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Post by Ace on Jul 19, 2007 0:15:31 GMT -5
Hollywood Reporter: 'Thomas' has new friend in BrosnanBy Thomas K. Arnold July 19, 2007 Pierce Brosnan is making the transition from secret agent to really useful engine. The actor, who played the British superspy in four James Bond films, has been tapped as the narrator of the popular children's TV and DVD series "Thomas & Friends," HIT Entertainment was expected to announce Thursday. Previous narrators have included Ringo Starr, George Carlin, Alec Baldwin, Michael Brandon and Michael Angelis. Brosnan already has begun production and will make his debut in "Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery," which will be released on DVD in fall 2008 in the U.S. and U.K. Brosnan will narrate all English-language "Thomas" releases, including three upcoming TV series and three DVD specials. Brosnan said he remembers reading "Thomas" stories and watching the tank engine on TV with his children when they were young and is "thrilled by the opportunity to be the narrator for this beloved series." HIT CEO Bruce Steinberg said Brosnan "brings a wealth of acting experience to the role as well as a unique voice that children around the world will recognize and trust."
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Post by londonstreet on Jul 19, 2007 0:47:08 GMT -5
That's fantastic!!! My little boy loves Thomas the tank, next year I'll be more than happy to watch it with him ;D
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Post by Ace on Jul 19, 2007 1:11:52 GMT -5
Lucky you, you have a excuse to buy them. (of course not having an "excuse" won't stop me) I haven't seen the show since George Carlin and Ringo Starr did them when I think they played an on screen conductor as well as narrator. It doesn't look like narrators are on screen any more though -- like the ones with Alec Baldwin. Are they? Looking a the DVDs on Amazon (and there are a ton of them) it looks like the episodes now are like 5 minutes each. I could have sworn they used to be longer. It makes sense if they're short though which would explain Pierce's abilities to do 3 series as well as standalone DVDs. It's probably a few days work a year.
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Post by londonstreet on Jul 19, 2007 2:32:16 GMT -5
The series that is now on tv has not the narrator on screen and is 10 minutes or less longer. I can't tell about the voice 'cause the kids usually watch it in Italian, but later I can change the language and see if I'm able to tell whom voice it is.
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Post by Ace on Jul 19, 2007 9:09:08 GMT -5
3AM EXCLUSIVE: THE NAME'S TANK ENGINE, THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE By Louisa Pilbeam 19/07/2007
SUPER suave ex-James Bond Pierce Brosnan has swapped his MI6 controller for the fat controller to be the voice of Thomas the Tank Engine.
The actor - who played 007 for seven years - is the new narrator of the children's classic which hit screens in 1984.
Pierce, 54, who recorded his first scenes last week, said yesterday: "One of my fondest memories as a father was sharing the stories of Thomas the Tank Engine and watching the series with my children when they were young.
"I am thrilled by the opportunity to be the narrator for this beloved series, following in the shoes of so many famous names, and helping introduce Thomas and friends to many more generations of children."
Brosnan is not the first big name to voice Thomas. He follows in the footsteps of Ringo Starr, comic George Carlin and actors Alec Baldwin, Michael Brandon and Michael Angelis.
It is believed the star was picked to inject some "cool" into the old-style show. A source close to the actor said: "Everyone knows how suave James Bond is and Pierce will definitely make the show a bit more hip and inject some street cred."
Brosnan has signed up for three years to do three series and three DVD specials, starting with Thomas the Tank: The Great Discovery. The show, produced by HIT Entertainment, will be broadcast on Five and Nickelodeon next autumn.
The company's Nicole Price said: "We thought Pierce was perfect for the part. He has a really recognisable and natural voice which is really important in children's shows. He recorded his first scenes last week and they sounded amazing." And HIT's Bruce Steinberg said: "To say that we are thrilled that Pierce Brosnan is the new narrator of Thomas & Friends is an understatement."
140 countries broadcast the hugely successful Thomas the Tank Engine shows. Pierce's new voiceover will go to all the English-speaking ones.
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Post by Ace on Jul 19, 2007 9:17:11 GMT -5
BBC: Brosnan to narrate Thomas seriesBrosnan's recent films include The Matador and Seraphim Falls Actor Pierce Brosnan has signed on as the narrator of Thomas the Tank Engine - a role previously taken by ex-Beatle Ringo Starr and US star Alec Baldwin. The former James Bond actor said he was "thrilled" to take part in such a "beloved" programme and "follow in the shoes of so many famous names". Brosnan will make his debut in Thomas and Friends: The Great Discovery - a DVD to be released in autumn 2008. The 54-year-old will narrate three DVD specials and three TV series. "One of my fondest memories as a father was sharing the stories of Thomas the Tank Engine and watching the series with my children when they were young," he said. The Irish star said he was delighted to be "helping introduce Thomas and friends to many more generations of children". 'Wealth of experience' Brosnan played secret agent James Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002. He is currently in London shooting the film version of stage musical Mamma Mia with Meryl Streep, Julie Walters and Colin Firth. newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44008000/jpg/_44008246_thomas1_203.jpg[/iimg]Thomas the Tank EngineThomas and Friends: The Great Discovery will be released next year "To say we are thrilled that Pierce Brosnan is the new Narrator of Thomas and Friends is an understatement," said Bruce Steinberg, CEO of production company HIT Entertainment. "Pierce brings a wealth of acting experience to the role, as well as a unique voice that children and parents around the world will recognise and trust." Other actors who have narrated the popular locomotive's adventures include Michael Angelis and Michael Brandon, of Dempsey and Makepeace fame. The creation of Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry, Thomas made his first appearance in the 1945 children's book The Three Railway Engines. His TV series was first broadcast in 1984 and has since been seen in 140 countries and 25 languages.
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Post by Ace on Jul 19, 2007 9:48:51 GMT -5
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Guardian Unlimited: No Mr Tank Engine. I expect you to dieBy Matthew Weaver / UK news 02:41pm As the former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan is to be the new voice of Thomas the Tank Engine, there may be a few changes to the plot. "The name's Thomas, Thomas the Tank Engine. Engine number: 007. Licence to shunt." The Fat Controller has sent our hero on a daring mission to save the idyllic Island of Sodor from the evil scourge of the railways, Devious Diesel. That voice, those Piercing eyes ... Graphic: Paddy Allen/HITEntertainment/PAAt the engine depot, Thomas is fitted with the latest gadgets in locomotive espionage: an ejector foot plate; hidden poison darts in his steam whistle; and rocket launchers on his bogies. Before his mission starts, Thomas just has time to shunt his carriages Annie and Clarabel for an amorous encounter in a siding. But Devious Diesel switches the points and captures Clarabel. He holds her hostage in his concealed turning shed, and threatens to lower her into a vat of boiling oil unless Sodor switches its branch lines to continental broad gauge. "Who's afraid now, Mr Tank Engine?" Diesel asks over the station Tannoy. But Diesel's plan hits the buffers as Thomas and his sidekick Gordon the Express Train discover Diesel's hideout and save the day. Diesel blows a gasket. In celebration, Thomas and his friends deliver raspberry ice cream to all Sodor's children. It is, of course, served shaken not stirred. The Fat Controller declares Thomas a very useful engine. But he adds that it was never like this when Ringo Starr was doing the voices.
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Post by Ian on Jan 6, 2008 13:45:37 GMT -5
Hollywood Reporter: 'Thomas' has new friend in BrosnanBy Thomas K. Arnold July 19, 2007 Pierce Brosnan is making the transition from secret agent to really useful engine. The actor, who played the British superspy in four James Bond films, has been tapped as the narrator of the popular children's TV and DVD series "Thomas & Friends," HIT Entertainment was expected to announce Thursday. Previous narrators have included Ringo Starr, George Carlin, Alec Baldwin, Michael Brandon and Michael Angelis. Brosnan already has begun production and will make his debut in "Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery," which will be released on DVD in fall 2008 in the U.S. and U.K. Brosnan will narrate all English-language "Thomas" releases, including three upcoming TV series and three DVD specials. Brosnan said he remembers reading "Thomas" stories and watching the tank engine on TV with his children when they were young and is "thrilled by the opportunity to be the narrator for this beloved series." HIT CEO Bruce Steinberg said Brosnan "brings a wealth of acting experience to the role as well as a unique voice that children around the world will recognize and trust."
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Post by Ace on Feb 19, 2008 13:54:51 GMT -5
www.playthings.com/article/CA6533456.htmlHIT Entertainment Makes "Great Discovery" for Thomas and Friends By Staff -- Playthings, 2/19/2008 9:42:00 AM February 18, 2008–Retailers who have Thomas the Tank Engine fans as customers are in for a Great Discovery come this fall; literally. Set to be released September 9, the feature length DVD special, The Great Discovery, will be narrated by actor Pierce Brosnan, who will also voice the new PBS series launching in September. Toy partners, Learning Curve and HIT Toy, as well as, publishing partner, Random House will be supporting this title with all-new tie-in products. Additionally, the grassroots Day Out With Thomas tour, will be themed The Great Discovery in 2008. At the events, children will be provided with a “Great Discovery Tour Map,” that guides them through the various on-site activities and at the last stop, each child will receive a free gift. HIT Entertainment and key partners will support the The Great Discovery with a national multi-media advertising campaign, including TV, print and online.
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Post by icyvice on Jul 21, 2008 8:11:32 GMT -5
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Post by Ace on Jul 21, 2008 10:36:25 GMT -5
The featurette and the review are mighty tempting. Pierce Brosnan is the new storyteller and voice of the animated characters in the film, following in the footsteps of former favorites Ringo Starr, George Carlin, and others. Brosnan may be the best narrator yet, bringing a nice variety of voices and accents to the task, with a very relaxed delivery.
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Post by Ace on Aug 12, 2008 12:48:00 GMT -5
www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6586713.html?desc=topstoryLionsgate lines up merchandising for Thomas DVD Plans biggest marketing campaign for Hit title By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 8/12/2008 AUG. 12 | Lionsgate will support the unique Pierce Brosnan star power in Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery Movie with its largest marketing campaign yet for a Hit Entertainment title. Kristin Moss, Lionsgate VP of marketing, promises the most extensive TV, print and online blitz for the franchise this year. Great Discovery also will be supported by a new line of toys and books themed to the movie. PBS is slated to air the film just prior to its retail launch. Earlier in July, Lionsgate rolled out in-theater promotions to more than 3,500 screens. Additionally, Great Discovery will be hyped on the Thomas the Train Web site, which attracts more than 11 million page views a month. Great Discovery, streeting on Sept. 9, marks Thomas & Friends’ first feature-length made-for-DVD release. Featuring Thomas the Tank Engine with Brosnan narrating, Great Discovery is Lionsgate’s seventh release from Hit’s animated series stable. 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment oversaw Hit content distribution prior to Lionsgate taking the reigns on the label, which also is home to Barney and Bob the Builder properties. “In the past, [Thomas] products weren’t as integrated together, where now they are being released at the same time as the title,” said Moss. “We will be leveraging the fact that Thomas is the No. 1 brand for preschool boys.” She noted that more than 45 million Thomas DVD units and 55 million Thomas books have been sold to date. In 2007, [the franchise’s] toys generated $850,000 in sales. Moss believes Thomas fans will be attracted to the latest DVD installment. “They are definitely very loyal to the brand, where they can’t get enough of it,” she said, citing research that 30% of Thomas consumers own more than 20 toys. “Thomas is a tentpole for the year and represents the most marketing we’ve put behind a Hit movie.” Lionsgate is investing well in these efforts, she adds, as Thomas’ popularity keeps surging. “This is on track to be a $1 billion brand by 2010,” Moss said.
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Post by Ace on Aug 31, 2008 22:18:39 GMT -5
Promotional Photo
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Post by icy1979 on Sept 3, 2008 1:42:35 GMT -5
An Interview with Pierce on Thomas & Friends:
Looks like a really sweet project and Pierce is obviously enjoying it.
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Post by Brosnans Fans on Sept 11, 2008 2:03:56 GMT -5
This video has been removed due to terms of use violation. It exists elsewhere?
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Post by Ace on Sept 11, 2008 12:24:34 GMT -5
Grrrrr. I thought I had downloaded but I hadn't. Sorry.
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Post by greyowlette on Sept 11, 2008 13:44:09 GMT -5
I recently bought and watched Thomas and Friends:The Great Discovery and must say that I thoroughly enjoyed Pierce's storytelling. He does do a lovely job with the different voices and accents, and the tale itself is interesting enough for us older children. Having never seen any other episodes in the series, I cannot compare his performance to the previous narrators, but I certainly can't imagine anyone, young or old, being able to find fault with it or the DVD overall; it was nicely done.
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Post by lerose103 on Sept 11, 2008 15:40:49 GMT -5
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Post by Ace on Sept 11, 2008 16:46:13 GMT -5
Geyowlette, thanks for the review! There's also a snippet of the DVD up on Amazon, and Pierce does really seem into it with wonderful varying voices. It reminds me of when Dylan said that Pierce reads them Harry Potter and he does all the voices. ;D It will also be showing on TV - though I assume sans behind the scenes interview clips. Ah, lerose, thanks so much for the download!
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Post by Brosnans Fans on Sept 12, 2008 2:48:50 GMT -5
Perfect the Pierce Brosnan It speaks very well!!!!
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