Copyrights Group

 

Classic Thunderbirds logo Classic Thunderbirds image Classic Thunderbirds image

Classic Thunderbirds™

 

Introduction

Thunderbirds is the brainchild of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, the husband-and-wife production team who developed the story concept of the heroic Tracy family and their secret organization, International Rescue. Since the launch of the 32 x 50 minute episode television series in 1965, which used the 'Supermarionation' pre-computer graphics era puppetry technique, Thunderbirds has become a globally recognized classic television series with iconic branding status.

 

Thunderbirds is set in 2065 and features a host of characters, each with a unique and very 'human' personality. The acknowledged stars of the series are the International Rescue team, led by the wise and brave patriarch Jeff Tracy and his sons, Scott, Virgil, Alan, Gordon and John, each who pilots one of the unique Thunderbirds vehicles that 'share' top billing with the characters. Thunderbirds inspires and ignites the imagination with its ingenuity, exciting story lines, strong characters, humour and eye-opening special effects.

 

 

Brand Values

 

Retro, Futuristic, Techno-savvy, Innovative, Timeless.

 

 

Target Market

  • Adults, 25 to 50 (From 'Generation X’ers' to Baby Boomers).
  • Sci-Fi Collectors.
  • Teenage Males.

 

Unique Selling Points

  • Strong international fan-base, particularly in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
  • Retro-futuristic heritage; the Classic Thunderbirds brand continues to attract new generations of fans.
  • After more than 40 years, the program is still innovative in its use of ‘Supermarionation’ puppetry techniques and special effects long before the age of computer graphic images.

 

Media and Profile

  • The digitally re-mastered TV series was re-launched internationally in 2000 by Carlton International (now Granada).
  • Over US$450 million in retail merchandise sales worldwide since 2000.
  • Universal Studios released a live-action movie, “Thunderbirds”, in mid-2004 directed by Jonathan Frakes (“Commander William Riker” of Star Trek: The Next Generation fame), starring Ben Kingsley (Ghandi) as the evil Hood, Bill Paxton as Jeff Tracy (Apollo 13) and Anthony Edwards (ER, Top Gun) as Brains.
  • Successful merchandise and promotional licensing programme in Japan where Thunderbirds celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2006.
  • Strong internet presence via the official website www.thunderbirdsonline.com (English) and www.tbjapan.com (Japanese) as well as many fan-run websites.
  • The 'Thunderbirds Modern' exhibition in Japan took place in nine major venues from 2003 to 2004, attracting over 30,000 visitors. Attractions at the exhibition included puppets from the original series and a collection of rare and vintage Thunderbird merchandise.
  • Thunderbirds on TV in Asia: NHK Educational (Japan), Super Channel (Japan), Star World (Asia).
  • Thunderbirds on DVD in Asia: Tohokushinsha (Japan) released collector’s boxed sets (33,000 units sold in 2002), Power International (Taiwan) launched summer 2003, Eten Developments (Hong Kong) launched 2003.

 

East Asian Licensing

Copyrights Asia is expanding its licensing presence in East Asia (except Japan, which is managed by Tohokushinsha) seeking merchandising licences across all product categories including casual fashion clothing, toys, games, Science Fiction collectables and publications. Classic Thunderbirds is also ideally suited for promotions, including insurance, consumer electronics, Internet, telecommunications and mobile telephones.

 

Current licensees include:

  • Yujin - PVC toys for distribution through vending machines (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Korea, Malaysia).
  • Pro Pacific – A range of toys from Vivid Imaginations UK including Rescue Vehicles, Dolls, Tracy Island and Action Figures (Taiwan)

 

Marketing Support


Copyrights Asia supplies a comprehensive style guide detailing Classic Thunderbirds brand identity, packaging and logos with reproduction-ready artwork available on CD-ROM. Copyrights Asia in-house designers are available as a product design resource. Online presence is supported through the official Classic Thunderbirds B-2-C website.

 

 

Licensing

 

Copyrights Asia represents Classic Thunderbirds licensing in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

 

Licensing in Japan is represented by Tohokushinsha Film Corporation.

 


™ and © 1964, 1999 and 2008 ITC Entertainment Group Limited

THUNDERBIRDS is a Gerry Anderson Production

Licensed by Granada Ventures

Represented by Copyrights Asia