Thunderbirds (TV series) by ITV, Sylvia Anderson and the estate of Gerry Anderson. "Thunderbirds" has influenced TV programmes, films and various other media. The puppet comedy of the film "" was directly inspired by the idiosyncrasies of "Thunderbirds"-era Supermarionation techniques. Allusion and homage are also evident in "Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave", "" and "Spaced", as well as the character design of "". The BBC sketch comedy "Not Only... But Also" included a segment titled "Superthunderstingcar" – a parody of "Thunderbirds", "Supercar" and "Stingray". IR's life-saving mission inspired the founding of the volunteer International Rescue Corps, originally made up of a group
Gerry Anderson This sci-fi action-adventure series starred American-born actor Ed Bishop (who had also provided the voice of Captain Blue in "Captain Scarlet & The Mysterons") as Commander Edward Straker, head of the secret defence organisation SHADO, set up to counter an alien invasion. "UFO" was more adult in tone than any of Anderson's puppet series, and mixed Century 21's signature futuristic action-adventure and special effects with serious dramatic elements. "UFO" was the last series made under the Century 21 Productions banner. During production of "UFO," Gerry Anderson was approached directly by Harry Saltzman (at the time co-producer of the James Bond