Filmed in Supermarionation

Filmed in Supermarionation, a charmingly unique 2014 documentary, offers an in-depth insight into the world of pioneering British film and television producer, Gerry Anderson, and his landmark technique, Supermarionation. Directed by Stephen La Rivière, the movie serves as an intriguing revelation of innovative brilliance that powered many of the 1960s quintessential puppet television series.

The Supermarionation technique, a fusion of marionette puppetry and scaled down live-action filmmaking, was a groundbreaking technological marvel and the trademark of Gerry Anderson's film and television productions. This documentary focuses on the heyday of this innovative process and the creative people behind it. Primarily featuring the trio of Gerry Anderson, his wife Sylvia Anderson, and his business partner Arthur Provis, the movie provides viewers with a privileged glimpse into the making of the iconic puppet shows that revolutionised children's television programming.

The film begins by unfolding the early history of Anderson's company, AP Films (APF) or Century 21, its shaky start into the world of cinema, and the genesis of the Supermarionation process itself. Audiences are taken on a journey laced with fascinating details, which revolve around the conception, unique intricacies, and execution of Supermarionation, making it an unmissable watch for avid enthusiasts of filmmaking and television history.

With behind-the-scenes clips and interviews, the film exemplifies the creativity and innovation that infused shows like 'Fireball XL5', 'Thunderbirds', 'Stingray', 'Captain Scarlet' and 'Joe 90'. These shows that became an integral part of popular culture are paid a fitting tribute. A highlight of the movie is the chance to see surviving Supermarionation puppets, storage cabinets full of tiny props, miniature sets, and various paraphernalia used to create those memorable TV series.

The film places particular emphasis on the people behind these projects. Amidst the technological details and memories of the productions, the film tells the human stories behind the Supermarionation technique. Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson, and Arthur Provis are spotlighted as the pioneering individuals who made Supermarionation possible. This documentary delivers a collective portrayal of personal reminiscences, authentic archived footage, reenactments, and face-to-face dialogues with key contributions from these three storied individuals.

One significant aspect of the film is the original interviews with Sylvia Anderson, who provided numerous character voices in the shows, including that of Lady Penelope in Thunderbirds. These interviews offer personal insights into the working dynamics of the studio, the challenges faced during the creation of the now legendary TV programs, the design and operation of the marionettes, the tense but rewarding shooting schedule, and the reactions they received from their young audience.

Also featured are interviews with surviving cast and crew members of the APF, not least David Graham and Shane Rimmer, who lent their voice talents to numerous characters in the Supermarionation series. Their contributions shed light on the collaborative, tireless, and innovative ethos that was the studio's hallmark, presenting varied perspectives about their experiences within the historical context of the shows.

Throughout Filmed in Supermarionation, a colourful palette of stories and memories surface balanced between nostalgia and the challenges of innovative technology. The film successfully showcases how Sylvia, Gerry, Arthur, and their team dared to dream and make that dream a reality against numerous odds, fuelled by their energetic imaginations and relentless inventiveness. The documentary also provides a valid justification of how, with these science-fiction puppet shows, in a pre-CGI era, the team managed to educate, entertain, and inspire generations.

Filmed in Supermarionation serves to unmask the unsung heroes of the iconic APF studio, their remarkable collaborations, the painstaking but satisfying mechanical and artistic craftsmanship that shaped the productions, and their endearing marionette stars. Additionally, it's an intriguing exploration of the protocol, process-driven hard work, and collaborative efforts that drove this revolutionary form of entertainment.

This film is a must-see treat for die-hard Gerry Anderson fans as well as those interested in the history of television and the puppetry arts. It's an extraordinary glimpse back into a time when strings were king and Supermarionation reigned supreme in the children's television world.