SuperTed (1982-1986) (with Elain Price)

About this episode

The episode features a discussion on the impact of SuperTed on animation and Welsh culture with guest Dr. Elain Price.

Special guest Dr. Elain Price (Senior Lecturer in Media Studies, Swansea University) joins Chris and Alex for this rundown of SuperTed (Mike Young, 1982-1986) where they reflect on the series’ contribution to - and place within - histories of animation, including its influence upon the development of Welsh animation production over the last 40 years. Focusing on the episodes “SuperTed and the Inca Treasure” (S1E1, 1982), “SuperTed and the Giant Kites” (S1E4, 1983) and “SuperTed on Planet Spot” (S1E12, 1983), topics for Episode 170 include Elain’s own work on Welsh-language television channel S4C (the first to be aimed at a Welsh-speaking audience) and the broadcast of SuperTed on the first night of the channel in 1982; industry, investment, and the marketing of Mike Young’s television adaptation of his own childen’s books; links between the anthropomorphic character of SuperTed and Sid Griffith’s silent-era Welsh cartoon series Jerry the Troublesome Tyke (1925-1927); regional fantasy and parochial Welsh representation; and what SuperTed can tell us about national identity and the transportable nature of children’s television more broadly. **Fantasy/Animation theme tune composed…

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris, Alex

Guest: Dr Elain Price

Topics covered

• SuperTed
• animation history
• Welsh animation
• children's television
• national identity
• regional fantasy
• marketing of television adaptations

Keywords

• S4C
• Mike Young
• Jerry the Troublesome Tyke
• Inca Treasure
• Giant Kites
• Planet Spot

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: SuperTed, SuperTed and the Inca Treasure, S1E1, SuperTed and the Giant Kites, S1E4, SuperTed on Planet Spot, S1E12, Jerry the Troublesome Tyke, Best 10 UK Animation Podcasts, Best 60 Movie Podcasts

Places: UK

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