Both of the clues given are lines said by Knight's character in Jurassic Park.
At the moment the production office has only been releasing clues as to who the special guest is, and it has not been made clear if Wayne Knight was actually on set filming for Torchwood.
Sunday, 30 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
This week saw Torchwood: Miracle Day return to its 'ancestral' home of South Wales!
The lead-up to the week saw the cast and crew out in Los Angeles make their way to the United Kingdom; of the principle cast, this meant a return home for John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Kai Owen and Tom Price, and joined (so far) by Mekhi Phifer and Dichen Lachman. Crew-wise, Director of Photography Nathaniel Goodman and Directors Bharat Nalluri (episode one) and Bill Gierhart (episode two) also travelled over.
Last and certainly not least the two series masterminds Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner were also back amongst the familiar faces from the UK, including Producer for the UK segments Brian Minchin, whose name forms the basis of the "BM" production signs for the shoot.
Filming this week saw the crew ranging between Cardiff International Airport, a village farm, Rhossili Bay and the streets of Swansea!
Unlike in the US, production in the UK has not been shrouded in heavy security, and with a (mostly) UK production team in attendance, the traditional approach to filming that fans here are used to have continued. This has, of course, meant that the public have been able to witness more of the proceedings than in the previous fortnight, so this week's roundup includes many of their observations as well as the cast and crew's usual tweets!
Times cited within the report are in GMT.
Monday
A new week and an early start for production, and after California it was a bit of a weather reality check as Dichen Lachman observed:
05:33 It was Cardiff. So inspiring... Up at 3:30am ready for first day. 11:19 Have not been this cold in years! 12:00 So hard to speak when you can't feel your face!!!! 18:47 Only just got my lines out my face was so numb.
The cold place in question turned out to at Cardiff International Airport, with the airport itself confirming the location being used:
19:30 BBC's Torchwood has been on site filming today near the British Airways Maintenance hangar.
The airport was doubling up for London's Heathrow, and scenes there featured John Barrowman, Mekhi Phifer and Tom Price - the latter playing a newly promoted Sergeant Andy Davidson! Price also provided us with the latest "TW-Spy" images of his car and fresh uniform! Being a private location fan photos of filming weren't very likely today, though a passer-by did manage to spot the crew at work.
They're filming Torchwood about 100 ft away from me
However, this wasn't the only filming for the day, with a second unit in operation a few miles away at a farm near Llantrithyd:
These scenes are believed to have involved Eve Myles, as reported by Nate Goodman:
16:39 Day 1 in Wales finished! UK crew awesome. Eve Miles rocked today.. Now if I only could overcome jetlag
The Torchwood Production Office summarised a successful, if cold first day in a new country!
19:10 Everyone made it safely. Despite jet lag, the cast and crew have hit the ground running in Cardiff! 19:18 Mekhi is definitely feeling the UK cold, tomorrow's temperature doesn't look any better. Don't fret we're sending 2tons of heat packs stat. 19:21 Julie and Russell are so happy to meet old friends from the crew of the original Torchwood, Doctor Who and Sarah Jane. 19:25 Lets give a warm welcome to director Billy Gierhart who has completed the first scene from Ep.2 and say hello to Bharat Nalluri for us! 19:29 We're having some serious RTD withdrawals over here, the office is just too quiet and the time change, gross. Very jealous of the UK crew.
Tuesday
The first of a three day shoot saw the cast and crew assemble at the National Trust'sOld Rectory Cottage at Rhossili Bay. Kai Owen and Eve Myles were filming, braving the cold, wet and windy Welsh weather as helicopters swept over them.
The filming was watched by Chris Williams, who was able to survive the weather conditions without the aid of catering!
I heard a few rumours from normally reliable sources that Torchwood were heading off to Gower... and, coincidentally, to Rhossili Bay, popular with tourists, surfers and one of my favourite places in Wales. Getting close to the Bay, I was beginning to wonder if my 60 mile journey would be in vain.. but the reassuring 'BM' sign at the Scurlage turn off put my mind at rest.
Today was a grey day, and umbrellas and winter coats were evident. Clearly, the cast, crew and security guys were freezing, and the Gower Peninsula was not showing itself at its best. The Base, Rhossili's car park, was packed full of the usual trucks, including make up, FATTS, lighting & special effects, though the catering trucks almost caused me to trespass!
Two helicopters caught my eye - one brown and military looking, the other sleeker, and I think, there to film the other in action. They were constantly circling Rhossili Bay, and Rectory Cottage, a farmhouse on a very steep hill. I wasn't clear what was happening at first, but one of the air crew told me the 'action' was actually in the cottage, but the track to it was closed!
Still, I found myself an alternative path down, the one I normally curse when struggling down in the summer with my surfboard. There were loads of trucks, and red & white mini-buses ferrying crew and cast up and down from the hill to the base.
I was quite pleased to see external lighting rigs and shields, as this clearly meant we'd see some action outside. Soon after I spotted Kai Owen, wearing a ridiculous cardigan and a pair of 'farmer's' corduroy trousers. Kai was relaxing between takes.
A few minutes later, the helicopter was back, circling the cottage - and security staff telling me to get out of the way of the shot. The shot comprised Kai, as Rhys tending a fire in his yard, puahing twigs around with a shovel. He noticed the helicopter - and appeared worried when it appeared to 'buzz' the cottage. Was someone unwanted looking out for Gwen and Rhys?
I heard from a crew member who had read some of the scripts that the helicopters contained the 'bad guys', possibly from some government agency, and they were actively seeking Gwen. We'll see in July if that turns out to be the case!
Eve appeared to be lurking by a wall, either keeping out of shot, or just quietly freezing. I was disappointed not to be able to get a decent picture of her! Maybe the next couple of days will bring us better luck!
At this point, I spotted Russell T. Davies and Julie Gardner, now both based in Los Angeles. They called a set meeting, and after a huddle and a few words, Rhys again did his 'fire' scene, and the helicopter dutifully came back for a further spin. It also started to rain - heavily! It felt real good to see Russell and Julie back in Wales.. wish they were back here permanently!
I hear they're filming at Rhossili for two more days, and at some point, pyrotechnics are promised. I may return to see!
You can find more of Chris's photos from the day in his Torchwood! Facebook photo album.
Wednesday
Second day at Rhossili Bay, and today saw John Barrowman join the team for filming. As Chris mentioned, pyrotechnics were indeed present, too, both on the beach (for testing) and around the back of the cottage. Ryan Farrell was on hand to see some of goings-on:
16:12 Just been stopped on my beach walk... Because they're setting dynamite off! 17:07 Lots of machine gun shots. Helicopter is back. Seems to be hovering behind the house 17:15 Looks like they're getting rid of the Real SFX van, trucks etc so they can get some shots of the house from the helicopter 18:42 The cast and crew have broken for tea. Looks like a night shoot.
The day was summed up by John Barrowman's agent, Gavin Barker:
20:55 fun day freezing on a south wales beach with Torchwood and lots of exciting helicopter action...
Thursday
The last day on location at Rhossii Bay saw a move away from the house today onto the beach, where various scenes were shot involving vehicles ranging across the sand, and the establishment of a large tent structure by the cliffs. Eve Myles, Kai Owen and John Barrowman were all on location today, and the helicopters were pressed into service once again!
Summary of the day from the Production Office:
22:17 "Today's car chase on Rhossili beach is the most complicated and thrilling action sequence we've ever attempted" - Russell, Julie
Friday
After three days on the Gower Peninsula, it's back into town ... Swansea beckoned, with the crew descending upon the Bishop Gore School in Sketty. This caused quite some excitement with its occupants, with Nia enthusing: "WOW. John Barrowman is filming 'Torchwood' in our school right now!".
However, the school was actually serving as the base for production and photo-call, with filming to take place a few streets away at Cambridge Street - with residents there being informed of activity on their street back in December! The public notice informed that two days filming were expected, though it could carry on for up to five days in total!
The shoot involved life at the Cooper household, involving Owen, Gwen and her parents Geraint and Mary (William Thomas and Sharon Morgan). John Barrowman and Mekhi Phifer also had scenes, plus as the evening progressed Tom Price arrived to brave the cold evening, alongside a swathe of ambulances, police cars and SWAT.
Russell T Davies was also spotted, watching his creation take fruit (scenes are believed to be for episode one, as Bharat Nalluri was overseeing the activity).
The Base seemed smaller than usual - I'd not be surprised if we later hear of a second unit, working somewhere else in the area. It was fantastic meeting up with the main man, Russell T. Davies at the Base. We've met a few times before, previously in & around Cardiff, and we always manage a chat. I'd not caught up with him since his move to LA, so this was a welcome re-acquaintance.
I asked Russell how he was finding life in LA. He said that it was beautiful and he loved it, but it was clear he was more than pleased being back in Swansea, his beloved home town. When I asked if LA was a permanent home for him, he quickly replied that he was out there for 'a few years', but his firm intention was to return to Wales.
The topic of Ianto Jones and the campaign to resurrect him briefly came up. It was pretty clear that Russell hadn't really picked up that there was a campaign, or that it had somehow not really registered on him. He was very excited about 'Miracle Day', and secretive too. The vague few details he did allude to, I'm not going to print.
Russell confirmed that filming in Wales was scheduled for two weeks, but didn't seem to feel that this was fixed in stone. I'd not be surprised to see it extended. Did Russell expect to see future series of Torchwood? Yes he did, he certainly hoped so, and 'couldn't see why not'.
When I said that I was a little worried that Wales would possibly become less & less a part of any ongoing future Torchwood series - Russell said that he felt Wales would always feature in the show. He said that in a warm & sincere way.
As for today's filming, Russell suggested it might not be that exciting... perhaps a couple of people rushing into, and out of a house.
Russell then finished his coffee, posed for a couple of pix, and disappeared to record an episode of 'Confidential'. Whether he meant 'Confidential' - or 'De-Classified', I'm not sure.
Off to the location. A lovely & very typical row of Swansea terraced houses in the Town Hill part of the town. This clearly was going to be a lengthy shoot. I'm told the shoot was at 'Geraint's house' - he's Gwen's dad, played by Will Thomas. Perhaps some 'family time' was about to occur! The road was closed to all traffic from 0800 thru midnight, and heavy duty lighting rigs were all over the place.
I briefly chatted to producer, Brian Minchin, he of the 'BM' fame. He confirmed things were going well, and that the shoot was expected to take two weeks. Again, Brian hoped that Torchwood would continue beyond Miracle Day.
A larger number of security staff perhaps reflected the urban environment, and for the first time ever - photography was 'strictly banned'. I was told, oddly, that the director (a long haired, bearded, hippy-like character who's name I couldn't pronounce) was 'jumpy' when it came to cameras!
At this point, with powerful lights were trained on the target property, and runners were running, majorly, it was time to head home. A quick spin around the area, a trip to Mumbles and one of Joe's famous ice-creams - the best Wales has to offer!
You can find more of Chris's photos from the day in his Torchwood! Facebook photo album.
Eve Myles, John Barrowman and Tom Price were present, as was RTD. There was an ambulance, and a Police car. As well as Andy there was also a SWAT team of officers with large guns.
Cambridge Road itself is only short, and you can see from one end to the other, so getting photos wasn't too hard.
(additional photography from Dave Edwards)
Also worth noting, the Police/ambulance had Welsh on them, so this is specfically Wales rather than the UK (sort of a given really).
Filming is to continue tomorrow according to locals.
Some final updates from the Production Office:
18:16 We've just got word that today's unit base is located at the school where Russell's mother used to teach. Quite nostalgic. 19:23 Mekhi's just finished his photo shoot dressed in a blood soaked shirt. All we can say is YES! 03:32 Temperatures are falling to -2 on tonight's shoot. The wet down of the location is cancelled in case of freezing.
Saturday
The second day of filming on Cambridge Street. Eve Myles was again present, as were Danny Szam ("surveillance") and Ian Hughes (Ralph Finch). Activity during the day seemed to involve more various comings and goings at the Cooper household, both furtively and in a more official capacity.
It was the first time I'd visited a Torchwood location since they filmed the "Newport riots" for Children of Earth in October 2008. Security was much tighter yesterday. I doubt they'd've blocked the road off with barriers in the past. That said, the security guards didn't seem bothered by my taking a few pics. Perhaps that was because filming was too far away to get more than a few pixels even with my 24x zoom!
Still, it was worth the trip to see Torchwood back on a typical South Walian street. The highlight of that last day in 2008 was Eve Myles turning up in a pair of green wellies, so it was nice that yesterday's scene was also all about Eve. It was hard to tell what was going on, but it seemed to involve some official-looking chaps paying a visit to Gwen at Number 27.
(additional photography from Leanne Haywood)
You can read more filming reports from Alun at his blog Posterous, and further photos from Saturday on Flickr
Finally, a view more shots courtesy of the locals of Cambridge Street who have lived with the cast and crew taking over their street for the last couple of days!
Filming is expected to continue in Sketty for another couple of days, with reports of activity at a recently closed butcher's shop.
Around the corner. They are going to drive a car into the front of my butcher's shop. Luckily he stopped trading last month. I do hope they put it back nice. Beautiful curved corner of old-fashioned shop fronts.
Another possible location is in the Magor area for Monday 31st January, though currently unconfirmed - as there are two episodes with two directors currently active it is possible that two units are operational in different parts of South Wales!
Tuesday 1st February sees the team filming at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff Bay - just a mere stone's throw away from the original home of Torchwood at Roald Dahl Plass!
Thursday, 27 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Casting directory Spotlight have listed a few more actors cast for the currently filming Torchwood: Miracle Day.
First up, actor William Thomas is returning to the show playing Gwen's father Geraint Cooper - he previously appeared in series two's Something Borrowed at Gwen's wedding alongside Sharon Morgan as Gwen's mother Mary (at the time of writing she is not currently credited for filming). Interestingly his entry says that he is a "Series Regular".
Since his previous appearance in Torchwood, Thomas continued his role as Will James in Belonging, and in other Welsh series including Gari Tryfan, Ar Y Tracs and Alys.
Lena Kaur is credited as Dr. Alicia Patel; the actress is best known as regular character Leila in Hollyoaks, and most recently appeared in the television show Speechless and film The Endz.
Actor Danny Szam is listed as a character named Surveillance; he has appeared in Channel 4's Skins, and had a flurry of medical-related appearances in Doctors, The Royal and Casualty!
Finally, actor Daniel Adegboyega is listed as playing a guard in the series; his CV includes appearances in Spooks and The Bill.
Writer Jane Espenson confirmed that the ten episodes of the series will have individual episode titles (like series one and two). She is penning episodes three, five, seven and eight (the latter co-written with Ryan Scott), with Russell T Davies responsible for the series opener and finale, Doris Egan handling episode two, and John Shiban for episode six. This just leaves episodes four and nine to be revealed.
Episode one is being directed by Bharat Nalluri, and episode two by Bill Gierhart; both are working with The Sarah Jane Adventures producer Brian Minchin for filming in the United Kingdom, which itself sees expanded filming taking place over the next few weeks (with filming believed to cover several episodes for the series).
Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner at filming on 25th January Photo courtesy of the Torchwood! Facebook group
This week has seen varied locations being used, including Cardiff International Airport and Rhossili Bay. The South Wales Evening Post caught up with Russell T Davies at the latter location, where he spoke about bringing the show back into the UK:
There are so many good locations in Wales, and I love coming back to Swansea. I'm immensely proud of where I'm from and quite like the opportunity to show places like Rhossili to the world.
It's a sort of national trait of Wales that we tend to be very proud of where we are from, yet don't sing our praises enough.
I'm quite excited that Torchwood will hopefully introduce Wales to people who have never seen it before.
There have been a number of episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood which have been filmed in Swansea, and I plan to keep that up. I don't think I'll ever run out of places to film here because there are so many great ones.
One thing I've quite enjoyed is the little jokes in the show about Brits feeling lost in America, and Americans not knowing where Wales is.
A more detailed report on filming will appear on the Doctor Who News Page at the weekend.
Saturday, 22 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Filming for Torchwood: Miracle Day continued this week in Los Angeles, California.
The week saw the main cast joined by Bill Pullman (Oswald Danes), Arlene Tur (Doctor Vera Jaurez), and original cast member Tom Price (Andy Davidson), with scenes filmed within an old prison, a "haunted" hospital, and Los Angeles City Hall!
As with last week, filming details are compiled from the tantalising tidbits revealed by the cast and crew on Twitter, plus the official production office feed, BBC Torchwood.
A more detailed breakdown of developments during the week follows below; times have been quoted for the local Californian timezone.
Monday
A new week, but no rest for the 'wicked'!
10:40 AS A 30 hour weekend was not enough to prepare me for the week. Womens prisons, haunted hospitals... And btw those rn't storylines. 14:32 BBC After a long great week of work we're at it again. Eve, Mekhi, & Kai all day today. They say hello and tell everyone you know to follow us!
The shoot was summed up by Kai Owen:
21:06 KO Cracking day. Cracking Day. Eve gorgeous, Mekhi awesome.
No confirmation on where filming took place, but apparently popular vampire series True Blood was shooting next to the Torchwood production; as BBC_Torchwood put it: "Stealth mission #1: sneak Russell onto the set. Oops Ryan K, how did we get into your trailer?"
Tuesday
A busy day, with a production meeting for episodes two and three in the morning:
07:47 JE Meeting John Barrowman RIGHT NOW. He's RIGHT THERE. 08:52 BBC They're having a table read for EP#2 upstairs. Bill Pullman is on location today. Great stuff. 11:43 TP Just done read of eps 2&3. Woooo. It's really good. I played several roles, including Man#2 which I think has awoken LA to my arrival well. 13:01 BBC Family style lunch with everyone. We're all going to have Welsh accents by the end of this show. It'll be wonderful. 13:58 KO The read through was epic! Amazing scripts. Great cast. Brilliant.
First "TW-Spy" for this week comes from Tom Price:
Actual filming for the day was at the Sybil Brand Institute, a former women's prison which closed in 1997 and has since been used for a variety of films and television, including Gangland, 24 and The X Files. No time off for the crew though, with another early morning start:
00:22 AS is going to prison at 6:42am. I'll check in via FB and twitter once I'm situated haha 07:01 ST Big scenes today dressing 86 background head to toe. 15:11 AS Laying on a cold hard floor...
23:56 GB a very long day with an 8am script read for episodes 2+3, then long location shoot at an old prison - we love Arlene Tur a lot....
Wednesday
Another day, another location, this time the Linda Vista Hospital which since closure in 1991 has been the focus of a number of paranormal investigations as it is allegedly haunted! Unsurprisingly, it is another popular site for productions, playing host to Outbreak, Pearl Harbour, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the original hospital for the pilot for E.R.! Today, however, it's the turn of Torchwood and first day in front of the camera for both Bill Pullman and Tom Price
(This was of course assuming that Tom and Kai had recovered from a previous day's excitement at Universal City! As Tom surmised: "Off to do some work soon. Not sure I'm ready. Can't I just keep going on roller coasters?")
10:36 KO Off in to work. It's gonna be emotional, and very HOT!!! 12:26 AS Oh my gosh. Bill Pullman = brilliant! So frighteningly good it's hard to watch.
"TW-Spy" continues as Alana, Kai and Tom go on a ghost hunt in-between filming:
A night shoot, with Los Angeles City Hall being the focus of attention.
09:30 AS Oh boy... couldn't sleep in this morning but I have to work all night, outside, in the cold... this might not be good. 14:20 BBC The action never stops, tonight is a big night for John and Alexa on location in LA. We working hard on trying to release teasers :-) 14:24 BBC Tomorrow is a super big travel day for cast and crew. Goodbye LA, hello Wales. :-) Don't worry, we'll be tweeting from both locations. 14:31 BBC We will miss everyone here until you return, wishing you safe travel. Now its time for the highly anticipated day 9 explosion. FUN. 18:53 BBC EP 2 and 3 production meeting then off to set to visit John and Alexa - we hear its really exciting over there.
A number of fans were able to watch some of the filming outside the Hall during the evening:
I heard online that there was going to be an on location shoot for Torchwood in downtown LA, specifically at City Hall. Knowing how rare an opportunity to see John Barrowman is, living in the US, I decided I had to at least try or I would regret it. My friends and I arrived when they were still setting up, this was around 5pm. We saw the film crew and loads of prop vans and trailers. But alas no Barrowman, nor did we glimpse Alexa Havens who we heard would be there and I am a fan of from her soap opera days.
We DID however get friendly with a number of the folks working on the shoot a prop guy, a few security guards, some lighting technicians, everyone was very nice and didn't mind that fans were around so long as we were quiet for rolling and didn't pummel the talent. We also ran into 2 other BarrowFans and we teamed up for the night.
After the first part of filming, where we were not at an angle to SEE JB or Alexa they moved to a different part of the building. We walked to the new set up and we could plainly see the rehearsing and filming which was such a treat. We were pretty content just getting to see Jack in action but then John Barrowman went above and beyond and acknowledged us!
He was filming then he made his way towards a van and he yelled over to us that he was going to get done up and I yelled back that he looked fabulous to which he responded thank you and that he would come visit us later, bless, what a GEM of a man he is.
He was gone for quite a while actually and when he returned he went back to filming at which point we got chummy with some of the extras, one of which I gladly educated about the phenomenal John Barrowman. Needless to say I saw quite a bit of what was going on a few tidbits about the scenes and effects going into the new series BUT they specifically asked me not to take photos and I got the impression that gossip about details would be frowned upon so for now I'll keep to myself with the promise I will re-blog once the show has aired, sound fair?? I hope you understand I just don't want to step on any toes.
So, after some more filming and minutes after my jaw had a random attack of pain, maybe from smiling too much, we see John and Alexa walking towards us. Which, we were pretty far actually so as to not be in the shot. They came over and greeted us with thanks and hugs. And let me just say, John Barrowman smells 51st century for sure. He hugged me and apologized for getting me wet cause they filmed a wet scene, mind out of the gutters people! He also was kind enough to stay and chat for a few minutes. He signed papers and what we had for everyone and he did so with a Sharpie I produced from my chest, thank you *takes a bow*, best pocket EVER. He did also slip in some kind words about my chest when I produced a small piece of paper I prepared for him out of my bra. I just gave him information about Barrowman Day, you know me ALWAYS at the ready! We didn't get a picture because he wasn't allowed to while it wardrobe but he promised to next time I meet him, should I be so lucky.
Dana was also able to visit the South Spring Street shoot last Friday - you can read her report in the Week One Summary.
(with thanks to Kristine Keller)
(with thanks to Tony Arranaga)
Last word goes to Director of Photography Nathaniel Goodman for this week: "US shooting finished on high note Ep 1 Torchwood. Cool stunt - Capt. Jack and newby Esther great. Pullman kills as usual. Off to Wales!"
Key to initials: AS - Alana Stone (fashion designer); BBC - BBC Torchwood (production office); GB - Gavin Barker (John Barrowman's agent); JE - Jane Espenson (writer); KO - Kai Owen (Rhys); ST - Shawna Trpcic (costume designer); TP - Tom Price (Andy)
Next week sees the shoot move across the Atlantic back to Torchwood's homeland, South Wales; costume designer Shawna Trpcic reported on Tuesday that costumes had been sent over (and that Gwen's new costume had been well received!), and confirmed on Thursday that UK-series veteran Lindsay Bonaccorsi would be handling the UK-side.
It also appears to be an extended shoot to the originally expected fortnight mentioned by Eve Myles last year. The Gallifrey One convention in Los Angeles takes place on 18-20th February, and organiser Shaun Lyon has reported:
It's with great sadness that we must announce that Kai Owen and Tom Price will not be able to be with us at Gallifrey 2011. Tenth Planet Events (who was sponsoring them) just informed us that their UK filming schedule on the next series of Torchwood, which starts next week, has been extended, and regrettably, what they both expected would be a quick trip back to LA for the convention has to be cancelled.
The only known location for the UK shoot at the time of writing is at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff Bay on the 1st February, the interior of which last appeared in the series representing the offices of Permanent Secretary to the Home Office and Torchwood liaison John Frobisher in Torchwood: Children of Earth.
Torchwood filming at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff all day 1st February. Locals have been asked not to park in the car park area just outside as building is to be used as "a Victorian hospital" apparently.
Sunday, 16 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Filming for Torchwood: Miracle Day commenced this week, filming in Los Angeles, California.
The week saw the main cast assembling together for filming, with "US lead" CIA agent Mekhi Phifer kicking off proceedings, joined on Wednesday by John Barrowman, and from Thursday Eve Myles (Gwen) and Kai Owen (Rhys). Alexa Havins (Esther Katusi) was also present.
Though fan access to shooting is very restrictive (certainly in comparison to UK filming!), tantalising filming details have slowly trickled through via various members of cast and crew on Twitter, including Director of Photography Nathaniel Goodman, Fashion Designer Alana Stone and Costume Designer Shawna Trpcic - plus a commentary of tidbits from the official production office feed, BBC Torchwood!
A more detailed breakdown of developments during the week follows below; times have been quoted for the local Californian timezone.
Monday
Filming kicks off without a hitch, though for some it is an early start to the shoot!
21:14 Alana Stone: Day one of Torchwood filming starts at 4:42am Monday morning... Here we go. 21:57 Jane Espenson: I have to be up early for Torchwood shenanigans in the morning. So g'night, Twitter! 07:34 Jane Espenson: we start shooting new episodes today! 09:57 BBC Torchwood: Day 1. First shot 8:01am. Coffee pots are bottomless today. 12:32 Alana Stone: Wow day 1= crazy good team work but crazy none the less! 17:24 Nate Goodman: Great first day of shooting Torchwood done! But the really fun stuff yet to come.. 09:18 BBC Torchwood: Day 1, smooth sailing, we're so lucky to have such a great crew.
Meanwhile, Kai Owen (Rhys) confirmed he'd start shooting from Thursday, alongside on-screen wife Eve Myles (Gwen):
Well my bags are packed! I fly to LA tomorrow and am on set with Eve on Thursday!! Torchwood - Miracle Day is coming. I'm buzzing.
Tuesday saw a report that Mekhi Phifer (CIA agent Rex Matheson) was filming scenes in a hospital.
Meanwhile, Captain Jack himself John Barrowman arrived for his costume-fitting, something that BBC Torchwood described as "a sweet new wardrobe", with the fitting being "revealing". As one might expect, the coat is back, "a beautiful new design that we all want to own. It's stylish and absolutely brilliant."
Alana Stone also provided us with the first of what might well be the US production team's version of "WhoSpy", showing one of the chairs that are in use for the cast/crew during the shoot.
Wednesday
John Barrowman returns as Captain Jack Harkness, kicking off in style for a Los Angeles night shoot. As BBC Torchwood put it:
17:07 Night shoots all action packed and it's John's first day of work. Really exciting night. 17:21 STUNTS! STUNTS! So many STUNTS!
Thursday
It's Eve Myles and Kai Owen's turn to be welcomed to the new production, another night shoot that this time takes place in CIA Headquarters.
07:10 Kai Owen: Good morning from LA! I start work on Torchwood - Miracle Day. Tonight!!! 20:01 BBC Torchwood: She's here tonight everyone, the Eve Myles. Tonight we've got almost a full cast. John, Alexa, Kai. Bill and Russell are meeting as well. 23:58 Alana Stone: Day four... All night in CIA headquarters.
"TW-Spy" continues with a couple of shots of office boards and cast trailers from Shawna Trpcic and Alana Stone; the trailers seem to have an iconic image for each character:
Meanwhile, Tom Price, the erstwhile former police colleague of Gwen, Andy Davidson, reported that he too would be joining the Torchwood crew:
Off to LA next week! That's about it really!
Friday
Filming for another night shoot took place at No 650 South Spring Street, an old bank building that has seen use in a number of film productions over the years, including Spider Man 2, Ghost, and The Mask.
20:12 BBC Torchwood: John and Alexa have an exciting scene to shoot tonight. We're all taking turns to visit location. We love our Torchwood Crew! 22:08 Alana Stone: Day/night 5... No rest for the wicked. Poor Alexa is running in 5 inch heels. Girl is a trooper! 01:26 Shawna Trpcic: Crew will shoot til 6 or 7 am time for me to sign off. Blessings.
The production vehicles were spotted by fan Timothy Cerjan:
Capt. Jack Harkness is shooting new Torchwood by my office. The 21st Century is when it all changes. [pic]: http://4sq.com/g1Eibs
Had my first shot at running into John Barrowman this past week (to no avail) when I stopped by an on location shoot for Torchwood. They were filming at a building in downtown Los Angeles which was, as you'd expect, not open to the public. The security guards were all very nice though and they did confirm that Torchwood was filming there. I got a number of responses regarding what time they would start filming so I didn't end up seeing anyone. However, I did get a glimpse inside the building. The set up looked like a bank with a giant vault. I've heard that other films and shows have been shot there but I am unable to confirm that. It looked really great and while they wouldn't let me in to snap any pictures they were kind enough to let me shoot the backside of the vault...through a scratched up window. I know it's not much but I thought I would post it anyhow.
Next week sees the shoot continue in Los Angeles for another four days or so, with filming on Thursday to take place at City Hall. Directory of Photography Nate Goodman then reported that they fly out to the United Kingdom, where filming will continue in Wales the following fortnight (as reported in an interview with Eve Myles last year).
Saturday, 15 January 2011 - Reported by Josiah Rowe
Entertainment Weekly has reported that Lauren Ambrose has been cast in the role of Jilly Kitzinger in Torchwood: Miracle Day. Ambrose is best known for her role as the sullen Claire Fisher in the HBO drama Six Feet Under. EW describes her Torchwood character as "a sweet-talking PR genius with a heart of stone who’s just cornered the most important client of her career … and maybe of all time."
Ambrose joins Torchwood stars John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Kai Owen, as well as previously announced actors Mekhi Phifer as CIA analyst Rex Matheson, Alexa Havins as field agent Esther Drummond, Bill Pullman as convicted murderer Oswald Danes, and Arlene Tur as Dr. Vera Juarez. Dichen Lachman has also been reported as having a role in the series, but her casting has not been confirmed by official sources.
Torchwood: Miracle Day is currently filming in Los Angeles, and will air on BBC1 and Starz beginning in July.
Saturday, 8 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The BBC have released details on the new series of Torchwood - which has now been renamed from The New World to Miracle Day.
The release introduces the plot of the new story, plus cast and character details.
The principal guest stars which have been mentioned in the news over the last couple of months are now formally confirmed, with a couple of character name changes. As reported last month, the principle role of CIA operative Rex Matheson will be played by Mekhi Phifer (most recently seen as FBI agent Ben Reynolds in Lie to Me), whilst protagonist Oswald Danes will be played by Bill Pullman (Independence Day). Alexa Havins (One Life to Live) will play field agent Esther Drummond, whilst Arlene Tur (Crash) plays Doctor Vera Jaurez.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
REX MATHESON (Mekhi Phifer)
He’s the golden boy. The embodiment of the American dream and has been all his life. Harvard education, Rex is destined for success and could make a fortune in Wall Street or Hollywood, but he chose the C.I.A. because he believes in justice and will fight for it. He can talk his way into anything, then charm his way out, fast. This may be just what he needs as he joins forces with Jack and Gwen to fight a global mystery behind “Miracle Day” that has them racing from one crisis to another, dodging assassins, blackmail, corruption and conspiracy, from Washington to Wales and the slums of Shanghai.
CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS (John Barrowman)
Jack looks like a hero. He's handsome, witty and subversive with a killer smile. But there's a reason for that glint in his eye. His dashing style hides a secret. Truth is Jack Harkness is immortal, the only one of his kind. He once ran the Torchwood Institute, a British organization dedicated to fighting the strange and bizarre. But Torchwood closed down, and Jack disappeared, to start yet another of his many new lives. When a new, epic danger affects the whole planet, Jack finds himself back at the center of events, fighting not just for his own life, but for everyone on Earth.
GWEN COOPER (Eve Myles)
Gwen once lived the ultimate double life - the funny, salty, earthy woman who loves home and family, combined with the tough, ruthless warrior, who loves the thrill of the fight. She was the heart and soul of an organization called Torchwood. She was a defender of the human race. But now she lives in seclusion, with her devoted husband Rhys and baby Anwen, knowing that one day trouble would come calling again. When events surrounding “Miracle Day” push Gwen to the limit, she'll need to call on resources she never knew she had and make the most terrible decisions, on behalf of all mankind.
ESTHER DRUMMOND (Alexa Havins)
Esther is an innocent, in a world of assassins, liars and zealots. She got where she is with the C.I.A through diligence and application. Hard work keeps Esther focused but she still dreams of active duty as a field agent serving her country. The dream is going to happen faster than she thinks and in no time at all, Esther finds herself running alongside Jack, Gwen and Rex, living off the grid, gun in hand, fighting a global conspiracy against enemies ranging from big business to the state. It’s a tough, brutal, hard lifestyle where survival is hard won and life-changing choices have to be made.
OSWALD DANES (Bill Pullman)
Well-educated and a former school teacher, Oswald’s a convicted child killer, both guilty and unrepentant. But when Oswald survives his own execution, he’s given a whole new life. The most infamous man in the world, he becomes the most provocative figure in modern media. He’s a flare, reviled yet mesmerizing, whose very existence embodies how the world changed on “Miracle Day”.
DR. VERA JUAREZ (Arlene Tur)
An attending surgeon in Washington D.C., she’s smart, fast talking and hard working, Vera is on the frontline of medical care on “Miracle Day”. As the world crisis grows, Vera's surgical and ER experience sees her recruited to advise on government think-tanks until she has to make a moral choice of enormous consequence. Sexy, confident and passionate, Vera's life is soon inextricably tangled up with Rex's.
The plot of Torchwood: Miracle Day takes place over the course of the ten episodes of the series:
One day, nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep aging -- they get hurt and sick -- but they never die. The result: a population boom, overnight. With all the extra people, resources are finite. It’s said that in four months’ time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can’t be a natural event – someone’s got to be behind it. It’s a race against time as C.I.A. agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy. The answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking “What is Torchwood?", he’s drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to change what it means to be human, forever.
Though launching in the United Kingdom (BBC1) and the United States (Starz), BBC Worldwide plan to distribute the new series around the world. Torchwood has previously been seen in countries like Korea, Japan, Italy, Spain, Israel, Russia and across Latin America.
Production shifts into gear to start filming next week, with members of the production team recently confirmed in the latest Torchwood Magazine - all of which have established sci-fi credentials!
Production designer is Greg Melton (whose previous work includes the Zombie series The Walking Dead) and within the UK is joined by the original designer for Torchwood, Ed Thomas. Costumes are being handled by Shawna Trpcic (who has worked on shows like Angel and Firefly), and Makeup by Todd McIntosh (Pushing Daisies, Buffy the Vampire Slayer). The Director of Photography is Nate Goodman (whose credentials include Heroes).
The series will be produced by Kelly Manners (who worked on Angel and co-produced Buffy the Vampire Slayer); he will be joined in the UK by the producer of The Sarah Jane Adventures, Brian Minchin. The first episode is due to be directed by Bharat Nalluri (whose credits include directing the first episodes of BBC successes Life on Mars, Spooks and Hustle).
As previously reported, the writers for the series are Jane Espensen, John Shiban, Doris Egan, and John Fay, and of course executively produced by series creator Russell T Davies alongside Julie Gardner.
You can view all of our recent articles on casting and the development of The New Worldhere.
An earlier version of this article cited a launch date for The New World - this has been reported by BBC Marketing as incorrect and has been removed. More news soon!
It does contain spoilers but if you do want to know just click 'reveal' to view the the new details.
Jane Epenson (Writer for three episodes of The New World) recently confirmed on her Twitter page that a read-through of the first episode is due to take place sometime next week.
Thursday, 23 December 2010 - Reported by Harry Ward
Twisted Media, "a creative collective producing audio, visual and interactive media" have been hired to work on Torchwood: The New World.
The company first announced via their Twitter page that they have been hired to create graphics for the upcoming series of Torchwood. The Chicago Tribune reported yesterday about Twisted Media's work on another TV show called Leverage and mentioned the work on Torchwood.
Derek Frederickson has landed another TV series. He was just hired to work on 10 episodes of "Torchwood," the spinoff of the long-running "Dr. Who" series. Frederickson described the show as "sort of a 'X-Files'-ish division that investigates alien and supernatural activity." Previous seasons of the show have already aired on BBC America; the new season (which will include Bill Pullman and Mekhi Phifer as series regulars) changes the setting from Wales to the U.S. and will air on Starz.
"It's actually a perfect show for Twisted Media because it's aliens and sci-fi and all sorts of computers and technical, science stuff," Frederickson said. "The first script was a total page-turner Â-- I was going nuts reading it. Being a fan of the show, too, and reading this, I'm like, 'Oh my God, I can't wait to see this on-screen.'"
Which means the next few months will be busy for both Frederickson and [Tom] Slattery. "Torchwood" begins shooting in January.
According to clues left by the Torchwood production office, actor Wayne Knight is to guest star in an episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day.
First up, actor 
Had my first shot at running into John Barrowman this past week (to no avail) when I stopped by an on location shoot for Torchwood. They were filming at a building in downtown Los Angeles which was, as you'd expect, not open to the public. The security guards were all very nice though and they did confirm that Torchwood was filming there. I got a number of responses regarding what time they would start filming so I didn't end up seeing anyone. However, I did get a glimpse inside the building. The set up looked like a bank with a giant vault. I've heard that other films and shows have been shot there but I am unable to confirm that. It looked really great and while they wouldn't let me in to snap any pictures they were kind enough to let me shoot the backside of the vault...through a scratched up window. I know it's not much but I thought I would post it anyhow.
Production shifts into gear to start filming next week, with members of the production team recently confirmed in the latest 
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