Doctor Who loses out at NTA Awards

Wednesday, 26 January 2011 - Reported by Marcus

Doctor Who lost out in the 2011 National Television Awards on Wednesday evening, failing to win an award for the first time since the return of the series in 2005.

The series was beaten in the Best Drama Category by the BBC series Waterloo Road, the contemporary drama series set in a challenging comprehensive school. Matt Smith was nominated for Best Drama Performance, but the award went to veteran actor David Jason.

It was a disappointing night for Doctor Who's showrunner, Steven Moffat, whose other show Sherlock was nominated but failed to win an award.

Doctor Who did play a part in the proceedings when the show opened with a specially shot 3 minute sequence, written by Steven Moffat and staring Matt Smith as the Doctor, trying to get host Dermot O'Leary to the show on time:

(via the BBC official Doctor Who site)

FILTER: - Steven Moffat - Doctor Who - Awards/Nominations

Ambassadors Delayed

Wednesday, 26 January 2011 - Reported by Marcus

2|Entertain have announced that the DVD release of the Third Doctor story The Ambassadors of Death has been delayed due to ongoing restoration issues.

It was hoped that the story would be out later this year and it was due to be released along with the 1977 story The Sun Makers. However the company confirmed via their twitter account that the story will not now be released this year.

The story only existed in the BBC Archives in a mixture of formats. Although the original Transmission Master of Episode One exists, the rest of the story was only kept as 16mm black and white film. A second generation colour copy exists as an off air recording from WNED Channel 17 in Buffalo, and this was used to restore episodes five and six to colour for the 2002 Video release. However the quality of the colour recording was not good enough to allow for the restoration of the rest of the story.

Earlier this year it was reported that the remaining episodes were being restored to colour using the same technique applied to Episode Three of the 1973 story Planet of the Daleks. However it appears this process has run into problems and the release date has been delayed to give the restoration team more time to work on the project.

FILTER: - Classic Series - Blu-ray/DVD

Elisabeth Sladen Autobiography

Wednesday, 26 January 2011 - Reported by Marcus

Who's That Girl? the autobiography of Elisabeth Sladen is due to be published in the UK later this year.

Originally planned for release in April the book is now expected in the Summer or Autumn.

The 320 page hardback book will tell the story of the woman behind one of Doctor Who's most enduring characters, Sarah Jane Smith. Elisabeth Sladen first took on the role of in 1973, playing opposite Third Doctor Jon Pertwee, a role she is still playing today in the hugely successful Sarah Jane Adventures. The book tells the story of her remarkable career: giving a unique, insider’s view of the world’s longest-running science fiction series; and of British television yesterday and today.

The book is published by Aurum Press Ltd on 25 April 2011 and will be priced £16.99

WHO’S THAT GIRL? - The Autobiography of Elisabeth Sladen

When Elisabeth Sladen debuted as journalist Sarah Jane Smith in the Doctor Who story ‘The Time Warrior’, she had no idea the character would become one of the most enduring and popular in the series’ history. The coming years would see Elisabeth traverse time and space alongside classic doctors Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker, whilst a generation of children crouched behind the sofa, terrified but transfixed as their tea-time heroine found herself menaced by Daleks, dinosaurs, Cybermen, Sontarans, Egyptian mummies and even the Loch Ness Monster.

Her decision to quit the TARDIS made front-page news, but it wasn’t the end of Sarah Jane. Elisabeth has reprised the role many times, toured the weird, wonderful world of Doctor Who fandom and regularly tops polls of fans’ favourite companions. Now Elisabeth Sladen tells the story of her remarkable career: a unique, insider’s view of the world’s longest-running science fiction series; and of British television yesterday and today.

Elisabeth Sladen plays companion Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures. She has also appeared in Coronation Street, Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em and Z-Cars.

Publishers Aurum have also announced that their biography of Terry Nation, The Man Who Invented the Daleks, will be published in May.

The book, which was first reported last July, looks at the life of the man behind Blake's 7, The Survivors and The Daleks.

THE MAN WHO INVENTED THE DALEKS - The Strange Worlds of Terry Nation by Alwyn W. Turner

Terry Nation was one of the most successful and prolific writers for television and radio that Britain ever produced. His vision of a post-apocalyptic England, Survivors, has been re-made thirty years on, Blake’s 7 endures as a cult sci-fi classic, and his most famous creations, the Daleks, ensured, and at times eclipsed, the success of Doctor Who.

But while those alien ‘pepperpots’ remain at the core of his appeal, Nation also had a role to play in the early days of radio and television comedy – as part of the legendary Associated London Scripts, he wrote for Spike Milligan, Tony Hancock and Frankie Howerd – and he became a key figure in the internationally successful adventure series of the 1960s: The Avengers, The Saint and The Persuaders!

This is the first serious, mainstream account of Terry Nation’s life and contribution to British television and will shed light on a fascinating melting pot of ambitious young writers, producers and performers without whom British culture today would look very different.

Alwyn W. Turner is the author of Crisis? What Crisis?: Britain in the 1970s, Rejoice! Rejoice!: Britain in the 1980s, and The Biba Experience

FILTER: - People - Auto/Biography - Classic Series - Elisabeth Sladen

Doctor Roundup

Sunday, 23 January 2011 - Reported by Marcus

Items of clothing worn by Tenth Doctor David Tennant when he worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company, are among more than 10,000 costumes and accessories that go on sale next month at the company's rehearsal rooms in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The sale, on 12th February, includes over 1,000 pairs of shoes, 500 shirts, 300 hats, Egyptian head-dresses, a variety of military uniforms, cloaks and clerical outfits. It includes numerous items worn by Tennant, including his understudy costume from the 2008 production of Love's Labour's Lost, a green brocade doublet with bronze ornate buttons, breeches, leather boots and socks and his backstage slippers. Tennant himself was a guest at the 2011 British Comedy Awards which took place at London's O2 Centre on Saturday evening, where he presented the People's Choice Award to comedienne Miranda Hart.

Sixth Doctor Colin Baker, has revealed on his blog that he is currently filming an episode of the BBC daytime drama Doctors. Baker has appeared in the series three times before, in 2001, 2006 and 2009. His theatre tour playing Inspector Morse in House of Ghosts has now finished, although Baker notes there are plans to try to get a tour list together either in the Autumn of 2011 or Spring of 2012.

Fourth Doctor Tom Baker, who celebrated his 77th birthday last week, has said on his Forum that he has decided on two projects for Big Finish Productions. Baker indicated in the past that he is keen to work with Big Finish. He has completed two stories for BBC Audio, Hornets' Nest and Demon Quest.

FILTER: - Tom Baker - David Tennant - Colin Baker

Torchwood: Week Two Filming

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:

(posted via yfrog)

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:

(posted via Twitpic)

Thursday

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.

(with thanks to Dana Shukartsi from Barrowman Day - read her full blog entry on-site)

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.

(with thanks to Paul Mount)

FILTER: - Torchwood - Filming Reports - Miracle Day (Series 4)

Audio Go: Target Update

Thursday, 20 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The range of Target Novelisation adaptations from Audio Go is about to enter new territory with the first original novelisation of a televised story.

Previously penned by Terrance Dicks, this year sees Doctor Who and The Stones of Blood being released as a brand new version written by its original television script writer, David Fisher. Talking to Doctor Who Magazine, commissioning editor Michael Stevens says:

Back last year I asked David Fisher whether he would be interested in penning his own novelisation of the story in which he would be able to expand upon the characters and backgrounds of the adventure. David took on the challenge and has delivered a superb new telling of the story.

This is a one-off for the time being, because there are still dozens and dozens of original Target novelisation queuing up to be released as Audiobooks. I'm hoping it will prove to be a popular diversion from the norm, and one which will perhaps pique the curiousity of many Doctor Who fans.

The novelisation is read by Susan Engel, who played Vivien Fay in the story, and also features John Leeson who provides the voice of K9.

The adaptation is due for release on the 5th May, following on from the scheduled releases below:

The Edge of Destruction, out now

William Russell reads this exciting novelisation of a classic Doctor Who adventure.

In a final bid to regain control of the TARDIS' faulty control system the Doctor is driven to experiment with a dangerous untried combination. With a violent explosion the TARDIS blacks out and the crew find themselves trapped inside. A simple technical fault? Sabotage? Or something even more sinister? Tension mounts as the Doctor and his companions begin to suspect one another. What has happened to the TARDIS? Slowly a terrifying suspicion dawns. Has the TARDIS become the prisoner of some powerful fifth intelligence which is even now haunting the time-machine's dark and gloomy corridors?

William Russell, who played the Doctor's companion Ian in the original TV serial, reads Nigel Robinson's complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1988.

The War Games, due 3rd February 2011

David Troughton reads this thrilling novelisation of a classic Doctor Who adventure.

Mud, barbed wire, the smell of death...The year is 1917 and the TARDIS has materialised on the Western Front during the First World War. Or has it? For very soon the Doctor finds himself pursued by the soldiers of Ancient Rome; and, then he and his companions are reliving the American Civil War of 1863. And is this really Earth, or just a mock-up created by the War Lords? As Doctor Who solves the mystery, he has to admit he is faced with an evil of such magnitude that he cannot combat it on his own - he has to call for the help of his own people, the Time Lords. So, for the first time, it is revealed who is Doctor Who - a maverick Time Lord who 'borrowed' the TARDIS without permission. By appealing to the Time Lords he gives away his position in Time and Space. Thus comes about the Trial of Doctor Who...

David Troughton reads Malcolm Hulke's complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1979.

The Ribos Operation, due 3rd March 2011

John Leeson reads this thrilling novelisation of a classic Doctor Who adventure.

Reluctantly cancelling his well-earned holiday, the Doctor sets off in the Tardis to trace and re-assemble the six segments of the Key to Time on which the stability of the entire Universe depends. Assisted by the argumentative Romanadvoratrelundar and K9, he lands on the planet Ribos in search of the first segment and finds himself entangled in the machinations of two sinister strangers, Garron and the Graff Vynda Ka. Who are they? Is Garron simply a shady confidence-trickster dealing in interplanetary real estate? Is the Graff Vynda Ka just a power-crazed exile bent on revenge? Or are they both really agents of the Black Guardian, intent upon seizing the precious Key in order to throw the Universe into eternal chaos? Risking his life within the monster-infested catacombs of Ribos, the Doctor has to use all his wit and ingenuity to find out...

This is an exciting unabridged reading, with music and sound effects, and this novelisation of a classic Doctor Who adventure, first published by Target Books in 1979.

Inferno, due 7th April 2011

Caroline John reads this thrilling novelisation of a classic Doctor Who adventure.

In this exciting reading, first published by Target Books in 1984, the Doctor is trapped in a parallel world, unable to act as the Earth is threatened by a poisonous liquid leaking from top-secret drilling project Inferno.

See the Audio Go Doctor Who Universe section for details on the full range of CDs available; you can also purchase them via our shop on Amazon.

A new trailer has just been released promoting the Doctor Who range on audio:

(presented by BBC Classic Doctor Who via their You-Tube channel)

FILTER: - Audio

BBC Wales Drama village: Phase One complete

Thursday, 20 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Artistic view of the Media Village front, BBC

The new BBC Media Village in Cardiff has been named Roath Lock at a "topping out" ceremony which took place today at the Porth Teigr site at Cardiff Bay; the final section of concrete floor has been laid marking the completion of Phase One of the development.

The event was attended by outgoing BBC Wales director Menna Richards, one of the driving forces behind the new development, who said:

There’s still a lot more work to do, but once completed, Roath Lock studios will become a focal point for the creative industries in Wales – brimming with energy and talent – and we are all extremely proud to be a part of the project.

Other guests included Welsh heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones, Cardiff Council leader Rodney Berman, and Mark Hallett of site developers Igloo Regeneration.

The first shows at the 170,000 sq ft site (Casualty and Pobol y Cwm) are due to commence production in Autumn once the buildings are fitted out. Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures will re-locate from the Upper Boat Studios in Tonteg during 2012 - a move meaning that Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary will be marked at the brand new facilities!

(original report from BBC News, and updated report including video)

FILTER: - Production - Miscellaneous - BBC

Bif Bang Pow! to release new US Collectibles

Thursday, 20 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

US specialist merchandise designer Bif Bang Pow! are to release a new line of toys and collectibles in America based on Doctor Who.

The new Doctor Who Collection range is expected to be launched in the summer, and will initially feature retro action figures and playsets, along with bobble heads. Created in partnership with EMCE Toys, the figures will stand 8-inches tall and include episode-specific fabric clothing, in addition to multiple points of articulation.

Jason Lenzi, CEO of the company, said:

Bif Bang Pow! is thrilled to bring these brand-new Doctor Who action figures, bobble heads, and collectibles to market. The Denys Fisher range of 9-inch action figures from the 1970s was never released in the United States, and has become one of the most highly sought after toy lines of the past 40 years. Doctor Who bobble heads have never been made for any market, so we have the opportunity to offer these highly desired products to a whole new fan-base that never had the chance to purchase them before. Personally, I've been waiting for this since 1978, so as The Doctor would say, it's about time!

The product line will be unveiled at the New York Toy Fair, from 13-16 February.

Later plans include items like licence plate frames, tin boxes, coasters, magnets, glassware, and other popular collectible merchandise.

Bif Bang Pow! was created by Jason Lenzi in 2005 in answer to a market niche to provide merchanside based upon a fan's perspective - to bring stuff to the marketplace that he himself would want to own. The company aim is to "to provide high-quality action figures, toys and collectibles to the massive cult audience (and kids of all ages) that wishes these toys were already in their collection."

(read the press release for full details)

FILTER: - Merchandise

Radio Times Cover Party 2011

Thursday, 20 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The annual Radio Times Covers Party took place at Claridges in London on Tuesday evening, which as usual saw a multitude of stars gather together to celebrate another year's worth of Radio Times covers.

The event was hosted by former Doctor David Tennant, who was also presented with his cover for Single Father (9-15 October); Karen Gillan was there to receive the Doctor Who cover for The Pandorica Opens (19-25 June).

Other guests at the party included Steven Moffat, Rob Brydon, Terry Wogan, Aidan Grimshaw, Jean Marsh, Keeley Hawes, Hugh Bonneville and David Morrissey.

You can find a range of photos from the evening on the Radio Times website, featuring David Tennant, Karen Gillan and Steven Moffat amongst the other guests; evening developments were also revealed live and can be read via Twitter, including further behind-the-scenes photos.

The Radio Times have also provided a short video of the evening, featuring sound-bites from various celebrities, including host David Tennant and the current series representatives Karen Gillan and Steven Moffat (1m20s in).

(post a comment about the video on the Radio Times website)

Plus, this week’s Radio Times (22-28 Jan) see actress Sinead Keenan talk about the new series of Being Human and playing an alien in Doctor Who:

The third series is “bigger, better and bolder. It’s literally bigger, as the new house is huge. The camerawork is more ambitious, too; it’s very cinematic. Keenan’s character, Nina, became a werewolf after she was scratched by George in the first series. I was thrilled as it meant Nina was there to stay. Then I realised I’d have to ‘transform’, which means getting naked and spending three-quarters of your working day in the make-up chair. It’s not the first time 34-year-old Keenan has suffered for her art. In Doctor Who, she played an alien sporting pea-green spikes instead of hair. For someone who initially told her agent she didn’t like sci-fi and the supernatural, I’ve done a lot of it!

FILTER: - Radio Times

New Zealand Airdate for A Christmas Carol

Wednesday, 19 January 2011 - Reported by Marcus

Prime TV have now released details on the broadcast of A Christmas Carol in New Zealand; the special, which stars Michael Gambon and Katherine Jenkins alongside the Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith, will be shown on Sunday 30th January at 8:30pm.

(with thanks to the New Zealand Doctor Who Fan Club for reporting the news)

FILTER: - Specials - New Zealand - Broadcasting

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