A new home for thomas

Following the success of series 1 and a commitment to produce at least one more season the production had to move from Clearwater, Bob and David’s set up in London to a bigger film set. This meant the team were able to produce bigger and more detailed sets. 

Shepperton was chosen because of its location and facilities. Easy for David and Bob to get to and Britt was only a relatively short drive from Southampton.

So, series 2 was made at Shepperton Studios on T stage.

Part way through series 2 we had a meeting with Britt and David at Shepperton Studios for and update on the music. I can’t recall which episode we were discussing but in the top right-hand corner of the scene in the distance there was a blue engine. It was so small we couldn’t work out who it was. David thought it was Thomas and Britt thought it was Edward, of course we wanted to clarify the situation because should we use Thomas’ theme or Edward’s theme for the incidental?

The character was not featured in the episode, but a discussion started about which engine it was. Should we use Thomas’ theme or Edward’s theme? I don’t think it was in the shooting scripts for the episode, I think it was just there to balance up the visuals and to have some movement in the background.

Junior and I were a little mischievous and suggested “it could even be Gordon” just to make the discussion even more interesting.

After a heated conversation mainly between David and Britt we decided to break for lunch instead and compromised on a different piece of music altogether so as not to be specific in any way, and so the mystery remains unsolved.

It was so interesting to be at Shepperton and rubbing shoulders with the stars who were working there at the time. It was strange to see an extra in the bar at lunchtime with an axe sticking out of their shoulder and drinking a pint of beer.

Ringo was in the process of closing Startling Studio and the equipment was up for sale. This was an opportunity for us to buy the equipment and set up our own studio at Shepperton, all the pieces fell into place.

Apart from the Thomas work, Tugs was also in the pipeline so it made sense to open Bluebird themes studio in Shepperton. So, we took the plunge and opened Bluebird studios in 1988.

While working on series 3, we had just completed Oliver’s Escape music and David was so pleased with it, he invited all the guys and girls from T stage to have a listen – we must have done something right.

Working there was like being part of a family and every now and then in one of the amazing private viewing theatres they would screen a film for anyone who wanted to pop along, have a glass of wine and watch the movie. These were all films that were made, or part made at Shepperton.   I saw Dances with Wolves, Thelma and Louise and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves to name but a few.

Junior and I at a Shepperton party

We were based there from 1988 to 1993 and recorded the music for Thomas series 2 & 3 Jack and The Pack and Tugs. We had a wonderful time, but nothing lasts forever, and a new studio beckoned.