2003 Archive 
This is the text from a funding update for the Captain Scarlet CGI show currently in pre-production in Pinewood. They are seeking additional funds. For further details, check out the Captain Scarlet CGI shares page. This was provided by Margetts.
We are pleased to announce that we have raised in excess of the £5 million minimum funding requirement, which given the state of the economic climate is a staggering achievement, particularly as this was completed in under three weeks. The next target is the full £15 million before 29th May 2003.
The investment opportunity has been enthusiastically received by investment professionals and clients alike. The continued commercial success of Gerry Anderson products provides investors with great comfort as they are still generating substantial levels of income 35-40 years after being initially produced.
The new Captain Scarlet has been rightly acknowledged as a tremendous investment opportunity in its own right, with the considerable tax benefits afforded by the EIS an added bonus.
TV Networks
A major Japanese broadcaster wants to make a ‘behind-the-scenes’ documentary on the making of Captain Scarlet and has shown significant interest in acquiring the Japanese rights for the series, to the extent that they approached us with a view to co-produce and part finance the total production.
Jim Reeve, the Chief Executive of GAP was at the French Film Festival a couple of weeks ago and was pursued by numerous international broadcasters, including German, Australian and British, who were all eager to secure the rights to the series and subsequent meetings and telephone conversations have taken place. Gerry Anderson commented that the level of interest shown from merchandisers and networks has been unprecedented and clearly indicates the level of worldwide interest in this project.
Major Toy Manufacturer
One of the UK’s largest toy manufacturers has expressed strong interest in acquiring the UK rights to manufacture the Captain Scarlet merchandise. Here is a quote from their Chief Executive:
For all you Thunderbirds, Joe 90 and Stingray fans out there, Gerry
Anderson’s Captain Scarlet was one of THE best selling toy ranges of all time.
3.1 million Dinky Toy SPVs (Spectrum Pursuit Vehicles) were sold in 1976
when the toy range first hit the shops and then in 1993 Captain Scarlet
Spectrum Cloudbase was THE “red-hot“ toy.
The Captain Scarlet toy range sold more in the late 60s and 70s than
Thunderbirds.
Interest from Car Manufacturer
A specialist car manufacturer with a great reputation in designing one off and limited edition specialist vehicles that sell for premium prices has agreed to build a full working car for publicity purposes and also a limited run of road-going versions of the new Captain Scarlet vehicle. This could lead to significant profits for the EIS company with no capital outlay.
Production at Pinewood
Pre-production is now almost completed, and full production is due to start next week. Many of the new characters, vehicles, sets and scripts have already been designed. The Margetts team can vouch for the fact that they look sensational and can only imagine the enthusiasm with which they will be received and the income that they will generate.
CGI Studios
A new Computer Generated Images (CGI) studio is being installed at Pinewood to make the new series. The new studio will comprise the services of two of the top existing CGI houses in the world as it was felt that a combination of the best was required for a project of this size and quality, one specialises in facial expressions and the other in action sequences. This will be the only fully equipped CGI studio at Pinewood Studios which will be a major logistical advantage to the management team.
Continued Press Coverage
See our website, www.margetts.com for the substantial amount of coverage there has been on this project. The attached article featured in the Birmingham Post last week, and the financial press including Investment Adviser and Professional Adviser will be running further stories this week.
In terms of commercial success could Captain Scarlet be the next Teletubbies, Bob the Builder or Thomas the Tank Engine?