasso61]

The only character I did not really warm to in NCS was Captain Blue - perhaps I was just missing Ed Bishop.I thought the character was a real misery, Derek. Mike Hayley who voiced Colonel White sounded almost like Donald Gray from the original series. Well done to him.:)

[shadokp]

I just sent a feedback message to the Cartoon Network so maybe some answers are coming.

I would think that a strong showing of NCS in another country like Japan or the United States for example may boost interest in re-airing the series in the UK. Certainly a successful showing in the the UK could give the show new life over seas as well.

KP

[Conrad Lefkon]

Hello Shadokp,

I remember you telling us about trying to contact Sony Pictures Television on another forum at the time. :)

It seems so strange that the letter was neither forwarded to the correct address (if yours was wrong) or replied to (if it was correct). How on Earth did this company manage to get the broadcasting rights in the first place as they seem so remote from reality? :confused:

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Sixteen (THE CASE FOR HYPERMARIONATION)

Dominic Lavery and his concept team must have had a field day creating the huge range of vehicles for New Captain Scarlet. There are also numerous innovations and pieces of technology that are seen throughout the show such as the Skybase Control Centre, manned by Lieutenant Green, and don’t forget the Mysteron Rat!

#7 VEHICLES AND TECHNOLOGY

Here is the Cheetah Rapid Response Vehicle and Air Force One, a Condor aircraft, carrying the US President. Doesn’t this remind you a little of the OCS episode ‘Winged Assassin’ and Delta Tango One Niner?

Note: The Cheetah RRV has been kindly added to the Fanderson Welcome Page – Press the F5 button repeatedly until you see it! Unusually, this particular NCS car was created by an automobile designer called Peter Stevens.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=250
Scene from episode 'Touch of the Reaper'

Like-for-Like Spectrum Vehicles – The Rhino TRU, Cheetah RRV and Falcon Interceptors are the counterparts of the SPV, SSC and Angel aircraft from original Captain Scarlet. Skybase has replaced the old Cloudbase and the Spectrum Passenger Jet is redesignated as the Swift Passenger Jet.

All New Spectrum Vehicles - Spectrum has a number of all new vehicles including the Albatross SDC, a vertical take off and landing aircraft housed aboard Skybase, which is used to deploy the Rhinos around the world. There is a sort of 'Russian doll' effect here - Scarlet is inside the Rhino which is inside the Albatross which is in Skybase!

For space travel, there is the Spectrum Space Shuttle, a strange monstrosity seemingly based on a rusty car exhaust, which is used to deploy the Bison Alien Terrain Vehicle on both Mars and the Moon.

Mysteron Vehicles (or craft associated with them) – My favourite is the Druzynik Battlewagon Tank that stomps around Earth blowing everything to bits. The Mysterons have a propensity to take over Condor Freighters and Vampire Fighter planes but if that fails, they can always fall back on their own gigantic spaceship which lands on Earth in the episode ‘Enigma’.

Other Craft – There are many other cars, lorries, ships and aircraft including Hank McGill’s black sedan (IoD), a Lancaster bomber (Circles of Doom), a new Fireball XL5 (Mercury Falling), a hydrofoil (Fallen Angels), the Hydrolabs transporter (Rain of Terror) and a 200mph train (Heist).

We are getting to the sharp end now, so ...

Vehicles and Technology Rating: 7 / 10

[Derek Eaton]

Regarding the Cheetah RRV - one of the magic moments of the show for me is :- You look at the design of this and think - ok not bad - then you see it hit the road on screen and suddenly it all makes sense!

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Seventeen (THE CASE FOR HYPERMARIONATION)

The storytelling for New Captain Scarlet is spectacular thanks to the imagination and creativity of Phil Ford who wrote 21 of the 26 scripts. There are no limits to what can be done when you film in Hypermarionation and Phil has surpassed himself. There are also first rate scripts from John Brown (4) and Brian Finch (1).

#8 SCRIPTS AND STORYLINES

Here is a scene from Phil Ford’s definitive episode, called ‘Rat Trap’, in which a missile has been fired at the Spectrum Space Shuttle by an unknown assailant. This computer screen, in the Elysium Base on Mars, is displaying a schematic of a probe that scientists use in hostile environments.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=251

Scarlet: “Remote Acquisition Technology, or R.A.T. ...a top specification killing machine under the control of the Mysterons!”
Blue: “And this thing fired that missile?”
Scarlet: “This hand is as dextrous as a human’s. With the Mysterons running it that ‘thing’ can do anything they want it to!”

If that exchange doesn’t send a shiver down your spine then New Captain Scarlet is not for you – but first you had better check that you still have a pulse!

Location Shoots

Rat Trap and Syrtis Major are both ‘filmed’ on Mars but other stories are set in the deserts of South Africa (Rain of Terror), Australia (Enigma), Spain (Virus), England (IoD part 1, Circles of Doom, Heist), Scotland (Trap for a Rhino, The Achilles Messenger), Russia and Siberia (Best of Enemies, Dominion) and the Moon (Duel).

Hypermarionation Teleplay Rating: 8 / 10

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Eighteen (THE CASE FOR HYPERMARIONATION)

Phil Ford and his colleagues have delivered some wonderful storylines. Hypermarionation makes it possible to make those stories come to life through the creation of sets and locations in a virtual computer world. The modellers and lighters have exceeded all expectations in this series.

#9 LOCATIONS, SETS AND LIGHTING

I just marvel when I watch this chase scene in Northern Russia – haven’t they got the Aurora, or Northern Lights, down to a tee and doesn’t that army lorry look good? I am magically transported to that silent place and can almost feel the snow crunching under my feet.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=253

(Scene from episode ‘Best of Enemies’)

Geographical Features - It feels as if every possible geographical feature has been covered. We have seen lush countryside, burning deserts, frozen wastes, tropical islands and the deep blue sea. We have gone into space and explored both Mars and the Moon.

Weather and Climate – We have seen early morning mists, glorious sunshine, torrential rain and falling shadows not to mention night skies and the Northern Lights.

Sets – There have been many wonderful sets ranging from the cold steel framework of Engineering on Skybase to Mrs MacKenzie’s quaint little cottage in the Highlands with its patterned carpets, tidy ornaments and crackling fire.

Congratulations to everyone on the NCS Team for a great job!

Locations, Sets and Lighting Rating: 9 / 10

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Day Nineteen (THE CASE FOR HYPERMARIONATION)

Original Captain Scarlet was a landmark show in the progression of Supermarionation. It brought a realism to puppetry that was previously unheard of. Hypermarionation, which is essentially 3D CGI characters animated by motion capture, has immense possibilities if the TV bosses will show some courage.

New Captain Scarlet is not a perfect show, as my earlier ratings testify, but it has its own identity, fires the imagination, entertains and gives you a generous glimpse of what might be possible.

#10 MOTION CAPTURE

Motion Capture is the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Hypermarionation. Take a look at this screen shot from the final fight between Scarlet and Black in 'Dominion' – it has everything.

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=256

(Scene from episode ‘Dominion’)

The Mausoleum Club, formed to celebrate the merits of programmes made during the golden era of television, claim that television died in the late 1980’s. TV audiences are fragmented across numerous channels all clamouring for your attention and existing on smaller and smaller revenues.

The world moves on but now we have Hypermarionation, so let’s embrace it!

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Final Day (MICHAEL GRADE CBE)

Scarlet beat his head with his clenched fist in his impotent anger.

Gerry Anderson: "Do you tell me that we have to sit down under this? Do you say that no one can ever get a Hypermarionation series broadcast on primetime television?"

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=257

Michael Grade: "No, I don't say that," and his eyes seemed to be looking far into the future. "I don't say that it can't be done. But you must give me time -- you must give me time!"

We all sat in silence for some minutes, while those fateful eyes still strained to pierce the veil.

(With thanks to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

[Silent Bob]

Unfortunately Michael Grade has never had the insight that his uncle had. You only have to look at his first tenure at the BBC. He 'rested' Doctor Who for 18 months, got rid of the popular American soap 'Dynasty' and tried to scrap 'Blackadder' after its first series.
Then after giving Doctor Who one more season, he decided to fire Colin Baker (funny that Grade was dating Baker's ex-wife Liza Goddard, at the time.)
He always said the resting of Dr Who was because it had become too violent, no wit and poor production values. But he was in a position to change that, but he didn't. Why?
Because in later years he admitted it was a personal dislike of science-fiction programmes. :(

[Conrad Lefkon]

Hello Silent Bob,

Thanks very much for your detailed reply. :)

I have been rewatching Stephen La Riviere's documentary, called 'Stand By For Action', and I was struck by how upset Gerry was about the way New Captain Scarlet was "murdered" by ITV. It had seriously damaged his career because potential new backers naturally wanted to know how successful NCS had been.

I think Hypermarionation could become the cornerstone of much action-orientated television in the future and not just programmes made by Gerry Anderson. Michael Grade could make his mark by at least considering commissioning an all-new Hypermarionation show based on the promise shown by Gerry's NCS.

I could live with Michael Grade saying 'No' after carrying out a detailed review and feasibility study. My fear is that he has never even heard of Hypermarionation and is protected from dealing directly with people like Gerry by 'yes men' and 'bean counters'.

Does anyone on Fanderson know Michael Grade, I wonder, or have any way of at least getting his attention?

[Silent Bob]

You are totally right about the way ITV treated the NCS, it really was never given a decent chance at all to secure a regular audience.
ITV new how popular the repeats of the 60s shows were on BBC2. So having a brand new show from the same producer, you would have thought they would have given it a half decent slot. They did that for Terrahawks and Lavender Castle, which are nowhere near as good as NCS!

[Derek Eaton]

Great campaign Conrad - really enjoyed it.

The fight goes on.

[Simon Morris]

I think NCS was a hugely underrated series and enjoyable on it's own terms. I was a big fan of the original, and even now think that NCS was a stunning 'sequel', in many ways superior to it's predecessor.

As far as Michael Grade goes, I suspect that he wouldn't have been involved in any decision to 'decommission' or indeed 'commission' NCS - that would indeed have been the decision of committees and bean-counters.

The way ITV is now going I don't think Grade is a player of any significance in it's future programme commissions anyway!

[j3pfilms]

There are many complaints about ITV handling NCS's first broadcast badly. But here's my personal experience when I tried to watch the series:

I remember when I used to attempt to record the episodes on VHS. Bloody difficult when you don't know when the show's on! Needless to say there were several episodes I missed. In fact I believe I missed most of the "second season" because ITV made no mention of it! In fact I nearly missed it from the beginning since the only advertising I saw for it was a CITV logo with mysteron rings on it!

I was suprised (because of the shocking way ITV treated the broadcast) and releaved that they released on DVD and I used to watch them again a lot. I discovered that the episodes weren't in production order on the discs which slightly annoys me.

But appart from ITV being complete idiots, It's a great show. It got the balance of being a completely new show, and a remake just right :)

[Silent Bob]

I think NCS was a hugely underrated series and enjoyable on it's own terms. I was a big fan of the original, and even now think that NCS was a stunning 'sequel', in many ways superior to it's predecessor.

As far as Michael Grade goes, I suspect that he wouldn't have been involved in any decision to 'decommission' or indeed 'commission' NCS - that would indeed have been the decision of committees and bean-counters.

The way ITV is now going I don't think Grade is a player of any significance in it's future programme commissions anyway!

He certainly wont be a player of any significance, as he will be stepping down as ITVs Chief Exectutive before the end of 2009.

[Silent Bob]

The one area i thought NCS was at its weakest, was the opening and closing credits. one of the signiatures of Gerry's shows were the fast paced, dynamic credits to grab the viewers.
I did not find this with NCS (most episodes were excellent though) But again this is not a fault exclusive to NCS, as most new shows seem to have very bland music and credits today.

[Derek Eaton]

Has anyone got any idea of how many times the show has been repeated. It was on CITV at around 7.25 in the morning at one point and I believe they went through the entire series as I saw the first episode twice at this time some weeks apart?

How many times has it been shown in the UK?

[Conrad Lefkon]

Hello Silent Bob, Derek, Simon and j3pfilms,

Thank you very much for your support and kind and thoughtful comments.

Gentlemen, we have had our first success in the fight against the Mysterons - the NCS Cheetah now appears on the Fanderson landing page - but we still have a job to do!

Members of Spectrum, this particular campaign has concluded but I am now authorised to tell you that it was only the first phase of a much larger project, "NCS Operation Sword" ... :)

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=258

[shadokp]

Has anyone got any idea of how many times the show has been repeated. It was on CITV at around 7.25 in the morning at one point and I believe they went through the entire series as I saw the first episode twice at this time some weeks apart?

How many times has it been shown in the UK?

I am just guessing but I thought I heard it was on in the afternoons at around 4:30 for a time. I had not heard about 7:25 in the morning.

KP

[TonyB]

Cannot comment on the 7.25am slot, but NCS was definitely repeated, or part of the series was, in a late afternoon/tea time weekday slot.

[j3pfilms]

I remember it used to be on ITV2 at about 6am, but I used to watch it on ITV2+1 at 7am

[Masterspy]

… and here are some outtakes from a documentary by Stephen La Rivière which I think you will enjoy while you are waiting …

http://www.youtube.com/user/stephenlariviere#play/uploads/6/WklnWoJekN0

Of course, New Captain Scarlet fans will be interested to know that Jeremy Hitchen (Ninestein) and Robbie/Ben Stevens (Yung-Star) who appear in the above clip also voiced many characters in NCS including:

Robbie/Ben Stevens – Captain Blue, Captain Grey, Chang (Fallen Angels), US President (Touch of the Reaper).

Jeremy Hitchen – Xander Story (Chiller), Cadet Johnson (Trap For A Rhino), Frank Bogart (Contact), John Griggs (Syrtis Major).

And both Robbie and Jeremy ended up in NCS as a direct result of that programme.

[Conrad Lefkon]

Campaign for NCS – Epilogue (Michael Grade hands over to ADAM CROZIER)

MICHAEL GRADE: "You have probably never heard of Adam Crozier?"

GERRY ANDERSON: "Never."

MICHAEL GRADE: "Ay, there's the genius and the wonder of the thing. The man pervades London, and no one has heard of him. That's what puts him on a pinnacle in the records of business. I tell you Gerry, in all seriousness, that if I could persuade that man, if I could get him to schedule New Captain Scarlet on primetime ITV, I should feel that my own career had reached its summit."

"He is the Napoleon of change management, Gerry. He is the organizer of half that is streamlined and of nearly all that is profitable in this great city. He is a genius, a philosopher, an abstract thinker. He has a brain of the first order. He sits motionless, like a spider in the centre of its web, but that web has a thousand radiations, and he knows well every quiver of each of them."

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=645
Adam Crozier is the new chairman of ITV plc. I hope he will recognise the potential of Hypermarionation!

"I was sitting in my room thinking the matter over when the door opened and Adam Crozier stood before me. My nerves are fairly proof, Gerry, but I must confess to a start when I saw the very man who had been so much in my thoughts standing there on my threshold. His appearance was quite familiar to me."

ADAM CROZIER: "All that I have to say has already crossed your mind."

MICHAEL GRADE: "Then possibly my suggestion has crossed yours?"

ADAM CROZIER: "You think New Captain Scarlet can be a success?"

MICHAEL GRADE: "Absolutely."

(With thanks to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)


HYPERMARIONATION

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=31&pictureid=602
Hypermarionation uses Motion Capture instead of strings

http://www.fanderson.org.uk/forum/picture.php?albumid=31&pictureid=619
The same scene after final render in RAT TRAP - it must have been a different take

[Derek Eaton]

Great post and picture - hope it all comes true

[Conrad Lefkon]

Thanks, Derek :)

I certainly hope that the guy who visited MrThunder's shop and said about ITV possibly relaunching NCS was correct.