Dear Everyone,
Thanks to all of you who are emailing me with your
questions and feelings at the news that future
production of the Thomas stories is likely to switch to CGI from the
traditional live action model animation that
first brought Thomas to life in 1984.
I can't really comment on the CGI development as I am not involved with that
decision, but back in 2005 I felt it important to make a personal statement about
Thomas and his relationship with children.
These beliefs were first published as an open letter in Daily Variety and
these are extracts from that letter.
"Dear Thomas,
My name is Stacy and I am 4 years old.
I really wish I could just live on you, but I'd miss my house.
Please can you move in here?"
This is from one of the many letters I have received on behalf of Thomas
.....Thomas as a beloved, trusted friend.
It all began for me back in 1979 when I met Wilbert Awdry, author of The
Railway Series of books on which Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends (now known as "Thomas & Friends")
is based.
With his agreement I set out to bring these stories and characters to
life. Thomas won the devotion and trust of millions of children.
I fashioned the Thomas film stories, made between 1983 and 2000, to look,
sound and be told in a way that would literally be in tune with the natural
rhythm of a small child's heart and thought processes.
The fact that they are about steam engines is a powerful bonus ...surely
every human being is irresistibly drawn to the sound of an engine whistle
and the rhythm of the train wheels... but they are essentially stories of
the spirit from which children can draw fun, gentleness, comfort,
inspiration and lots of train play .
It is children who ultimately empower characters with enduring life.
Children rely on Thomas - his love, guidance and excellence. Like a work of art, this joyous emotional bond is so fragile, so delicate
that it needs to be treated with enormous care.
The ethics and values associated with Thomas .. have always been
intrinsic to his appeal.
They also represent every family's need to know that their children are
protected in today's world of violent intrusion into the daily lives of the innocent
Thanks to all of you who watch Thomas, and to all of you who write to me. I
love to hear from you. All my best to you and keep a watch out for future
news on this website.
