BBC Worldwide announce official Doctor Who convention

Friday, 11 November 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Worldwide have announced the first official Doctor Who convention to be staged since the series return in 2005. Billed as the "Ultimate Doctor Who Fan Event", it will feature guests Matt Smith and Steven Moffat, plus many others from the cast and crew including Danny Hargreaves (special effects supervisor), Michael Pickwoad (production designer), Marcus Wilson (producer) and the team behind Millennium FX.

The convention will held twice, taking place at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff; 1500 tickets are to be made available for each of the days on the 24th and 25th March 2011:

The unique interactive programme will include theatre sessions and Q&As with cast and crew; behind the scenes sessions show-casing the script to screen process; discussions with episode directors and writers and demonstrations from Special FX and prosthetics experts that will illustrate the challenges and scale of their work on the world’s longest running sci-fi show. Autograph and photo opportunities will also be available with attending cast members and there will be official Doctor Who merchandise and collectables on sale.

Matt Smith commented on the announcement:

It’s brilliant that the first official convention is being held in Cardiff, the home of Doctor Who. I’m really looking forward to seeing the fans there, and remember – bow ties are cool!

Steven Moffat said:

A whole weekend dedicated to all things Doctor Who, brilliant! We’re going to be celebrating the whole team behind the show, people who bring to life the Doctor's craziest adventures and letting fans into some of our trade secrets. If you want to get under the skin of Doctor Who this is an unmissable event!"

Tickets for the convention go on sale from the 14th November, and are priced at £99 for the day; autographs and photo opportunities with Matt Smith and Steven Moffat are also to be made available on a limited basis for an additional charge.

For more information and to book see the official convention website at www.dwconvention.com.

Full event details from BBC Worldwide:

Fans will gain unrivalled access to Eleventh Doctor star Matt Smith, Series Lead Writer and Executive Producer Steven Moffat and many more key members from the award-winning cast, crew and production team including Doctor Who Special FX Supervisor Danny Hargreaves, Production Designer Michael Pickwoad, Doctor Who Producer Marcus Wilson and the award-winning Millennium FX team.

The unique interactive programme will include theatre sessions and Q&As with cast and crew; behind the scenes sessions show-casing the script to screen process; discussions with episode directors and writers and demonstrations from Special FX and prosthetics experts that will illustrate the challenges and scale of their work on the world’s longest running sci-fi show. Autograph and photo opportunities will also be available with attending cast members and there will be official Doctor Who merchandise and collectables on sale.

Convention attendees will be let into the secrets of Doctor Who special effects as Danny Hargreaves and his talented team, reveal the tricks used to create the stunning physical effects that leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Watch them recreate a spectacular battle scene with live pyrotechnics, amazing explosions and laser effects.

Even more tricks of the trade will be unveiled by the award-winning Millennium FX team responsible for creating some of Doctor Who’s most iconic monsters including the Silence; the Silurians; the Weeping Angels and the Ood. The team will be giving a live demonstration of the skilful process involved in prosthetics application that fans can watch up-close and learn from the team how each stage is achieved.

Convention attendees will also be able to get up close and personal with rare costumes and props from the show where designers and experts will be on hand to answer questions about the origins and history of the items on show. The Millennium Centre itself has starred in several episodes – it was the setting for a hospital in New Earth in Series 2 run by the cat-like Sisters of Plentitude, in Tom McRae’s episode The Girl Who Waited in Series 6 the building featured as a principle location on Apalapucia – the kindness facility where people were quarantined, see if you can spot the top floor balcony where Amy fought with a Handbot!

FILTER: - Steven Moffat - Matt Smith - Conventions - BBC

Tom Baker at Elisabeth Sladen Book Launch

Thursday, 10 November 2011 - Reported by Marcus

The Doctor Who Experience is to host a special event celebrating the launch of the recently published autobiography of Elisabeth Sladen.

The event, held at the Experience's current home at Olympia in London, will feature fourth Doctor, Tom Baker talking about his memories of working with Sladen alongside Terrance Dicks, who was Script Editor of Doctor Who when Sladen was cast, and Sadie Miller, Elisabeth Sladen's daughter.

Hosted by TV Choice magazine's Ben Lawrence, the event will be held in the screening room at the Doctor Who Experience at 2.30pm on November 26th. It is free to enter for ticket holders to The Doctor Who Experience, who have an entry ticket for 12.30pm, 1pm or 1.30pm.

Bookings can be made via See Tickets. When selecting the relevant time slot you will be given the option to select Elisabeth Sladen book launch entry.

FILTER: - Tom Baker - Elisabeth Sladen

Vintage Tom Baker archive on BBC1 Northern Ireland

Wednesday, 9 November 2011 - Reported by Marcus

Several minutes of footage of Tom Baker visiting schools in Northern Ireland in 1978 has been discovered in the BBC Northern Ireland archives.

The footage was unearthed by archivist Evan Marshall who has been working on a series Those Were the Days, looking back at how Northern Ireland was reported in the past, and included in the first of the series looking at school life in the 70's, shown last Monday.

Baker visited Belfast at the height of his fame as the Fourth Doctor and the film shows him meeting children and playing in the school playground as well as featuring new interviews of those who recall the visit.

More material exists in the archive showing Baker visiting a girl in hospital, being interviewed for BBC Radio Ulster, and being mobbed by shoppers in Belfast city centre. Although this additional footage is not in the programme it may be available in the future.

The programme is available in the UK on the BBC iPlayer until 19th December

FILTER: - Tom Baker

Children in Need: Doctor Who timeslot

Tuesday, 8 November 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The new issue of the Radio Times (12-18 Nov) confirms the time of the Christmas Special preview as being in the 8:00-8:30pm timeslot during this year's Children in Need on 18th November, promising "an exclusive treat from Doctor Who".

This is the same slot as broadcast last year - with Children in Need being a live show, the time can only be estimated and won't be known until during the programme itself!

The title of the episode itself is expected to be revealed in the next couple of weeks.

FILTER: - Special Events - Charities

The Gunpowder Plot - Concept Art

Monday, 7 November 2011 - Reported by Marcus

The concept art for the new Doctor Who Adventure Game, The Gunpowder Plot is now available on-line.

Several backgrounds are available:

The artwork was produced by Opus Artz, a 2D production design agency based in London, UK which produces digital art for film, games and publishing clients.

FILTER: - Online

People Roundup

Monday, 7 November 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

John Barrowman is to present an edition of the BBC's comedy musical quiz show Never Mind The Buzzcocks, to be recorded on 30th November; though the brodcast date is unknown at present, it seems likely to be the tenth episode of the series due the following week on 5th December. [John Barrowman website]

Karen Gillan has been nominated as a Screen Nominee for the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards; other nominees in this section include documentary filmmaker Mark Cousins, producer Christopher Young, and writer/director Lynne Ramsey. [Glenfiddich]

Alex Kingston attended the Pearson Teaching Awards that took place at Downing Street on 2nd November, where she presented the award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year; photos from the event can be found on Flickr. [Number 10, 30 Oct 2011]

Bernard Cribbins has presented with his OBE by the Princess Royal at a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony. The 82-year-old actor indicated that retirement wasn't on his mind: I love it, I can't stop, why should I? I'm still able to read and write." [BBC News, 3 Nov 2011]

Speaking at a book signing, Steven Moffat talked about the success of Sherlock: "We didn’t know Sherlock would be such a hit. It felt like a vanity project. I always thought it would be good and get good reviews, I never thought it would be an instant monster. That never happens – having good reviews with a huge audience and all the awards – you couldn’t expect it to happen." [Express, 4 Nov 2011]

David Troughton will be performing a series of Christmas readings with his wife during the O Magnum Mysterium Christmas concert at St Mary's Church, Warwick on 21st December, appearing with the acclaimed Warwickshire choir, the Saint James’s Singers (the singers also have a Doctor Who connection, having contributed their vocals to the Big Finish story Her Final Flight).

Tickets can be booked via the Bridge House Theatre and full details are available from the Saint James's Singers website.

(with thanks to Julian Shortman)

FILTER: - People - Bernard Cribbins - Karen Gillan - John Barrowman

Doctor Who Encyclopedia available for iPad

Wednesday, 2 November 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Books have released an Apple iPad application for the Doctor Who Encyclopedia to tie in with the revised hardback edition that was published on 15th October:

Written by former Doctor Who script editor Gary Russell, the app is the ultimate guide to seven years of thrilling Doctor Who adventures, which includes up to date information on every episode since the show’s return to our screens in 2005.

It allows you to scroll your way through a complete A-Z of the show and explore and search thousands of entries by series or episode. You will discover the Doctor’s fiercest enemies, closest allies and key places and objects and have the opportunity to preview and buy those must-have episodes.

The app contains over 3000 entries and each entry includes links to episodes, people, places and objects that relate to it. Additionally, each entry has an episode reference, allowing you to search the Encyclopedia by episode or series – so you can find out all you ever need to know about the Doctor, his allies, enemies and everywhere he’s ever visited. You can also preview episodes and buy your favourites directly from iTunes.

The app also contains 11 unique portals - special interactive entries, for the Doctor, Amy, Rory, River and other major characters in the show. The Doctors’ portal uses parallax technology which allows users to move their iPad to scroll through a 3D environment, featuring the Doctor’s closest companions and deadliest enemies.

The application was developed by Brandwidth in partnership with BBC Books and is available as a number of downloads, with the initial purchase covering the Eleventh Doctor. Additional downloads can then be purchased to cover the Ninth and Tenth Doctor era.

Albert DePetrillo, Senior Editorial Director at BBC Books, commented:

The Doctor Who Encyclopedia offers a completely immersive digital reading experience, offering fans a stunning variety of navigational possibilities as they explore the world of the Doctor. In its simple and intuitive design, as well as its intelligent and elegant execution, the digital Encyclopedia is pure Doctor Who and I am very proud to be publishing it on the BBC Books list.

Further details on the Doctor Who Encyclopedia can be found on its website, and BBC Books can also be followed on Twitter with the Encyclopedia being discussed via the #WhoiPad tag.

Doctor Who Encyclopedia iPad video trailer, via YouTube

There are no immediate plans for the application to be released for other media devices such as Android or Windows-based tablets.

FILTER: - Doctor Who - Books - BBC

BBC Television is 75

Wednesday, 2 November 2011 - Reported by Marcus

BBC Television celebrates its seventy-fifth birthday today.

The world's first regular television service began broadcasting from Alexandra Palace in north London on the 2nd November 1936. Dispute a six year interruption to broadcasts due to World War II, the Palace was the main home to BBC Television for the next 20 years, where the output included such pioneering science fiction shows as The Quatermass Experiment, a drama which was transmitted live on Saturday nights in 1953.

By the time Doctor Who was conceived in 1963 the BBC had relocated most of its operations to West London using facilities, such as the studios at Lime Grove, originally owned by the Gaumont Film Company, and where the first episode of Doctor Who was recorded, and the purpose built Television Centre.

The Palace featured heavily in the 2006 story, The Idiot's Lantern which included the Doctor climbing the famous TV mast in an attempt to thwart the plans of The Wire.

To mark the anniversary Alexander Palace is holding two open days this weekend. Visitors will be able to tour the original studios and experience 30's food in the canteen. The event runs from 11am – 4.30pm on both 5 and 6 November. Entry is free, but anyone wishing to take a tour of the BBC studios needs to call 0208 365 4321 to secure a timed ticket.

BBC Report

FILTER: - BBC

Wrap Party Videos

Tuesday, 1 November 2011 - Reported by Marcus

Two videos have recently surfaced on YouTube marking the end of Tenth Doctor's era on Doctor Who.

The videos were made by members of the production team and played at the wrap party as production of The End of Time came to an end. The first features David Tennant and members of the cast and crew performing to the Proclaimers hit I'm Gonna Be. Tennant is known to be a big fan of the group.

The second is a tribute to executive producers Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner, both of who left with Tennant at the end of production on The End of Time. It features David Tennant, Catherine Tate and John Barrowman performing a homage to their bosses based on the Victoria Wood song Let's Do it.

Cast and Crew Special, via YouTube

The Ballad of Russell and Julie, via YouTube

FILTER: - Russell T Davies - Catherine Tate - David Tennant

People Roundup

Tuesday, 1 November 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Karen Gillan commented on how she'd like to see her character Amy leave the series: "Death would be an option. I don’t want Amy to pop up again every so often, because for me it would take away from the big, emotional goodbye. Once she’s gone, she’s gone - I want people to remember the Amy Pond era as a good one." [Mirror, Daily Record, 31 Oct 2011]

Singer song-writer Mark Eitzel commented on hiring Arthur Darvill last year in his Brighton stage show: "Not many people know this, but aside from being a great actor, Arthur’s a fantastic musician. He gave my little production 120% all the time, and we even ended up playing in a band together when I performed at the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival in Minehead. It’s weird though seeing him running round fighting Daleks or whatever – I’m like, 'That’s the guy who sang in my play?'" [Western Mail, 31 Oct 2011]

John Barrowman revealed that he is often asked out to the jungle: "They ask me on I'm a Celeb every year and each year I politely say, 'No'. But I kinda want to do it. I think it'd be fun and some of the trials are pretty out there. But my partner, Scott, reminded me that there would be no way I could cope in the jungle. If I don't eat, I get grumpy. Happy John you see on the telly would soon turn into Grumpy John and I'd probably start snapping at the other contestants." [Western Mail, 1 Nov 2011]

The actor will also be performing at the Macmillan Centenary Gala, taking place at the London Palladium on the 28th November. The show, hosted by Graham Norton, will feature a variety of performers, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Jimmy Carr, and Jimmy Osmond. [Theater Mania, 31 Oct 2011]

Peter Davison rates A Very Peculiar Practive amongst his best performances: "I think from my point of view it's right up there near the top I think in terms of personal enjoyment of it. I mean I loved doing it - I enjoy doing every show I do actually - but I think it just held a special place because the writing was so good. And it's one of those scripts you get where you just don't want to change a word . It really is terrific, the really well written scripts are easy to learn, they just flow and it makes the whole process so much easier. This show had it." [Bang Showbiz via The List, 31 Oct 2011]

Sylvester McCoy will be a guest at this year's Auckland Armageddon Expo, and appeared on New Zealand's NZTV's Good Morning to chat about the expo, rugby, his career, and NOT The Hobbit! (Other Doctor Who guests at the Expo include Louise Jameson, Mark Sheppard, and Morgan Sheppard) [TVNZ (video), 27 Oct 2011]

Sara Lloyd-Gregory (Carys, Torchwood: Day One) reflects on the highlight of her career: "Torchwood was amazing. It was brilliant to be working with creator Russell T Davies and the cast were incredible. I had a lot of fun playing Carys who seemed to spend a lot of time snogging people! In fact, I do spend a lot of time playing dark characters but I like that. It gives you the chance to challenge yourself, to let loose and push yourself." [South Wales Guardian, 1 Nov 2011]

Shane Rimmer (Seth Harper, The Gunfighters) has recorded an audio version of his autobiography, From Thunderbirds to Pterodactyls; the character actor reflects on his career that covers Doctor Who, James Bond, Coronation Street, Star Wars, Batman Begins, and of course the voice of Scott Tracy in Thunderbirds as well as many more. The 3CD set is due to be released on 31st November. [available from Big Finish]

FILTER: - People - Arthur Darvill - Karen Gillan - Peter Davison - John Barrowman - Sylvester McCoy

Previous 10 Stories

BBC Worldwide announce official Doctor Who convention

Tom Baker at Elisabeth Sladen Book Launch

Vintage Tom Baker archive on BBC1 Northern Ireland

Children in Need: Doctor Who timeslot

The Gunpowder Plot - Concept Art

People Roundup

Doctor Who Encyclopedia available for iPad

BBC Television is 75

Wrap Party Videos

People Roundup

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