Ferry Boat Fred
Encyclopedia
Ferry Boat Fred is an Australian children's programme which was first broadcast in 1992. The main character is a ferry on Sydney Harbour named Fred, along with his older sister Kate, two other ferries, Lou and Bill, as well as Jean, a really jolly and colourful submarine. There is also the Captain, a Koala who is always found asleep behind Fred's wheel. Fred has a voluntary deckkie (deck hand) named Pete, a "know-it-all" Pelican who befriends Fred and follows him around the harbour, assisting Fred and tying him up at Wallaby Wharf.
The show was a success during its limited run. It was created by Polka Dot Productions
, a company set up by the Producer/Writer John Pye in 1992 with 25 episodes (not all listed). John Pye, a model maker originally from Dagenham Essex UK, grew up watching the classic British children's TV shows, "Ivor the Engine" and "Noggin the Nog" (made by Oliver Postgates Smallfilms) Not only did Pye write the scripts and the incidental music but was also responsible for making most of the models. The entire series was filmed by Pye and three friends in a loft in the inner Sydney suburb of Surry Hills. The narrator is Jack Osborn
, who also provides the voices.
The show was a success during its limited run. It was created by Polka Dot Productions
Polka Dot Productions
Polka Dot Productions was an Australian children's television production company that operated from 1990-1997. It is best known for creating Ferry Boat Fred, closing after the project was completed. It was reestablished in 2007 as Polka Dot Entertainment in the US to distribute The Mighty B!....
, a company set up by the Producer/Writer John Pye in 1992 with 25 episodes (not all listed). John Pye, a model maker originally from Dagenham Essex UK, grew up watching the classic British children's TV shows, "Ivor the Engine" and "Noggin the Nog" (made by Oliver Postgates Smallfilms) Not only did Pye write the scripts and the incidental music but was also responsible for making most of the models. The entire series was filmed by Pye and three friends in a loft in the inner Sydney suburb of Surry Hills. The narrator is Jack Osborn
Jack Osborn
Jack R. Osborn was an American croquet champion and founder of the United States Croquet Association. Osborn was born and raised in San Francisco, California....
, who also provides the voices.
Characters
- Fred-A yellow ferry, the main character.
- Kate-A purple ferry, who is Fred's big sister.
- Bill-A blue ferry.
- Lou-A red ferry.
- Jean-A blue submarine.
- Spike-A Echidna machanic
- Pelican Pete-Fred's constant companion and Deckhand.
- Koala-Fred's Captain.
- Emily-an Emu who loves to shop around the harbour
Episode list
- Fred Meets Pete (21 April 1992)
- Fred's Birthday Party (22 April 1992)
- Fred's Sister Kate (23 April 1992)
- Pete's Nephew Percy (24 April 1992)
- Fred At The Fairground (27 April 1992)
- Pete The Magician (28 April 1992)
- Fred And The Whales (29 April 1992)
- Jean The Submarine (30 April 1992)
- The Ferry Race (1 May 1992)
- Kate’s Lost Bell (4 May 1992)
- Fred The Floating Zoo (5 May 1992)
- Fred Goes To The Doctor (6 May 1992)
- Kate The Painter (7 May 1992)
- Pete The Water Skier (8 May 1992)
- Kate At The Fairground (11 May 1992)
- Fred Joins A Band (12 May 1992)
- Night-time Noises (13 May 1992)
- Fred's Fishing Trip (14 May 1992)
Credits
- Told by: Jack Osborn
- Director of Photography: Lawrence Kirkwood
- Production Design: James Sawars
- Production Assistant: Paul Lockwood
- Models Made and Filmed at: Modelcraft Pty. Ltd.
- Music: John Pye
- A.B.C. Associate Producer: Glen Daly
- Editor: Neela Sarkar
- Sound Effects: Ian Neilson
- Telecine: John Galbrath & Walter Pilarski
- Special Thanks: Lynn Gallay, Bert Deling, Matthew Roche, Steve Mosley
- Created, Written and Produced by: John Pye
- Director: Mark Osborn
- Polka Dot Productions Pty Ltd. All rights by all media reserved. © MCMXCII