July 11, 2002 - Los Angeles, CA - The Sharpe Company announced that Thunderbirds, the classic hit of the 1960s, will premiere nationally on a weekday Monday through Friday schedule beginning August 5th as TechTV, the only 24-hour cable television network dedicated to showcasing the impact technology has on our everyday lives and the world at large, plans a major campaign to promote the series.

Thunderbirds, the classic action-packed fantasy adventure series set in 2065, will premiere on TechTV on Monday, August 5 at 6:30pm EST (repeating at 1am and 3:30pm EST the following day). Thunderbirds will launch on TechTV as part of its entertainment-based technology programming strategy.

Earlier today members of the Television Critics Association (TCA) gathering in Pasadena, CA, for a bi-annual tour of television programming, learned in maintaining its promise to deliver more entertainment-based technology programming, TechTV has taken a creative and unique approach to Thunderbirds by adding fun-filled, educational facts to all 32 episodes of the classic Gerry Anderson super-marionation hit from the 1960s, from Carlton International. Thunderbirds, shot on 35mm film in 1965, has been digitally remastered and released in Dolby Surround Sound on DVD. TechTV has acquired 32 episodes of the classic Gerry Anderson super-marionation hit from the 1960s from Carlton International Media Ltd., the London-based worldwide licensor. The Sharpe Company represents Thunderbirds in North America for Carlton.

Thunderbirds recounts the Tracy brothers' adventures as pilots of International Rescue. Flying their Thunderbird super secret rescue craft, the Tracy family thwarts the evil Hood to save Earth. The riveting action adventure series is set in the string-puppet style of super-marionation developed by Gerry Anderson.

With a story set in 2065, Thunderbirds is as timely today as when it debuted in the U.K. in 1965. "TechTV and 'Thunderbirds' are a great match, given their innovative high-tech orientation and the adult audience demographic who will remember the show so well from their childhood," said Charles Day, President of The Sharpe Company.

"Thunderbirds is the type of programming that viewers expect from TechTV - programming that is entertaining and fun, but with a connection to technology," commented Greg Drebin, senior vice president of programming and production for TechTV. "While Thunderbirds is not a purely technology driven show, the futuristic setting, the sci-fi theme and nostalgic value all make it a perfect compliment to our programming mix." Thunderbirds has been aired in 65 countries around the globe. The worldwide Thunderbirds fan base is estimated at 100 million.

About TechTV

TechTV is the only 24-hour cable television network dedicated to showcasing the impact technology has on our everyday lives and the world at large. By creating and delivering entertaining and insightful programming regarding today's and tomorrow's technology news, events, products, and people, TechTV enables viewers to stay current and connected with all things related to technology. TechTV is currently available in more than 33 million households in the US and distributes content to 70 countries. With a monthly average of 1.3 million unique visitors in Q1, techtv.com enhances the TV viewing experience with compelling companion content and interactivity. TechTV is owned by Vulcan Inc.

About Carlton International

Carlton International Media is an integrated media rights distributor and owner. In addition to being the largest owner of British made films in the world, the company comprises a broadcast sales team, a video/DVD sales team, an American based production company and co-production division, a fully integrated merchandise licensing division and a film archive unit. The company markets a catalogue of over 18,000 hours of programming through The Carlton Film Collection and the Carlton International Programme Catalogue to a worldwide market through major trade market attendance, sales trips, direct mail campaigns and through the company's website.

About The Sharpe Company

The Sharpe Company, based in Incline Village, NV, and Los Angles, CA, has been established as an entrepreneurial Intellectual Property management boutique providing a wide range of global services and opportunities to owners and seekers of Intellectual Properties--both brands and characters. Sharpe shall act as a licensing agent, licensing consultant, strategic brand developer/manager, and indeed where appropriate, an entertainment packager, to deliver Intellectual Property-driven product to fulfill consumer demand. The core focus of Sharpe's activities will be to bring a truly global perspective to the business of marketing Intellectual Properties. Sharpe was founded by international licensing expert Charles Day, known for creating and building the global licensing and marketing program of Harvey Entertainment, of Los Angeles, and the international expansion of Europe's largest licensing company, Copyright Promotions, of London.