TV Series Filming Update

Wednesday, 2 November 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon

Some new developments on the filming front for series two:
According to today's Sun, in addition to previously announced cast members, Shaun Dingwall will be returning to the series to play Pete Tyler, Rose's father, in the Cybermen two-parter. It has already been noted that the episodes take place on an alternate Earth, but nothing else besides these facts are yet known (including the episode titles).
Filming has taken place in London over the past few days, including at the Brandon Estate (where scenes were shot last year and early this year at Rose's flat) and on the Embankment. Our friends at UNIT News have a brief write-up about filming this morning at the Brandon Estate which included David Tennant, Billie Piper and Camille Coduri "onset for the filming of one scene involving The Doctor's reaction to an unseen entity. After the leads finished their scenes a number of shots of extras were filmed. These involved two sets of extras also reacting to the (same?) unseen force. Filming of one set of extras involved a large green screen suggesting that elements will be added in post production."
We also have a set report from London production yesterday as well, courtesy our Forum user "Fleetboy"; click on the spoiler tag for details.
Outpost Gallifrey has also received two new sets of location photographs. The first set of five images were shot at the Duffryn School last month for episode three, "School Reunion" and include a shot of K9 as well as Anthony Stewart Head posing with students and David Tennant with a school official (whose face has been removed as the person is not in the episode). The "School Reunion" shots also include a redress of the school sign, which notes that the school has now been renamed Deffry Vale High School. The second set of photographs, from Martin Cutbill, were shot on November 1 at the Embankment in London, where David Tennant, Billie Piper and Noel Clarke were on location shooting for the opening sequences of episode five. Click on each for a larger version.

Set Report, courtesy "Fleetboy":

Yes Doctor Who came to good old London Town today -- boy was I lucky to be able to witness it! Lots of interesting bits and some nice spoilers to boot.

Well a colleague of mine went out jogging at lunchtime and excitedly announced on his return that they were filming Doctor Who on the Albert Embankment, adjacent to Lambeth Bridge, diagonally opposite from the Houses of Parliament. Too good an opportunity to miss, my boss knowing my love for all things Who was cool about me nipping out and having a look for myself. So at 2.00 ish I walked quickly from work down to the said location only to find that the Tardis prop covered over and no signs of cast, and not many members of the crew around. I went back to work slightly disappointed but optimistic that there were no signs of things being cleared up. I then learnt from another colleague later in the afternoon (just before 3.00) that they had resumed filming. Armed with a notebook and two equally excited colleagues, trundled from work back to the location. You can imagine my excitement as I walked over Lambeth Bridge on seeing the lights from the film set and a gaggle of film crew all busying themselves.

About the location... for anybody that knows Lambeth Bridge and Albert Embankment the Tardis prop was sited on the raised green area outside of Lambeth Pier and its café opposite Lambeth Palace... more of which later.

On arrival lots of activity but no actual filming. DT was in his long fawn coat and brown suit; Billie in black trousers and a red top. Also in attendance was Noel Clarke and the director was non-other than Graeme Harper. Going by what has been speculated and reported on this site I concluded that we were watching filming from episodes 5 and 6. The next interesting thing that caught my eye was the poster display board not displaying its usual South Bank arts posters -- instead three other posters were in prominent position, two relating to the CYBUS COPORATION, one indicating 'CYBUS Property -- world leaders in commercial and residential development', the second advertising 'CYBUS Finance - Life package, we cover: (I couldn't make out the bullet points underneath). But most interestingly was the subject of the third poster -- none other than Pete Tyler! Pete was dressed in a wide boy suit holding a bottle and displaying a cheesy grin. The advertising hook was 'Trust me on this... New cherry and Vitex Lite'. Obviously excitement levels grew at this point. Soon after I spied these posters they removed the Pete Tyler one and replaced it with a Green Screen the same size as the poster. They then filmed our heroes approaching this Green screen -- my assumption that the poster contained some sort of technology not known in our current world.

The next piece of filming I saw was of our three heroes looking at a copy of the Evening Standard. During the lull DT came close enough to us Who watchers to be asked for an autograph. He was very obliging and seemed a thoroughly nice chap. I'd already eaten into more than enough of my work's time and sadly was forced to depart.

However on my way home I was pleasantly surprised to find (at 5.45 -- night fall) that they were still at it! The activity first of all centred on scene dressing -- mainly hosing down the path to make it look like it had been raining. My eye was next caught by the arrival of non-other than Shaun Dingwall- resplendent in a suit. The other noticeable thing about him was his close-cropped hair. My eye was next caught on Phil Collinson reviewing the rushes of the day so far. The scenes consisted a shot looking up at the Tardis with Lambeth Palace in the background, a scene of DT, Billie and Noel jumping down from the raised grass area (obviously exiting the Tardis) and picking up the Evening Standard, and the scenes centred on the Poster Display board.

Other people I noticed on set included Andrew Hayden-Smith and the arrival later of Julie Gardner. They then started filming some additional scenes, curiously with our main players in different costumes. The first scene was Billie hugging Pete -- looks like a tear jerker -- possibly a farewell scene -- she was wearing what I can only describe as a Lyons Corner House Tea girls outfit?! The next scene that I saw being filmed was Billie with DT (DT in a tuxedo) being joined by Noel and Andrew H-S. At this point Noel handed DT his usual outfit all neatly folded up. DT's face lit up at this point. The last scene I was able to catch before I was forced to leave was what appeared to be a farewell scene with Mickey, with DT playfully tapping his face in an endearing way.

So what do I deduce from all of this. Well indeed episodes 5-6 do appear to be set on an alternative earth, evidenced by the appearance of Pete Tyler. The posters bearing the words CYBUS appear to point to the Cybermen? And it looks like Mickey will be staying in the alternative Earth? Don't know if Andrew H-S joins the crew though?




FILTER: - Production - Series 2/28

Eccleston: Not Exhausted

Monday, 17 October 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
According to a report in the Mirror, Christopher Eccleston quite emphatically corrected Alan Davies' comments last week that he had not quit the sci-fi show because he feared he would be typecast, but because he was exhausted. "He claimed BBC bosses had worked his actor pal 'into the ground' with the gruelling 10-month filming schedule. Not so, Eccleston assures us. 'Alan should keep his nose out of my business,' he booms angrily. 'I rang his agent and told him he had no right to say what he did.' Er, right. And what is the former Tardis-dweller up to now? 'Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I'm out of work.'"




FILTER: - People - Production

Sophia Myles

Thursday, 29 September 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
Actress Sophia Myles has accepted a new role, according to her fan site sophiamyles.org: she'll be playing Madame Du Pompadour in a forthcoming episode of the second series, likely "The Girl in the Fireplace". At the moment we've received no official confirmation of the casting, but we expect this is correct. (Thanks to Maria at sophiamyles.org)




FILTER: - Guest Stars - Production - Series 2/28

Set Report and Photos 1: Rhossili

Thursday, 29 September 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
The first of two set reports today (after a conspicuous absence) from Outpost Gallifrey correspondent Ruth Gunstone features details of location work done in Rhossili, the western edge of the Gower Peninsula, over the weekend, including photographs which could be considered spoilers. The text is included in the spoiler tag; click on the images for larger versions.
Travelling to Swansea from Sheffield is a grueling 5-hour drive, so at the time of booking my place at "Regenerations 2005" I had decided to spend an extra day in Swansea so I could see something of the area.

Chatting to a fellow fan during Saturday's lunch-break, I mentioned that I was intending to do some sightseeing, and was recommended by the chap (so sorry, I didn't get his name), to visit the bay and headland of Rhossili, about one hour west of Swansea.

So, on Monday morning, after refuelling myself with a "Full English", I duly headed west, found Rhossili, parked my car, and walked out toward the "Worm's Head" - a spectacular outcrop of land joined to the headland by a causeway which can be walked at low-tide. Unfortunately, it wasn't low-tide, so after taking some photo's of the breathtaking scenery and fairly wild sea, I started back toward the car-park, intending to to get a quick cup of tea, and then drive on to somewhere else.

Walking around the cliff path, I noticed a group of people on the skyline, one of whom was holding a boom-mic. As I approached, I spoke to a lady who was sitting watching the proceedings. "What are they recording?" I asked, expecting something along the lines of a current affairs insert on the erosion of the coastline or somesuch. To my absolute astonishment, she replied "Doctor Who!", with a grin as wide as the Gower peninsular itself! I looked closer, and saw a lighting crew wrestling with a large fixture, and several other techy people wearing headsets and speaking into walkie-talkies. "Look" said my new acquaintance, pointing, "There's Billie - and there's David Tennant". "Haven't you seen the TARDIS?" she added, pointing back along the path. And there it was! Just on the horizon - I could make out the top half of the oh-so-familiar blue box!

"Give me a day like this!" I exclaimed, trying hard not to be too loud and disturb the shooting.

It was amazing! What were the chances of stumbling into this, the day after attending my first 'Who' convention? And even better - I had my new camera in my kit-bag, together with extra rechargeable batteries and a half-gig memory card. Bingo!!

I approached the filming area quietly, and managed to catch the eye of one of the crew. I mouthed and gestured a sort of "Am I o.k. to sit here?". He winked and smiled, so I took that as a "yes", sat down on the grass (being careful to avoid rabbit and sheep poo!), and got my camera ready.

The day was windy - /really/ windy, and Billie and David were having trouble with their costumes. Billie's hair was being blown about, as was David's long brown coat. The shot seemed to consist of the two of them lying on the ground (almost as if sunbathing!), and after some conversation, getting up, David putting on his coat, and the two of them walking off toward the TARDIS. David seemed to have real problems putting on his coat as the wind kept threatening to take it (and David!) over the cliff edge!

I was there for a good half-hour or so, and got some really good shots of Billie and David, as they rehearsed and recorded a scene.

A break for lunch was called. I took the opportunity to do the same, pausing on my way back to the car-park only to take a snap of the TARDIS, which looked surreal, sat there on this cliff-top.

After a very welcome pot of tea, and even more welcome steak-pie, peas and chips, I walked back along the cliff path. By this time, shooting had recommenced, but now the action was immediately outside the TARDIS, and involved a scene with Rose and the Doctor emerging from the TARDIS, and the Doctor telling Rose where and when they had landed.

*** Spoiler alert! *** As I mentioned earlier, it was a /very/ windy day (the sound guys were having problems with the noise), but I did manage to overhear something along the lines of "This is the year five billion and twenty-five, and it's the galaxy...".

The Doctor and Rose then laughed, and ran along the cliff-top, hair and clothes being pummeled by the wind.

The crew were obviously battling with the light - it was very overcast, and getting darker by the minute. The "Big Bertha" lantern was brought into play as they then set for another scene. This involved another actor, whom I didn't recognise. His make-up and costume were - "interesting"! Somehow I couldn't help but be reminded of Leo Sayer!

By this time, the weather was really starting to hamper the proceedings. The light was very low, and crew members dashed in with umbrellas and coats to try to protect the actors from the rain, which was now starting to fall. Electronic equipment was hurriedly covered in plastic sheets while the last few shots were recorded. Eventually a 'wrap' was called - much to the delight of one or two of the tech's who were starting to get thoroughly soaked!

I saw Billie dash for cover (with a good-humered scream!), and the crew started to dismantle the equipment. To my amazement, the roof of the TARDIS was carried to the truck, and I got a great view of its internal lighting arrangements!

As I walked away, back up the cliff-path, I looked back and saw the TARDIS lying horizontal on the ground, its roof absent. Now there's something you don't see very often!
Set Report and Photos 2: Gelligaer Common
September 29, 2005  •  Posted By Shaun Lyon
The second of our set reports is from location work done at Gelligaer Common, about an hour north of Cardiff in central Wales, courtesy our correspondent Steve Gerrard; the photos were taken during the filming of the second episode. Also included is a brief spoiler about episode one, "New Earth"; both are included in the spoiler tags. Click on each image for a larger version.
OUT ON THE WINDING WINDY MOOR . . . Blimey, I had a day yesterday. First of all I was late for my job centre appointment and then, after having it re-booked I was told to wait an extra half hour after I should have been seen. Anyway, not in the best of moods, I went home and heard a rumour that the new series of Doctor Who MAY be filming just five miles away from me. Not one to shirk responsibility, I put on my anorak - come on, we all have one - and went, along with my dad and the dog, to Gelligaer Common, approximately five miles from the Welsh town of Merthyr Tydfil, and about one mile from where the old Doctor Who series, The Green Death was filmed. You know, THE ONE WITH THE GIANT MAGGOTS....

Well, we parked the car and walked up to where we thought the Beeb may be filming. Couldn't mistake it really, not with those bloomin' great vans everywhere. We walked right up to where the cameras were, taking our time and care not to slip over any of the copious amounts of electrical leads strewn around the site. And there it was... The one constant thing about the entire programme... Standing proud, but dejected, atop one of the most bleak places in Wales - and let's be fair, Wales is pretty bleak at the best of times - the TARDIS! FANTABULOSA!!! There it was... In the flesh... Not quite in the flesh, but you get my drift. Any road out, I asked a production chappie if I could stand and watch, and as the site is a public area he said it should be okay. But I WASN'T TO STAND IN FRONT OF THE CAMERAS!!!! As if... Ahem, anyway... So, for the next ten minutes I saw a part of Series Two being made. What happened....? If you want to know the bits about the Doctor, skip the next few paragraphs as I ramble on and on about the minutae of what happened on that fateful day... Don't worry, I'll let you know in plenty of time... Oh, to hell with it - hoist up your skirts and let's go...

First of all, there was a black carriage - originally my dad thought it was a hearse - with some horses reined to it. There were some officious, and rather gallant looking foot soldiers with rifles pointing them at the Doctor and Rose. The sargeant atop the lead horse asked the Doctor who he was and this is what was said:

Soldier: (Thick Scottish accent) Who are you? And who is that half-naked strumpet? (At least that's what it sounded like to me)
Doctor: (Thick Scottish Mockney accent) I am Doctor Jamie McCrimmon. I studied under Doctor Bell. (The Doctor shows him his psychic paper)

As the wind was really blowing, I couldn't quite make out what they said next. Rose looked cold. Then all of a sudden there was a booming voice saying "Cut! Lunch!" and they were gone. I do remember an assistant saying "All the soldiers go in the van!"

So there I was, with the TARDIS. Of course, I had photos taken. Sad, but strangely wonderful. Then, thinking that the day was over, we took the dog for a walk around where they filmed THE ONE WITH THE GIANT MAGGOTS. Well, flap me sideways... The production crew were there, along with the extras, scoffing their faces outside the food van. I saw Ms Piper and, being brave, I asked her if I could have a photo, it "Being a fan thing...". Wow! She obliged, and it looks lovely. Thank you Ms Piper!

Anyway, I thought that was enough for the day, and so went home, only to be told by my mum that she wanted to see David Tennant, as she's a big fan of his other work. So, off we traipsed again...

Basically, we saw the same set up, only this time a lot more filming seemed to take place. This time there were more soldiers, given directions to look as if they "meant business", and they all stood pointing their guns at the Doctor and Rose. Those two intrepid travellers walk up to the coach and a coachman opened the door. Blow me down with a feather!! Inside was Queen Victoria. Again the Doctor shows his psychic paper. Queen Victoria leans forward and takes it from him and says:

Queen Vic (not the pub in EastEnders): I see, Doctor. But you failed to mention that it says that you are to be my protector.
The Doctor: Mumbles something I couldn't quite make out
Queen Vic: Very well, Doctor... You shall accompany me... Drive on.

There were numerous takes of this scene - first of all was the rehearsals, then the filmed rehearsals and finally the filming itself. Most ran very smoothly apart from when one of the horses decided he'd had enough and almost fell asleep, causing the carriage to judder violently, and shaking ol' Queen Vic and the camera crew up considerably. There were multiple takes of close-ups, medium close-ups, wide shots, etc. The actor playing the Sargeant had to walk behind the camera crew and then step up a ladder so that his voice - offscreen - could be heard, to give the other actors a reaction to act against. All through this set up, the extras stood around, looking rather stoical, including earlier some as Buddhist monks looking rather cold with their shaven heads nicely catching the suns rays. Mr Tennant and Ms Piper also stood around in the cold, but were immediately given warm anoraks - see, we all have them - to wear. Poor Ms Piper, her outfit as you can see was not practical for time travel in bleakest Wales, and I did feel sorry for her. A break was called and me and my mum had our photos taken with Mr Tennant - see photo.

When with Mr Tennant, I asked him two questions, his answers are as follows:

Me: Mr Tennant, are you enjoying yourself, playing the Doctor?
Mr T: I'm having A WHALE OF A TIME!!!

Me: Aren't you cold?
Mr T: My ears are freezing... I've never experienced anything like this before!

And then time was called, and he had to return to the shoot. As you can see, the photos also show various set ups including Queen Victoria's carriage, and if you look carefully enough, Her Maj 'erself.

All in all, it was an absolutely fantastic experience. I thoroughly enjoyed watching a bunch of old pros at work, and above all else, I thought that Mr Tennant and Ms Piper were kind and considerate enough to take time from their busy schedule to talk to a sad anorak like me. Thanks.

EPISODE ONE "New Earth" SPOILERS

Contrary to popular belief, the Catwomen are in Episode One and are 'Nuns' - The Matron, the Sister and the Novice, in charge of a 'Plague Farm' where humans are experimented on, several of whom break out. The Duke of Manhattan is an obese character similar to Fat Bastard in the Austin Powers movies, or perhaps Baron Harkennon from Dune.
Recent Locations
September 29, 2005  •  Posted By Shaun Lyon
Filming has occurred recently at Tredegar House in Newport... says an Outpost Gallifrey Forum correspondent, "My brother in law visited Tredegar House in Newport yesterday. This is a large house open to the public and only a short distance from the Newport studio. He says BBC Wales were building the Tardis in the basement but no one was allowed to see it." According to BBC Wales Southeast, "Ancestral home of the Morgan family and later the Lord Tredegars, this seventeenth century house is nestled just off the M4 near Newport. The Victorians re-modelled the original seventeenth century house so that they wouldn't have to receive guests straight into the Great Hall. They abandoned the main entrance, and turned the house on its side, building this new entrance in around 1850." Also, filming at the hotel building of the Headlands School in Penarth has taken place on September 29/30, with service vehicles located at the barrage car park ("Apparently, we will hear blank shots being fired!" says another of our Forum correspondents).




FILTER: - Production - Series 2/28

New Series Update

Friday, 16 September 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
Some additional news about the next series in this month's issue of Doctor Who Magazine. On Zoe Wanamaker's return as Cassandra, DWM notes that next year's appearance differs from The End of the World in that the actress has actually been on-set this time to voice her lines and "react spontaneously with David and Billie". Also in Episode 1, there will be "a new race of villains to contend with at the same time [as Cassandra]". An interview with the producers of Doctor Who Confidential reveals that the second series has extra filming days that allow "filming five backstage days an episode this year", which should enable more behind-the-scenes coverage than in the first series. Production on Confidential has also "started earlier this year [...] This time we've been [in Cardiff] since the start", including footage of David Tennant on Blue Peter for the monster competition, which may be reflected in a Confidential episode examining "the close relationship Doctor Who and Blue Peter have shared over the years".
Additionally, regarding the three new books announced for next year (see yesterday's story), range consultant/editor Justin Richards explains that the selection of authors was determined by "the [same] reasons as last time around û we're people with a track record of writing to spec and to schedule for the right market, and who have been signed off for all the confidential material." He also states that "we're still waiting for all sorts of decisions from all sorts of people" on the future of the past Doctors range of novels. "The Past Doctor books have a future, I'm sure, but exactly what we'll be doing, and when, I don't know. We're taking the time to make sure we get it right." In a separate interview elsewhere in the magazine, Richards also mentions that "we'll give [the Ninth Doctor] as rest in 2006, and by 2007 we'll have a better idea of whether he fits into the past Doctor range, or whether we do a new range of books which are branded as 'new series', but which are about an old Doctor." (The comments about the Ninth Doctor 'fitting in' seem to be referring to considerations of marketing and general readership perceptions and reception, rather than artistic/fan considerations.)




FILTER: - Production - DWM - Series 2/28

TV Series Update

Thursday, 15 September 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
Issue 361 of Doctor Who Magazine, now on sale, confirms some TV series-related information:
Director Euros Lyn will work on two additional episodes, bringing his second series total up to four episodes, as the director of Block Four.
Zoe Wanamaker is indeed reprising her role as Cassandra in the first episode, still rumored to be titled "New Earth". She is joined by Michael Fitzgerald as Duke, Lucy Robinson as Clovis, Dona Croll as the Matron, Adjoa Andoh as the Sister, Anna Hope as the Novice, and Sean Gallagher as Chip. Additional casting updates: "The Christmas Invasion" will star Penelope Wilton as Harriet Jones, Adam Garcia as Alex Klein, Daniel Evans as Danny Llewellyn, Anita Briem as Sally, Chu Omambala as Major Blake, and Sean Glider. "School Reunion" features Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith, John Leeson as K9, Anthony Stewart Head as Mr. Finch, Eugene Washington as Mr Wagner, Joe Pickley as Kenny, Lucinda Dryzek as Melissa, Heather Cameron as Nina, Benjamin Smith as Luke, Clem Tibber Milo, Rod Arthur and Caroline Berry.
The issue confirms that Head will not play the Master, which Outpost Gallifrey reported some time ago (and contrary to reports on some other websites.)
Three new Doctor Who books will be released in the spring of 2006 featuring the Tenth Doctor as played by David Tennant. The novels include "The Genesis Casket" by Justin Richards, "The Ultimate Prophet" by Jacqueline Rayner and "Feast of the Drowned" by Stephen Cole. (Thanks to Nathan Baron and DWM)




FILTER: - Production - Magazines - DWM - Series 2/28

Press Clips

Wednesday, 14 September 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
Thursday morning's The Sun reveals a big spoiler about one of the characters in "School Reunion". Click on the spoiler tag to read it... or, if you don't want to know, don't!

The BBC Press Office has issued a press release detailing the BBC Radio Wales competition reported on Outpost Gallifrey on 11 September. "As part of this year's Children in Need, BBC Radio Wales is offering two lucky people the chance to be wined and dined in the company of the time-travelling lord Doctor Who and his companion Rose û aka David Tennant and Billie Piper. On Monday 12 September, Radio Wales will be launching the competition of all competitions û the chance to win tickets to the Doctor Who Galactic Dinner that's being held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday 14 October. David Tennant and Billie Piper will be materializing fresh from their time travels, along with the Doctor's arch-enemy the Dalek and maybe one or two other familiar faces. This amazing prize will consist of a pair of tickets to the dinner, overnight accommodation at the Holland House Hotel and the chance to mix with the cast of the hit drama Doctor Who. For a chance to win the hottest tickets in town, listeners will have to think of the question that they would like to ask either the Doctor, Rose, writer Russell T Davies or executive producer Julie Gardner. The two finalists will be selected on Roy Noble's programme on Friday 16 September 16 at 9.00am. They will then go head to head on The Afternoon Show (2.00pm) where one will be whisked off in the TARDIS and head for the dinner, and the other will be 'exterminated'. To find out how to enter, tune in to Radio Wales from Monday from 9.00am. If you're not lucky enough to get through then tune in to Radio Wales because tickets will be available to buy and Roy Noble will be announcing the all important number to call on Friday 16 September."

The official Doctor Who website features a report that states that John Barrowman will not have time to do a cameo in the second Doctor Who series currently in production.

Tuesday's edition of The Guardian carried an obituary for Michael Sheard. This makes special note of his appearances on Doctor Who: "Then there was Dr Who. He was proud to be one of that series' most prolific visiting actors, appearing alongside five Doctors in six stories between 1966 and 1988. His final association with the series is a studied performance opposite Paul McGann in an audio adventure to be broadcast on BBC7 shortly."

An article in last weekend's Sunday Mirror implied that the BBC archives, which hold Doctor Who episodes, were in danger. "Historic BBC shows are being destroyed - by rain. Many of the first year's episodes of EastEnders have been lost for ever, and some early Top of the Pops shows, Doctor Who episodes and landmark news and documentaries have also gone," said the article. "The rain has seeped through holes in the roof of the BBC's archive centre in Brentford, West London. The damage was discovered when researchers organising a 20th anniversary tribute to EastEnders asked staff for episodes starring Dirty Den and Angie Watts (Leslie Grantham and Anita Dobson). An embarrassed BBC source admitted that part of its stock of screen treasures is 'rotting away'. He said 'We get calls for programmes and go for them - only to discover they are damaged beyond repair. It is a terrible shame that household favourites are being lost forever. The archive is a national treasure and should be treated as such.' Other valuable footage has simply been lost in the huge warehouse stacked floor to roof with recordings."

The Stage has posted both interviews that Outpost Gallifrey reported on last week: with Big Finish producers Gary Russell and Jason Haigh-Ellery here and with Rob Shearman here. The Big Finish feature is an extended version of the one that was published in last week's print edition, and includes extra commentary from the producers about their working relationship with BBC Cardiff, editing Paul McGann's stories to fit the BBC7 schedule and the casting of both Doctor Who Unbound (including one potential casting for the Doctor that didn't quite come off) and Sapphire and Steel.

This Is London is running an online competition (from This Is London) to win one of two new 12" (though the article has made a typo - "12 ft"!) remote-controlled Dalek (with sonic screwdriver). The competition question: "Who is Dr Who's arch enemy?" The deadline date: 26 September 2005.

Doctor Who was praised at the TUC Conference in Brighton according to an article at BBC News. Says the item, "Writers have praised BBC One hit sci-fi series Doctor Who at the TUC annual conference in Brighton, in a call for more funding for UK TV productions. It showed there was 'still an audience for quality family entertainment', the Writers' Guild of Great Britain said. The union said there was no substitute for 'well-resourced, home-grown drama and comedy material written, performed and produced in the UK'. But member Hugh Stoddart criticised the BBC for what he called 'damaging cuts'. The writers' union ... which represents UK writers in TV, film, radio, theatre, animation and books - called for further BBC investment in programme-making to build upon the show's success. 'The popularity of the series demonstrates that there is still an audience for quality family entertainment, and that distinctive UK television productions can still provide a talking point for the nation,' Mr Stoddart said. He believed that 'while some imports and so-called 'reality' shows have their place in the schedules, they cost jobs and reduce opportunities for workers in our television industry'."

Stuff.co.nz writes about the Box Set of Doctor Who DVDs being available "early next year" and that You can import all 24 episodes on a seven-disc set from Britain (where it aired months ago) for less than what earlier seasons cost here."

Drum Media magazine says that "...before David Tennant was announced as the BBC's new Doctor Who, replacing the outgoing Christopher Eccleston, a number of actors were linked with the role in the media, all of them white. Sure, there has been the odd black name in the frame for these parts in the past, but it has always been reported in the media as a semi-novelty item." It also notes that "...former Red Dwarf star Craig Charles has spoken of his dream of becoming the first black Doctor." The writer of the article: "...visited four of the Internet's most popular Doctor Who and James Bond fan-sites and left near identical messages on each of their discussion forums. Posing as a 'lifelong fan, but first-time poster', I very gently suggested that maybe it would be 'cool' to have a black Bond or Doctor, and proposed Dirty Pretty Things actor Chitiwel Eijofor as a potential candidate. ... Doctor Who fans seem to fall into the same pattern of debate û a majority who simply state that 'The Doctor is white' and generate any number of convoluted and impossibly obscure plot-related reasons why this is an unalterable fact, and a minority who support the idea and are able to respond using their equally encyclopaedic knowledge of the Doctor Who universe in their defence."

(Thanks to Steve Tribe, Peter Weaver, Martin Hearn, Paul Hayes, Paul Engelberg, Bill Albert, Richard Jordan)
From The Sun:

Doctor Who's robot pooch K9 will be KILLED in the new series of the BBC1 sci-fi hit. The timelord's dog is destroyed as he saves the Earth. The Sun revealed in June that the robot hound is to return after a 24-year absence. K9 and the Doctor's former sidekick Sarah Jane Smith (Elizabeth Sladen) are reunited with the Doc, now played by David Tennant. They battle the evil Krillitanes in an episode next spring when the Doc investigates sinister events at a school.

K9 is killed and Sarah Jane is left weeping as the Doctor and his assistant Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) leave in the Tardis. But before her eyes a new K9 materialises and says "I am rebuilt - mistress" The episode also stars Anthony Head who played Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the Prime Minister in Little Britain.

A show inside said "A new K9 appears. He has been assembled and sent by the Doctor. Everybody loves K9 - we couldn't really kill him off."




FILTER: - Production - Series 2/28 - Press - K9

Series Two News Briefs

Saturday, 3 September 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
A few update items on the forthcoming second series of Doctor Who to share:

According to the latest issue of the UK SF magazine "Starburst", the first episode of the season (beyond the Christmas special) is entitled New Earth, and will guest star Zoe Wanamaker, who returns from the first series. Doctor Who Magazine recently denied that the first episode was called "The Sunshine Camp"; no word on whether this new reported title is the real deal.

Broadcasting update: This Saturday (3 September)'s full-length Doctor Who Confidential 7. The Dark Side is now scheduled from 7.20 to 7.50pm. The following weekend's schedule of new series repeats, according to the Radio Timeswebsite has been substantially revised. There is no longer a full-length rerun of Doctor Who Confidential 8. Time Trouble scheduled for Saturday 10 September. On Sunday 11 September, a full-length rerun of Doctor Who Confidential 9. Special Effects is now scheduled from 7.00 to 7.30pm, followed by a double bill of The Empty Child and The Doctor Dances from 7.30 to 9.00pm, with no Cut Down version shown for that evening. DWCC is also absent from its usual Wednesday evening slot on 14 September. Oddly, DWC9 was not shown in Cut Down form during the initial March to June run either; the schedule for Friday 16 September is not yet confirmed, so it may yet appear!

On-location photography at Duffryn High School in Newport for the third episode, School Reunion, has completed as of yesterday (Friday). Of course, if the first series is any indication, production on the episode will continue for some time (as the episodes are being made in blocks with multiple episodes blending together for production).

Tenth Planet have told Outpost Gallifrey that the second collection of Doctor Who novels featuring the Ninth Doctor and Rose (and now, Jack Harkness too) are now in release: Only Human by Gareth Roberts, The Deviant Strain by Justin Richards and The Stealers of Dreams by Steve Lyons. Full details and cover illustrations are on our releasespage.

The BBC Gloucestershire website recently printed a short article about recent filming on the forthcoming special, The Christmas Invasion, tentatively scheduled for broadcast on 26 December, at Clearwell Caves. "Aliens have invaded Clearwell Caves! Well, sort of. Scenes for the forthcoming Doctor Who Christmas special have been shot at the popular Forest tourist attraction, and although its plot remains a secret it's a safe bet that extra-terrestrials are involved." "They wanted the largest underground cavern that they could find in this part of England," says Jonathan Wright, who co-runs the site, to BBC Gloucestershire. "(We're) quite surprised at the scale of it, it's taken up the entire car park." The site has an audio feature available for listening as well as the story itself; visit the site for more details.

John Barrowman was interviewed on Friday's edition of BBC Breakfast, in which he spoke about the play he's currently in, "A Few Good Men" (starring alongside Rob Lowe) and about his recent experiences on "Doctor Who," confirming that he would not be back for the second series but was told he would be back for the third. Barrowman also confirmed that he didn't know the reasons why Eccleston left (and indicated that it was the actor's business, not his), and joked that he owed David Tennant a kiss (referring to the brief exchange last season). He also noted recent conventions he had done and indicated some upcoming appearances including in Clacton and early next year in the US (in Los Angeles).

In the recent issue of "Dreamwatch" magazine, designer Bryan Hitch confirmes that we will see one additional TARDIS room besides the console room this year, and that the fundamental design of K-9 hasn't changed (but there are hints that he will have been tweaked a little). The Cybermen design will be updated, however, and the design is expected to remain a closely guarded secret.

The Planet Who website has photos of some of the new products coming out this year including the sonic screwdriver and the 3D character walkie talkies.

The transcript for David Tennant's CBBC webchat is finally up, at the CBBC website.

(Thanks to Jon Preddle, "Noetic_Concordance", Matt Kimpton, David Bailey, Steve Tribe, Paul Engelberg, Paul Hayes, John Bowman)




FILTER: - Production - Series 2/28 - Radio Times

Off The Telly

Tuesday, 30 August 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon

The UK television website Off The Telly has published two new Doctor Who-themed interviews. Writer and broadcasterAndrew Collins, who was featured as a commentator on the "Doctor Who Confidential" documentary series, haswritten about his experience of working in a Big Finish play: "It was calming for my non-actorly nerves to get to Stockwell first, follow those instructions through the blue gate, get my bearings and chat to Toby (BBC experience has taught me always to make friends with studio engineers!) You are greeted with tea, coffee, water, wooden fruit bowls piled high with miniature chocolate bars and Wotsits, and a Travel Connect Four for longueurs. Although the green room itself - positioned in the bowels of the modest studio complex - has more air conditioning ducts than actual room, the oppressive piping gives it a Doctor Who space-station feel." Also,Gary Russell of Big Finish enjoys a very revealinginterview with Graham Kibble-White in which he discusses Big Finish's current state of affairs, the effect of the new series and fandom as a whole: "It's good for them to have [Big Finish] on their merchandise list, every month there's a brand new Doctor Who CD audio drama with original cast. Every month there's a Doctor Who book. Every month there's something new from whoever the new toy licensees are. It shows their bosses upstairs that Doctor Who is a viable license." Read each interview at the website. (Thanks to Stuart Ian Burns, Graham Kibble-White)




FILTER: - People - Production

Brief Filming Updates

Friday, 19 August 2005 - Reported by Shaun Lyon

There's a reason why there haven't been any new set photos the past week... the production spent a week filming at Clearwell Caves, finishing on Monday this past week, and have now gone back to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, where they filmed last year's episode "Dalek". "The set is dressed up like a 'James Bond style' office with posh chairs and tables," says our correspondent Ian Golden. "A video screen is showing a loop of a satellite broadcast of the Earth and there is a big Union Jack in one corner... There's loads of extras, all dressed in black riot gear. No David or Billie today but maybe tomorrow - they are there until the end of Thursday. Doctor Who: Confidential was filming there today as well." The production is now said to be returning to the studios in Newport for indoor filming, as they are filming three episodes simultaneously: the Christmas special, episode 1 and episode 3.
And speaking of "The Christmas Invasion," Outpost Gallifrey has learned that 26 December may indeed be the current date being mulled for transmission of the special (that would be Boxing Day in the UK) but that nothing has been completely finalised yet.




FILTER: - Production - Series 2/28