The documentary plans to explore the origins and cultural impact of the iconic Eagle spacecraft.
A Kickstarter campaign has launched to support the making of a documentary on the creation of the iconic Eagle spacecraft from Space: 1999. If funded, The Eagle has Landed aims to be ready for the show’s 50th anniversary in 2025.
Running for just two seasons between 1975 and 1977, Gerry Anderson’s Space: 1999 presented a bleak future for humanity. With the moon cut loose from its orbit, the survivors of Moonbase Alpha drifted into the universe. Designed by visual effects artist Brian Johnson, their fleet of Eagle transporter spacecraft were essential to that survival.
The Eagle Has Landed
The film aims to set the design’s creation in the context of the space race and the televisual sci-fi boom of the 1970s. Then, it will move to look at the work of Gerry Anderson and the Eagle’s creator Brian Johnson (2001: A Space Odyssey, Alien, The Empire Strikes Back).
The Eagle’s cultural impact will be considered, along with its many merchandised incarnations. Then, the documentary will look at depictions of humanity’s future in space and explore the ship’s enduring legacy.
Writer/director Jeffrey Morris of the brilliantly named FutureDude Entertainment hopes to feature contributions from cast members Nick Tate (Alan Carter) and Barbara Bain (Dr. Helena Russell). Plus, Star Trek’s Michael & Denise Okuda, and Charles Duke, the Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 16.
Jeffrey Morris told Space.com:
“I’m thrilled that recently we were able to attach legendary actor Barbara Bain to the project. Her inclusion will ground the film with a sense of unprecedented depth and history. I’m also excited that ITV Studios — owner of ‘Space: 1999’ — has signed off and given their blessing for the project.”
“As a small child, I never would have believed that nearly 50 years later, I would be directing and hosting a film about the greatest sci-fi spaceship of all time. It’s unbelievably exciting and a tremendous honor.”
The project looks to raise an initial $50,000, with rewards beginning at $25 for a digital copy of the documentary. Larger contributions unlock a range of rewards including Blu-rays, models, posters and opportunities to interacted with the creatives involved.
You can find out all the details on Kickstarter.