Models to Magic: A Chin Wag with Visual Effects Extraordinaire Chris Thompson

Teleporting in—welcome to Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7!

For our second bonus episode, we've got a special chat featuring the visual effects wizard, Chris Thompson. Chris shares some behind-the-scenes magic, like how he brought those epic models back to life and the clever tricks he used to update the classic effects while keeping their charm intact.

We also take a peek into Chris' early days of creating art for classic shows like Thunderbirds, Space 1999, etc and share his journey that’s as captivating as the show itself. We chat about the challenges of blending old-school charm with modern tech in the remastering process, making sure that fans of the original can still appreciate that vintage vibe while also getting a taste of the new. Plus, there’s a healthy dose of nostalgia as we wax about the good ol’ days of sci-fi shows.

This interview is a wonderful insight into the creativity, love and care that's gone into, and continues to go into, Chris' work, and you can feel the passion in his words. If you’re a fan of Blake's 7 or just love behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is a must-listen!

We're teleporting out for now! Thanks for listening and don't forget to follow and subscribe on your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode.

You can also join the conversation and stay updated by following us on Twitter/X and Bluesky, we'd love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the universe of Blake’s 7.

Embark on an epic journey into the galaxy of Blake's 7 with Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7! This brand-new show pairs the perspectives of a devoted lifelong fan and a curious newcomer experiencing the series for the very first time. Together, they explore every episode of this iconic sci-fi classic, blending fresh impressions with seasoned insights.

Each week, your hosts—experienced podcasters Garry and Adam, the team behind the long-running acclaimed Doctor Who podcast The Big Blue Box Podcast—dive deep into episode reviews, share fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia, and unpack the stories that shaped Blake's 7. Whether revisiting the show or discovering it yourself, you’ll find a perfect balance of nostalgia and new perspectives.

From the rebellion’s most daring missions to the Federation’s darkest secrets, Federation Strike: A Journey Through Blake's 7 delivers lively discussion, in-depth analysis, and plenty of surprises. Tune in and join us as we explore this timeless adventure one story at a time.

• No. of episodes: 17
• Latest episode: 2025-04-30
• TV & Film After Shows TV Reviews

Where can you listen?