David Lane (born February 4th, 1940) is a retired film and television director. He was a regular contributor to AP Films / Century 21 Productions throughout the 1960s. He directed a number of Thunderbirds episodes, as well as both of the original feature films. He was also an editor on Trapped in the Sky, alongside Len Walter.
Lane provided invaluable assistance on The Complete Book of Thunderbirds, gave invaluable help with research for 21st Century Visions, and was interviewed for both Filmed in Supermarionation (the book and documentary) and Thunderbirds – A Complete Guide to the Classic Series.
Lane in 1966
Autograph
Gallery[]
David Lane (at bottom left in dark shirt) on the set of End of the Road
David Lane (right) on the set of Attack of the Alligators!
David Lane (in centre in dark shirt) on the set of Thunderbirds Are Go
David Lane with Alan Tracy on the set of Thunderbirds Are Go
David Lane (left) and Ken Turner (right) with FAB 1 on the set of Thunderbirds Are Go
David Lane with Gordon and Alan Tracy on the set of Thunderbirds Are Go
David Lane with Alan Tracy on the set of Thunderbirds Are Go
David Lane adjusting Jeff Tracy on the set of Thunderbirds Are Go
David Lane (second on left) during the production of Thunderbirds Are Go. This photograph appears to have been taken during the filming of the end titles sequence in Kent
David Lane (second on rigt on bridge above) about to dump the body of an original crew member of Skyship One into the sea
David Lane (right) talking to Joan Hughes (in the Tiger Moth) during the production of Thunderbird 6
David Lane (on top of the van) during the production of Thunderbird 6. Next to him standing behind camera is Peter Nash.
David Lane (in foreground) communicating with Joan Hughes during the production of Thunderbird 6
David Lane (second on right) during the filming of Thunderbird 6
David Lane (left) on the set of Lord Parker's 'Oliday with Derek Meddings (centre) and Sylvia Anderson (right). The puppets holding hands are Tin-Tin and Alan Tracy
Thunderbirds Are GO
Episodes Directed by David Lane[]
Sun Probe
The Mighty Atom
Brink of Disaster
Terror In New York City
(with David Elliott)
(with David Elliott)
End Of The Road
Desperate Intruder
The Man From MI.5
Attack of the Alligators!
Thunderbirds Are Go
Thunderbird 6
Trivia[]
- Following the death of David Elliott on 10 November 2023, Lane is the only surviving director who worked on the original TV show of Thunderbirds.
- Lane's son Kevin, a BAFTA Award-nominated film producer, was born on 13 January 1965 whilst Sun Probe was in production.
- His brother-in-law was the late Don Brill, who also worked for Gerry and Sylvia Anderson on the TV series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (1967-68) and Joe 90 (1968-69). Brill was married to Lane's sister Ann.