Wikileaks Reveal Doctor Who Film as Part of 8 Year Plan

Friday, 17 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
The latest documents released by WikiLeaks reveal the desire of Sony and BBC Worldwide to make a Doctor Who movie.

Wikileaks has just published thousands of emails and documents that it obtained following a cyber-attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment last year. Included in the release are discussions between Sony executives about working with BBC Worldwide to produce a Doctor Who movie.

In an email to Sony Pictures Entertainment chief executive Michael Lynton, sent in January 2014, Sony's president of international production Andrea Wong said although the BBC were interested in the project it was the wrong time to push it. She said she had had discussions with Danny Cohen, the Director of BBC Television.
Just spoke to Danny Cohen re Dr Who. He said that while there has been tremendous interest (and pressure from BBCWW) to do a Dr Who film, the show runners feel very clear that they don’t want to do one at this moment. That said, over the course of the coming months, the show running team is coming up with an 8 year timeline for the brand – laying out all that will happen with it. He says that a film will certainly be a part of that timeline. So the answer is that a film won’t happen in the next year to 18 months, but it is expected that it will happen after that within the 8 year horizon. He expects the plan to be laid out by the end of the year...
Lynton asked if it would help if he met the showrunners when he visited the UK in March, but Wong advised him against the meeting.
Spoke to Danny and he doesn’t think it makes sense right now and actually might hurt our cause. He said that the creative team on the show have been having the movie conversation with BBC Worldwide in recent weeks and are very hot under the collar that their position on it is not being listened to or accepted....
Neither Sony or the BBC have responded to the specific leak. Sony has strongly condemned the release of material by Wikileaks saying "We vehemently disagree with WikiLeaks' assertion that this material belongs in the public domain."




FILTER: - Doctor Who

DWM Special: The Art of Doctor Who

Thursday, 16 April 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The Art Of Doctor Who (Credit: DWM)Doctor Who Magazine Special: The Art of Doctor Who

The characters and scenarios from Doctor Who have been inspiring artists since 1963. The latest special edition of Doctor Who Magazine celebrates the best of their contributions to both the programme and the vast range of licensed products that rely on their skill.

“This is how the story of Doctor Who unfolded in the eyes of the artists who interpreted, shaped and represented the show,” says editor Marcus Hearn. “In fact, the story begins before the first episode was even transmitted – we have articles examining the creation of the Doctor Who logo and the filming of the original title sequence.”

This 100-page Special is packed full of stunning reproductions of original artwork from the Dalek annuals, the Doctor Who annuals, Doctor Who Weekly, the DVD range, the Radio Times, Target Books, TV Century 21, the VHS releases and more.

Other highlights include:
  • Articles covering the history of graphic design and illustration in Doctor Who, from the early 1960s to the present day.
  • Award-winning graphic designer Bernard Lodge explains how he created the series’ first four title sequences.
  • Concept artists Peter McKinstry and Matt Savage share their portfolios from 21st-century Doctor Who.
  • Interviews with Target Books artists Chris Achilleos, Jeff Cummins, Bill Donohoe, Roy Knipe, Tony Manero, Andrew Skilleter and Nick Spender.
  • Interviews with comics artists including Mike Collins, Martin Geraghty, Dave Gibbons, Richard Piers Rayner, John Ridgway, Nick Roche, John Ross, Adrian Salmon, Lee Sullivan and Alice Zhang.
  • Interviews with VHS and DVD cover artists Lee Binding, Colin Howard and Alister Pearson.

Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition: The Art of Doctor Who is available now.




FILTER: - DWM

Doctor Who Coming to DisneyXD

Wednesday, 15 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
The exploits of the Tenth Doctor are coming to Disney XD in North America, from Saturday, May 9.

Disney XD, which is home to top-rated action adventure programming including Lucasfilm's Star Wars Rebels and Marvel Television's animated series, has picked up Doctor Who Series 2 to 4, starring David Tennant as the Doctor.

The series will begin st 9:00 p.m., ET/PT with a preview airing of New Earth following the Disney XD premiere of Fantastic Four. In "New Earth," the Doctor and Rose board the TARDIS for new adventures in time and space. But when they visit mankind’s new home, far in the future, they find gruesome secrets hidden inside a luxury hospital. And an enemy thought long since dead, the paper-thin Cassandra, is out for revenge.

Season Two, "Adventures in time and space," will continue to rollout on Disney XD beginning Saturday, June 13. The special week-long programming event will give fans eight episodes airing daily Saturday, June 13 through Saturday, June 20. Beginning June 14, episodes will also be available on the WATCH Disney XD app, which allows consumers to watch on tablets, phones, computers and connected TVs.

Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD said,
It has been a pleasure working with BBC and we are thrilled that their hallmark drama series 'Doctor Who' is joining the Disney XD programming line-up. This iconic series features the high-quality, high-stakes action and adventure storytelling that our viewers love. The show headlines one of the most charismatic lead characters in television in the form of the Doctor and showcases a compelling rogues' gallery of villains from around the universe.
Matt Forde, EVP Sales & Co-productions, TV, BBC Worldwide North America added
Disney XD is recognized for its family-friendly programming making the channel a great partner to introduce the David Tennant seasons of 'Doctor Who' to a new generation of viewers.




FILTER: - Broadcasting - Series 2/28 - Series 3/29 - Series 4/30 - USA

The Big Care Sign-Up 2015

Tuesday, 14 April 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
This Sunday (19 April) will see The Big Care Sign-Up host an event to raise money for The Carers Centre, a charity based in LeicesterShire. As part of events there will be an auction of celebrity and entertainment memorabilia, including autographs from all 13 actors to have played the Doctor. Guests from Doctor Who will be John Levene (Sergeant Benton) and Matthew Dale (Big John, Robot Of Sherwood).

  • Album page signed by William Hartnell (First Doctor) and dedicated to Sylvia. Actress Wanda Hendrix has signed on the reverse.
  • Album page, signed by Patrick Troughton (Second Doctor), “Best wishes, Patrick Troughton”.
  • Vintage programme for the show "Lets Make a Night of It" at the Pier Pavilion in Worthing, signed on the first page by Jon Pertwee (Third Doctor). Good condition.
  • 10” x 8” full colour photo of the Fourth Doctor and Daleks signed by Tom Baker (Fourth Doctor). Good condition.
  • Full colour photo of signed by Peter Davison (Fifth Doctor) and dedicated to Brenda, “To Brenda, With best wishes, Peter Davison”.
  • Doctor Who 50th Anniversary First Day Cover, signed by Colin Baker (Sixth Doctor), Bernard Cribbins (Wilfred Mott) and Katy Manning (Jo Grant)
  • Poster of The Witch Prime from The Minister of Chance, signed by Sylvester McCoy (Seventh Doctor and The Witch Prime)
  • Poster artwork signed by Paul McGann (Eighth Doctor)
  • British Legion Poppy Appeal Cover, signed by Sir John Hurt (War Doctor).
  • Full colour signed photo of Christopher Eccleston (Ninth Doctor).
  • Full colour signed photo of the Tenth Doctor, signed by David Tennant (Tenth Doctor). This autograph was signed in person at London BFI Doctor Who at 50 Season on Sunday 29th September 2013.
  • London Art programme signed by Matt Smith (Eleventh Doctor) and Jenna Coleman (as Jenna-Louise Coleman) (Clara Oswald) during the filming of The Day of The Doctor in Trafalgar Square. Unique sketches and doodles by Pete Worrall.
  • Full colour photo taken at time of Peter Capaldi’s reveal as the Twelfth Doctor, signed and dated with the words “All the Best from Peter Capaldi, 23 Nov 2013 50 Years of Dr. Who!!”, the day of its 50th Anniversary. The celebratory episode, The Day of The Doctor, also marked Capaldi’s brief first appearance in the role.
The full list of items up for auction and how to submit a bid can be found on The Big Care Sign-Up website.




FILTER: - Auctions - Charities - Conventions

Doctor Update

Monday, 13 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Gypsy Recording
Peter Davison, who celebrates his 64th birthday today, is currently appearing in London's West End in the revival of the Musical Gypsy.

Davison plays Herbie in the show, which is based upon the memoirs of the stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, and which is currently previewing at London's Savoy Theatre. The cast is led by BAFTA award winning actress Imelda Staunton who was asked to take on the role of Rose by the play's lyricist Stephen Sondheim, after he saw Staunton's performance as Mrs Lovett in the 2012 production of Sweeney Todd.

The show's cast album, featuring Davison, is released on 27th April.

Davison will take time off from the show to host Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular’s UK tour this May.

NB The first London production of Gypsy in 1973, starring Angela Lansbury, featured a 9 year old Bonnie Langford in the role of Baby June.

Fortitude, the psychological thriller television series starring Christopher Eccleston, has been renewed for a second 10-part series.

The series, which also stars Michael Gambon airs in the UK on Sky Atlantic, where the first episode was watched by more than 2.5m people and is the channels most successful original commission.




FILTER: - Christopher Eccleston - People - Peter Davison

Sneak Peek - Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor #7​

Saturday, 11 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Wednesday ​April​ 15​ ​sees the release of ​Doctor Who: Twelfth Doctor #7​, written by Robbie Morrison and illustrated by Brian Williamson.

The Fractures' Part 2

On our Earth, UNIT scientist John Foster was killed in an accident... but in a parallel universe, his wife and daughter were killed, while that world’s John Foster survived. One thought kept that John going through his grief – somewhere out there, in some other reality, his wife and daughter still lived.

Working obsessively, Foster has devised a way to breach the membrane of the multiverse and cross the Void into our world, unaware of the horrors that will follow in his wake…

What dark creatures live in the veins of the multiverse, reaching out to ensnare those foolish enough to breach into their domain?

The Doctor and Clara are about to face... The Fractures!


The Twelfth Doctor #7 (Credit: Titan)The Twelfth Doctor #7 (Credit: Titan)The Twelfth Doctor #7 (Credit: Titan)The Twelfth Doctor #7 (Credit: Titan)The Twelfth Doctor #7 (Credit: Titan)




FILTER: - Comics - Twelfth Doctor

Big Finish May Releases Arrive Early

Friday, 10 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Big Finish have announced that the release date of May's Doctor Who novel adaptations titles has been brought forward - to next Monday, for those who order at bigfinish.com.

On Monday 13th April, Big Finish will release Doctor Who - The Novel Adaptations Volume 2. Originally scheduled as May releases, it's been brought forward exclusively through the Big Finish site, with other retailers keeping the May date.

Special Edition (Credit: Big Finish)Doctor Who - Damaged Goods is Jonathan Morris' adaptation of a novel by Russell T Davies, the writer and producer who brought Doctor Who back to hugely popular televisual life in 2005.

It stars Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor, accompanied this time by Roz Forrester (Yasmin Bannerman) and Chris Cwej (Travis Oliver)

The year is 1987 and there’s a deadly new narcotic on the streets of London. As part of their investigations the Doctor and his companions Chris and Roz move into the Quadrant, a rundown housing estate. An ancient alien menace has been unleashed, a menace somehow linked to a local gang leader known as The Capper, a charmed young boy called Gabriel and his mother Winnie, the enigmatic Frei Foundation, and Eva Jericho, a woman driven to the brink of madness. As London descends into an apocalyptic nightmare, the Doctor must uncover the truth about the residents of the Quadrant and a desperate bargain made one dark Christmas Eve.

Doctor Who - The Well-Mannered War is the fourth adaptation of the novels of Doctor Who writer Gareth Roberts

Adapted by John Dorney, it stars Tom Baker, Lalla Ward, and John Leeson as the Fourth Doctor, Romana and K9

The edges of space, the far distant future, an era even the Time Lords are not supposed to visit. Laid claim to by disputing factions of humans and Chelonians, the planet Barclow has become the catalyst for an unusual war. In two hundred years of hostilities not a shot has been fired, and the opposing combatants are the best of friends. But when the Doctor, Romana and K9 arrive, they discover the peace is not going to last. Something dangerous is happening behind the scenes. An election looms. Bodies are piling up. Tensions are growing. Someone, somewhere is trying to make this wellmannered war very angry indeed. Only the time-travellers can save the day. But that might be their biggest mistake.
Doctor Who - The Novel Adaptations Volume 2 is a limited edition, five-disc release (also available as a download) bringing together the content of Doctor Who - The Well-Mannered War, Doctor Who - Damaged Goods, and not only a fifth disc of interviews about the making of these tales, but for anyone buying through the Big Finish site, there's an exclusive download version of the fifth disc, featuring an additional 40 minutes of conversations with Russell T Davies and others.




FILTER: - Big Finish

Sneak Peek - Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11

Monday, 6 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Wednesday ​April​ 15​ ​sees the release of ​Doctor Who: Eleventh Doctor #11, written by Al Ewing and illustrated by Boo Cook.

The Doctor, Alice and Jones were getting used to having ARC around. A shapeshifter whose origins are shrouded in mystery, ARC still saved their lives time after time.

So why has ARC suddenly commandeered the TARDIS, crossing back over its own timeline in one of the most dangerous stunts a time traveler can pull?! Has ARC been a sleeper agent all along, or are there deeper motives at work?

It's up to the Doctor and his companions to find out – if ARC doesn't wipe them all out first!

PLUS: the secrets of SERVEYOUinc's assault on the timeline revealed!


Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11 (Credit: Titan)


A trailer has also been launched for the first volume of Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor, a collection of the first five issues of the comic.





FILTER: - Comics - Eleventh Doctor

Lethbridge-Stewart: 2015/2016 schedule update

Monday, 6 April 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Candy Jar Books have announced a change in schedules for their novels based upon the character of Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart.

Owing to Lance Parkin being unavailable for the project at present, his novel Horror of Det-Sen will no longer be published in June, with David A McIntee's The Schizoid Earth now moving into that slot. Shaun Russell, head of publishing, said:
Lance is such a huge talent in the world of Doctor Who and we have left the door open for him to return. Hopefully, one day, Lethbridge-Stewart will make it to Det-Sen.
McIntee's novel will be followed by a new replacement a few months later entitled Beast of Fang Rock which, as the name implies, is a prequel/sequel to the Season 15 opener Horror of Fang Rock; it will be co-written by Andy Frankham-Allen and the original script's writer Terrance Dicks. This will then be followed by the previously announced Mutually Assured Domination by Nick Walters.

Looking to 2016, novels have been commissioned from John Peel (author of a number of Virgin/BBC Books and story novelisations), Jonathan Cooper (former Doctor Who correspondent with the Mirror), Lizbeth M Myles (author of several short stories), and Adrian Rigelsford (The Hinchcliffe Years and The Harper Classics).



Lethbridge-Stewart: Top Secret Files (Credit: Candy Jar Books)To celebrate the success of the first book in the range, The Forgotten Son, Candy Jar Books have made a 65 page e-book freely available for download from their website. Hayley Cox, senior publishing co-ordinator, said:
The response to The Forgotten Son has been fantastic – over twenty really positive reviews in just over a month! It was so nice, in fact, that we decided we wanted to give something back to the fans, and so we put together this ebook which acts as both a thank you to those who’ve already bought the first book, and an introductory pack for those who have yet to commit to the series.

Lethbridge-Stewart: Top Secret Files contains previously unpublished material, as well as an extended short story first published in Doctor Who Magazine #483 in February. It also includes a special, previously unreleased interview in which Doctor Who director Graeme Harper talks about the actor who played Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Nicholas Courtney.
  • The Ambush! – A short story originally published in Doctor Who Magazine #438, now extended with new scenes. It is set during the Doctor Who serial The Web of Fear, and serves as an introduction to the Lethbridge-Stewart book series.
  • We Won’t Let Him Down – An extended version of the final chapter of Candy Jar Books’ Companions: Fifty Years of Doctor Who Assistants, focussing solely on the television adventures of the Brigadier.
  • What Lies Beyond – A brief look at some of the Doctor Who novels that have featured the Brigadier over the years that pertain to the future of the Lethbridge-Stewart series of novels.
  • Graeme Harper – An extended interview with Doctor Who director Graeme Harper (the only director to have worked on the classic series and the revived series) from the book Calling the Shots, in which he talks about Nicholas Courtney, the man who brought the Brigadier to life.
  • Original Prelude – Never-before-seen original prelude that was written to open The Forgotten Son, set during the final moments of the Brigadier’s life.
  • The New World – The opening chapter of The Forgotten Son, the first novel in the Lethbridge-Stewart series.
The e-book is also available for the Kindle via Amazon.





FILTER: - Books - Lethbridge-Stewart - Merchandise

Sneak Peek - Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #9​

Monday, 6 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Wed​nesday ​April​ 15​ ​sees the release of ​Doctor Who: Tenth Doctor #9, written by Robbie Morrison and illustrated by Daniel Indro.
The Tenth Doctor is trapped in No Man’s Land. Surrounded by Weeping Angels on all sides. Bombarded by artillery both British and German. No weapons of any use. No protection against the cold. Tired, hungry, and walking wounded.

Things have never looked so dire for the Doctor and Gabby, or for their new friend, weary soldier Jamie Colquhoun.

With time running out, can victory be found in the stone jaws of certain defeat? There’s only one defence left…

Don’t blink. Don’t. Even. Blink.


Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #9 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #9 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #9 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #9 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #9 (Credit: Titan)




FILTER: - Comics - Tenth Doctor