David Mitton

From Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia

David Mitton was the writer, producer and director of "Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends" and the creator of "TUGS".

He first worked as a puppet-maker on Gerry Anderson shows such as "Joe 90", "Captain Scarlet" and "Thunderbirds" before founding Clearwater Features with Robert D. Cardona in 1983.

Mitton wrote six episodes of "TUGS" and directed nine of them. When Clearwater Features closed down, he joined the Britt Allcroft Company.

Although some episodes were based on Railway Series books, some of the script was written by him and Britt Allcroft.

Since the death of the Reverend W. Awdry, Mitton and Allcroft decided to make their own stories up.

David was also a model unit creative consultant for "Thomas and the Magic Railroad".

His last episode as writer was "Edward the Really Useful Engine", but he continued as director until "Three Cheers for Thomas" before retiring. Steve Asquith replaced him as director from then on.

He was working with Gerry Anderson producer David Lane with their own company "Pineapple Squared Entertainment", which is due to launch a new CGI Animation series "Adventures On Orsum Island". Whether it is fully accomplished or not is unknown.

David Mitton suffered a heart attack and died on May the 16th, 2008. His death was announced on May the 28th, 2008. Many "Thomas" and "TUGS" fans were greatly saddened by this news.