Fanderson
| Formation | 20 August 1981 |
|---|---|
| Type | Not-for-profit |
| Purpose | Official appreciation society for the works of Gerry Anderson |
| Location |
|
| Products | Members-only magazine, merchandise, events and services (plus free web-based networking services for non-members) |
Membership | 1,300 (peak 2,000 approx. (1996))[1] |
Chairman | Nick Williams (since 2007) |
Key people | Gerry Anderson (honorary president until his death) |
| Slogan | Since 1981. By fans, for fans.[2] |
| Website |
www |
Fanderson is the official appreciation society for the works of British television producer Gerry Anderson. It is a not-for-profit organisation endorsed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment, ITC Entertainment Group, The Indestructible Production Company and Anderson Entertainment. Based in the United Kingdom, but with an international membership, the club is run by a small committee of unpaid volunteers.[3]
The club was formed on 20 August 1981 at a meeting convened by ITC and Gerry Anderson. Previously, ITC had supported the various clubs and societies that followed Anderson's works; in 1981 it requested that the separate groups merge, and in exchange promised to give its full support (except financial assistance) to the new organisation.[3]
Activities
As ownership of the ITC part of Anderson's productions has changed hands, so Fanderson has maintained relationships with PolyGram, Carlton, Granada Ventures and, most recently, ITV Studios. This has given the club free access to materials such as photo libraries, in exchange for advice, help and support. The club also maintains relationships with production companies of Anderson works not distributed by ITC, such as Carrington Productions International (Lavender Castle), Universal Studios (Doppelgänger) and Anderson Entertainment.[3]
For an annual membership fee the club produces a magazine (titled FAB) for its members three times a year (usually March, July and November), along with other exclusive merchandise (such as books, DVDs and soundtrack and mini-album CDs). Many of these members-only items are manufactured in limited quantities under agreement with the license holders. Fanderson also organises conventions at which fans are able to meet cast and crew of various Anderson productions, watch episodes, buy merchandise and raise money for charity. Although these are always based in the UK, the club will support overseas events where possible.[1][3][4][5] The club also provides limited online services to non-club-members free of charge, such as the Fanderson Forum, Facebook and Twitter pages.
At the request of its honorary president, Gerry Anderson (given the breakdown of the Andersons' marriage in the 1970s and their subsequent divorce in 1981), the club did not involve Sylvia Anderson in its activities.[3] However, having first obtained the approval of Anderson's widow Mary, in 2014 club chairman Nick Williams made contact with Sylvia Anderson in response to calls to do so from club members. On 3rd October 2015, Sylvia Anderson was welcomed to the club's convention The Future Is Fantastic! with a standing ovation from over 250 delegates.
In March 2014, the club severed its association with Anderson Entertainment (currently being run by Gerry Anderson's younger son Jamie), citing various reasons including that the production company was pursuing a "commercial agenda that is at odds with Fanderson" and noting that though the club's committee hoped to "maintain an amicable relationship with Anderson Entertainment ... but, of course, in light of our decision we realise this is highly unlikely.".[2] At the same time the society adopted the slogan "Since 1981. By fans, for fans" to remind everyone of its status as a not-for-profit fan club and its heritage as one of the longest running television appreciation societies in the world.
References
- 1 2 Nelson, Sue (30 August 1996). "50 Years and Counting". The Independent (London: Independent Print). Archived from the original on 23 April 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- 1 2 Williams, Nick (24 March 2014). "Chairman's Letter: Fanderson's Relationship with Anderson Entertainment". fanderson.org.uk. Bradford. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 FAQs at fanderson.org.uk
- ↑ White, Jim (26 September 2005). "Wilson talked of technology – and along came Thunderbirds". The Daily Telegraph (London: Telegraph Media Group). Archived from the original on 23 April 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ↑ Clark, Stuart (August 1991). Payne, Stephen, ed. "Fantasia" (PDF). Starburst (London: Visual Imagination) 13 (12): 11. ISSN 0955-114X. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 February 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
External links
- Official website
- Interview with Ian Fryer, Fanderson committee member
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