Series Effects Group Confirmed

MillTv, longform arm of Europe's only Oscar-winning visual effects company, The Mill, has been confirmed by the BBC as the contractor for visual effects on the 2005 series of Dr Who. MillTv will provide high-end visual effects and graphics for all 13x45-minute episodes for BBC1.

"It's a privilege - and a responsibility - to be asked to work on such an iconic project," says Dave Throssell, head of MillTv. "It will be a tough job because it will demand feature film effects on a TV schedule."

MillTv understands it has to create effects capable of bedazzling a demanding generation with high-expectations stemming from the sophistication of films like The Matrix and Lord of the Rings:

"Effects that were seen as ground-breaking when Dr Who first aired obviously won't cut it with today's audience," says Throssell. "But thanks to a pedigree that includes the Oscar-winning effects produced by The Mill for Ridley Scott's Gladiator, we have a proven track record of creating seminal effects and graphics. MillTv is more than capable of delivering the high-standards necessary to update Dr Who."

MillTv has developed a strong relationship with Dr Who producer, Phil Collinson. Throssell and Collinson recently completed another effects-driven primetime BBC drama in February called Sea of Souls. Other 2004 MillTv projects include First Olympians (BBC, July 04), D-Day (BBC June 04), Dragons Alive (BBC, March 04), The Nile (BBC, February 04) and Men of Iron (Channel 4, February 04).