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The_Making_Of_Theodore_Tugboat_-_RARE_BEHIND_THE_SCENES_FOOTAGE_(HD)

The Making Of Theodore Tugboat - RARE BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE (HD)

The series was filmed in a converted elementary school in Halifax's North End. A team of model builders constructed the characters in a workshop adjacent to the large set located in a water-filled former gymnasium. The radio controlled models were driven by propellers, but used underwater wheels to provide guidance and avoid drifting out of shots. They filmed in around 1992 to 1998.

Production

  • The periscope lens system camera was using the exact same one from Cardona's TUGS, the different camerawork was done with a Sony BVP-7 whereas TUGS used 35mm movie camera.
  • According to Robert D. Cardona, the tugboats cannot turn their heads to the left or right as their faces are just in front at view. He was referencing the mechanisms of the wheelhouses in his other show TUGS produced in the UK.
  • The Big Harbour set was removable for gaps placed whenever the camera was rolling, the ocean set was filmed for the entrance to the harbour.
  • To save money for making new cargo ships, the props were re-modified and repainted.
  • The original models used to film the series can now be seen on a permanent display in Halifax at Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Some of props were also placed in storage by the museum, either by a member of the Allen family or a private collector.
  • The radio controls were made by Futaba Corporation.
  • Some that were owned by Fred Allen were offered for sale on eBay, but they were later donated to the Museum by Charlotte Allen, Fred Allen's wife.
  • Scenes from George Waits His Turn and Theodore's Big Decision were featured in the documentary.

Gallery

Models on Display


During the Show's Production


The Making of Theodore Tugboat





Models Donated to the Museum

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