TUGS AUDIO PRODUCTIONS
Following success with their use of live action animation during the first two series of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, David Mitton and Robert D. Cardona, partners in Clearwater Features, decided to create their own series with a transport related theme. They decided to go with a sea-related premise and the final product was TUGS, a darker and edgier children's series based around the rival Star and Zero fleets in the fictional Bigg City Port.
TUGS never had the same budget or backing that Thomas did. The series ended after one series of memorable and exciting stories, and faded sadly into obscurity in the shadow of its sister series. However, in the light and rise of forums like Sodor Island, the series has made a comeback in the minds and hearts of fans. But while the original thirteen episodes have been discussed and enjoyed several times over, with a DVD Campaign in the works to revive it properly, nothing has been done to create something new related to TUGS.
The first TUGS Audio Adventure, Lost, took eight months to prepare for. Requiring casting arrangements, production and of course, writing the initial script. The intention of the storyline was to reaquaint the audience with the Star Tugs with a view to reintroducing more characters later in the series. The storyline follows Ten Cents as he becomes lost in the late night fog on the way home from a delivery with the other Star Tugs searching for him.
The intenion of the audio series is to act as a tribute to the quality of the original series, and to act as our interpretation of what a second might have been like. With adapted themes by ChrisTheXelent, and SFX taken from the series by Christopher and Ryan.
MAIN VOICE CAST
STAR TUGS
CAPTAIN STAR: Chris
TEN CENTS: Clay
BIG MAC: MRHLoco
OJ: The Old Bean
TOP HAT: Ryan
WARRIOR: ChrisTheXelent
HERCULES: Evan
SUNSHINE: PC Stratford
Z-STACKS
CAPTAIN ZERO: Professor Vengeance
ZORRAN: Old Square Wheels
ZEBEDEE: Fox
ZAK: Christopher
ZUG: Ryan
ZIP: Chris
OTHER CHARACTERS
BILLY SHOEPACK: Christopher
IZZY GOMEZ: Christopher
GRAMPUS: ChrisBurrell
BLAIR: Professor Vengeance
BURKE: Ryan
COAST GUARD: Chris The Xelent
LILLIE LIGHTSHIP: Kate669
MIGHTY MOE: Chris The Xelent
A selection of TUGS related videos from YouTube which showcase the best of narrative stories, music videos and a look back at the original series.
ABOUT TUGS AUDIO PRODUCTIONS
OTHER TUGS FAN MEDIA
LOST
Directed & Edited by Ryan
Music by Chris The Xelent
Ten Cents becomes lost in thick fog after making a late delivery, which sees him wandering aimlessly as he tries to find familiar sights and sounds to grant him a path home, but finds more than he bargained for out in the open sea. Will the other Star Tugs be able to bring him home safe and sound?
BIG MAC
Directed & Edited by Ryan
Music by Chris The Xelent
When Big Mac begins suffering engine trouble, which causes himself and Warrior to lose an Iron Works contract to the Z-Stacks, he begins to question his abilities and considers retiring from active service all together. However, when Zebedee and Zak suffer with a Tramper in rough seas, Big Mac is the only Tug around that's available to help... but can he do it?
CHIMERA
Directed & Edited by Christopher, Chris The Xelent & Ryan
Music by Chris The Xelent
Upon returning from a delivery out on the coast, Top Hat and Sunshine are caught up in a freak storm and encounter a derelict liner, which Zebedee and Zip, also lost on their way back to Bigg City are keen to commandeer. However, as their journey home progresses, both Stars and Z-Stacks begin to realise that this particular ship isn't all that it seems...
WHALING
Directed & Edited by Ryan
Music by Chris The Xelent
In the height of Whale migration season, a strange old Tug called Herman enters into Bigg City seeking shelter for the night. However, it soon comes to light that he's harbouring a dark secret, which could put Hercules in trouble as he escorts him home the following morning. Can Ten Cents, Sunshine and OJ prevent a disaster before it's too late?
MUTINY
Directed & Edited by Ryan
Music by Chris The Xelent
When Zorran encounters engine trouble in the midst of a very important contract for Captain Zero, he's pulled out for repairs and Zak takes his place as Z-Stacks leader... and Captain Zero doesn't want him to relinquish the position upon Zorran's return. Can Zorran regain his position and oust Zak? And if so, how does seeking the help of the Star Tugs figure in his plan?!
STORM BRINGER - Feature Length
Written by Loey Machan & Vee Jay Hedgehog
Additional Dialogue / Directed & Edited by Ryan
A face from the past arrives in Bigg City Port, opening up the realms of Hercules' past, which causes quite a few skeletons to be unleashed from the cupboard... friendships are tested, reputations are tested and the good name of the Star Tugs could be in jeopardy...