Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Kopic's Doctor Who & Torchwood News

Kopic's Doctor Who & Torchwood News

Doctor Who takes on the Eggheads

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 10:23 AM PST

A special Doctor Who celebrity edition of the BBC Two quiz show Eggheads, is scheduled for Monday 20th December at 6pm.

The show will star Sixth Doctor Colin Baker along with Katy Manning, Frazer Hines, Louise Jameson and John Leeson who take on the Eggheads to win money for their chosen charity.


The Doctor Who News Page

Two new screenshots from The Mazes of Time

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 10:05 AM PST

BBC Worldwide have released two new screenshots from The Mazes of Time, the brand new iPod/iPhone/iPad game developed by Tag Games! In the game, which is written by Oli Smith, the Doctor and Amy Pond find themselves in a race against time as they attempt to defend an innocent family against a rogue Dalek. It will be available to [...]

A chance to see the hoodie Hamlet live (sort of) - Globe and Mail

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 08:42 AM PST


Globe and Mail
A chance to see the hoodie Hamlet live (sort of)
Globe and Mail
Dr. Who's David Tennant recently wished his too-too-solid flesh would melt at the Royal Shakespeare Company, soon after which Jude Law pondered suicide ...

Tennant Starts Filming Utd Drama

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 08:30 AM PST

David Tennant got a worms eye view of Carlisle United's Brunton Park as he and the stars of the BBC's hotly anticipated new drama United left the tunnel and began filming.

United tells the story of the Busby's Babes- the youngest ever Manchester United side to win the football league who were ripped apart after a tragic air-crash in Munich claimed eight of the side in 1958.

Tennant plays coach Jimmy Murphy, who wasn't involved in the accident but was a key figure in rebuilding the side which included Bobby Charlton, played by Jack O' Connell (Skins, This is England) while legendary manager Matt Busby, played by Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible II, Enigma)  recovered from his injuries.

Carlisle's Brunton Park doubled for the Old Trafford of the 50's and many of the ground staff were left a little starstruck; particularly with the former Doctor himself.

Carlisle United's media officer Andy Hall said:

"We thought David Tennant wouldn't speak to us but he talked about Doctor Who and other stuff he has done. I don't get starstruck often but it's not every day you are set opposite a Time Lord. He said he was not much of a football fan but he's from Paisley and said he looks out for St Mirren's scores."

And it seems that its not too much of a stretch to imagine the ground as the Theatre of Dreams circa 1958:

"It amazed us how they did it. They basically green-screened everything and they are going to CGI it. That will allow them to replicate the background of Old Trafford with the wooden seats and barriers in place.

There was a couple of wooden boards put up and some pathway put onto the pitch but they didn't have to do much to the ground at all."

Written by Who scribe Chris Chibnall (42, The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood) and directed by James Strong (Planet of the Dead, Partners of Crime) United will air in the new year.

(via News & Star)

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Bristol University Developing the real life Sonic Screwdriver which is a key ... - Next Big Future

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 08:04 AM PST


Bristol University Developing the real life Sonic Screwdriver which is a key ...
Next Big Future
Professor Drinkwater and The Big Bang team are now exploring whether super powerful versions of these sound beams could bring Doctor Who's iconic device to ...

and more »

Virgin Media is top of the box this Christmas - Easier (press release)

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 07:52 AM PST


Virgin Media is top of the box this Christmas
Easier (press release)
... of episodes in a new 'Ultimate Christmas' collection featuring Father Ted, Catherine Tate, Little Britain and Friends, as well as many more classics. ...

and more »

Doctor Who Companions Special

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 07:44 AM PST

More details have been sent to Kasterborous concerning the glossy new Doctor Who "The Companions" Collectors' edition magazine from Radio Times.

As you can see from the cover it looks pretty smashing (although that might just be the cover…?) and this limited edition release is available to buy only via the Radio Times.

Inside the 164-page glossy special you will find:

  • Includes never-before-seen photographs and material from the RT archive
  • Profile of every companion from Ace to Zoe
  • The companions in their own words
  • RT exclusive — not available in shops

The magazine features over 40 companions from 1963 to the present day.

Orders can be made over the phone 0844 543 9836 and copies cost just £9.99 which includes FREE delivery to your door.

(Thanks to Neelam)

Space Age Flat Pack Assembly

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 06:47 AM PST

Finally! After reigning on its promise of cyborgs and jet-packs science has produced something worthwhile.

The boffins at the University of Bristol say that a working model of the Doctor's trusty sonic screwdriver could be a made using existing technology- although it won't be used to defend the galaxy, more likely to be used to put up book shelves… unless the Daleks destroy the world, in which case they may be used to build their glorious new regime.

Using a powerful ultrasonic sound waves engineers believe that enough force could be generated to manipulate screws. Ultrasonic waves are already being used in manufacturing to fix objects together while in the medical field the technology is used to separate healthy and diseased cells from one another.

Professor of Ultrasonics Bruce Drinkwater said:

"Doctor Who's adventures have captured the imaginations of millions, young and old. And, however far fetched the Time Lord's encounters may seem, there are engineers and scientists out there who are using their skills to bring the magic to life."

Professor Drinkwater has teamed up with the Big Bang Fair to inspire young people to get into science and engineering.  The event, set to take place in March 2011, includes interactive shows and workshops and live events from the BBC's Bang Goes the Theory and Sky 1's Brainiac.

Tickets for the event are available now.

(via Daily Mail)

Katherine Jenkins admits nerves over Doctor Who role - Coventry Telegraph (blog)

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 05:52 AM PST


Coventry Telegraph (blog)
Katherine Jenkins admits nerves over Doctor Who role
Coventry Telegraph (blog)
Jenkins appears opposite Harry Potter star Michael Gambon, as well as series regulars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, but says she does not consider herself an ...

Doctor Who's sonic screwdriver could become a reality - Techwatch

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 05:34 AM PST


Doctor Who's sonic screwdriver could become a reality
Techwatch
... the objects we are moving, but the technology is definitely real and there is potential to turn it into something like Dr Who's sonic screwdriver. ...

and more »

Starz Finds 'Magic' in Miami Series - PR-USA.net (press release)

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 04:59 AM PST


Starz Finds 'Magic' in Miami Series
PR-USA.net (press release)
Then, later in the year, Starz will debut "Torchwood: The New World," a co-production with BBC Worldwide that stars John Barrowman and Eve Myles, ...

and more »

Thunder gods and foul-mouthed fairy tales hit comic stores this Wednesday - io9

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 03:16 AM PST


Thunder gods and foul-mouthed fairy tales hit comic stores this Wednesday
io9
... the first issue of Joe Benitez's steampunky Lady Mechanika (Aspen) and a new Torchwood adventure about Gwen squaring off against an alien drug lord. ...

'Doctor Who' thing of the day: there *is* a shark in the Christmas special! - Flick Filosopher (blog)

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 02:58 AM PST


'Doctor Who' thing of the day: there *is* a shark in the Christmas special!
Flick Filosopher (blog)
[Matt] Smith said the episode is based on Dickens' tale A Christmas Carol - but with the addition of a shark. 'Expect Jaws with a twist,' the 28-year-old ...

Follow Us On Facebook!

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 02:09 AM PST

You can now follow Kopic's Doctor Who News on Facebook! Head on over here and then click the "Like" button. You can also use the box to the right of this page to follow us.

Doctor Who vs the BBC Cutbacks

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 02:07 AM PST

The Director General of the BBC, Mark Thompson, has revealed his thoughts and plans on the coming cuts that his company faces now that the licence fee for television has been frozen at the flat rate of £145.50 which is basically a 16 per cent cut.

As the world faces financial trouble, the British Broadcasting company is not above it and faces re evaluation across the board to try and save nearly 300 million quid. Yikes. And this isn't going to take place behind the cameras; we're talking cuts to BBC News, the company's website and across its entire TV output.

Will this mean trouble for Doctor Who and other flagship shows? The keyword is in the question really, flagship. Doctor Who is very profitable for the Beeb these days, giving high ratings for the channel on first broadcast and repeats, an absolute ton of merchandise in DVDs, CDs and gadgets that rakes in millions of pounds worldwide. Looking at things with a clear head shows like Doctor Who, Eastenders and Top Gear are what help to keep the BBC in business so it's unlikely that we'll see real trouble creeping up on them.

The interview even mentions Doctor Who as it talks of shows that should be less affected due to popularity, reporter Dan Sabbagh wrote:

"Thompson says that the broadcaster can pay its way while the license fee is flat, without viewers suffering unduly. He promises that no TV channels or radio stations will be closed in the forthcoming review; "this is not a 10 green bottles moment", he argues, adding that the enduring popularity of programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing and Doctor Who and the BBC's channels in general mean that in fact it is unlikely that it will choose to shut any TV networks at any time in this decade."

But cuts means loss and what Thompson is probably looking to do is target the unnecessary (in his eyes) first. This unfortunately means jobs. The interview reveals:

"Thompson says he is targeting savings worth £330m, or 3% of the total license fee, to be found by cutting "overheads", with the aim of cutting costs "as much as we can at the beginning of the period [from now]" to release cash from elsewhere. There will be "fewer people" working at the BBC as a result, although he refuses to say how far the 23,000 workforce will be cut; the general principle is that the broadcaster has to "do fewer things better"

Twenty five per cent of the BBC's £200 million online budget is set to go as well but will this reflect in the Doctor Who website? Certainly it's very popular and it's used to its full ability, especially with the recent free Doctor Who games. But in order to make money to keep funding the show could we see a pay per download service? Or a write off of the luxuries altogether? Only time will tell, it usually does.

The biggest point to take from this interview is that although there are tough times ahead, it will be dealt with sensibly. As a Doctor Who fan, you probably have nothing to worry about, it doesn't hurt to keep an ear to the ground but the show's future is rosy and the BBC has a lot of faith and financial security from the Time Lord and his TARDIS.

I wouldn't like to be Doctors right now though, that's for sure…

For the full article can be found on the Guardian website.

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Tyson Chandler's Play Helping Newly Defensive-Minded Mavs - FanHouse

Posted: 07 Dec 2010 02:01 AM PST


Tyson Chandler's Play Helping Newly Defensive-Minded Mavs
FanHouse
It was a calculated choice made with the advice of Carlan Yates, an Oklahoma-City based doctor who -- as irony would have it -- had performed the surgery to ...

and more »

Television stars film new Man Utd drama in Carlisle - Times & Star

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 11:36 PM PST


Television stars film new Man Utd drama in Carlisle
Times & Star
And on Friday, top British actors David Tennant, the former Doctor Who star who plays assistant manager Jimmy Murphy, Sir Matt Busby actor Dougray Scott and ...

and more »

Television stars film new Man Utd drama in Carlisle - News & Star

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 11:27 PM PST


Television stars film new Man Utd drama in Carlisle
News & Star
And on Friday, top British actors David Tennant, the former Doctor Who star who plays assistant manager Jimmy Murphy, Sir Matt Busby actor Dougray Scott and ...

and more »

SF giant Brian Aldiss writes for Doctor Who; no Quick Reads for 2011; more books announced

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 11:19 PM PST

image
With all the attention given to Michael Moorcock's The Coming of the Terraphiles, the arrival of another science fiction & fantasy giant on the DW literary scene this fall went almost completely unnoticed.

Brian Aldiss, whose writing career dates back to the 1940s and whose resume includes works ranging from Frankenstein Unbound, the Helliconia trilogy, and the short story that inspired the Kubrick/Spielberg film A.I., to editing the Galactic Empires collections, contributed an Eleventh Doctor short story, "Umwelts for Hire", for the recently published Doctor Who: The Brilliant Book 2011.

Aldiss' influence on British SF and on Doctor Who can be felt going all the way back to 1962, when a report by the BBC Survey Group identified him as a potential consultant for the BBC as it proceeded with plans to develop a science fiction series—which eventually became Doctor Who. Read about it here.

The Brilliant Book is an annual-style release by BBC Books looking at the making of Series 5. It's got some great pictures (different ones than the usual promos), and a second short story about the Silurians. (Fans of published DW short fiction will have to make do with these, as Panini books cancelled the 2011 edition of the Doctor Who Storybook which otherwise would have been released a few months ago alongside the 2011 Annual.)

Meanwhile, fans of BBC Books' Eleventh Doctor novels can rejoice that two new sets of novels have been announced for 2011, after the regular fall release was skipped in order to "clear the deck" for the Moorcock book. In the main range, April 28 (UK release) will see: Hunter's Moon by Paul Finch, Dead of Winter by James Goss, and The Way Through the Woods by Una McCormack. June 23, meanwhile, will see Borrowed Time by Noami Alderman, Touched by an Angel by Jonathan Morris (I wonder who the villains might be in that one?), and Paradox Lost by George Mann.

Before that, a new series called Doctor Who Chapter Books launches. These are books aimed at younger readers, consisting of two novellas each. The first releases are due out in the UK in early February. I haven't heard whether they'll be distributed internationally.

As with most Doctor Who books, the actual Canadian release will likely be much later, if they're available at all. Here in Calgary, no Chapters or Indigo stores bothered stocking the Moorcock novel (but it's available in Saskatoon at McNally-Robinson, so I'm told). So it means more business for Amazon and Book Depository rather than local retail, I guess. The Brilliant Book is supposed to be available over here, but I've yet to see it in any of the stores.

One book you won't find coming out in 2011 is the annual Quick Reads novella, for the first time since the literacy-promoting series of books was launched in 2006. A representative of Quick Reads has confirmed that it was decided to not go with a Doctor Who book this year. Although virtually unknown over here, past books featured the return of legendary DW writer Terrance Dicks, one was the first novel to feature Martha Jones, and the most recent release, The Code of the Krillitanes was the last original novel featuring the Tenth Doctor, being published shortly before Series 5 began airing.

The Doctor returns just in time for Christmas, but you'll want to watch out ... - Gamercast

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 10:35 PM PST


The Doctor returns just in time for Christmas, but you'll want to watch out ...
Gamercast
"We've gone all-out for the season finale," says Steven Moffat, executive producer Doctor Who. "Shadows of the Vashta Nerada takes place entirely underwater ...

The Doctor returns just in time for Christmas, but you'll want to watch out ... - Gamercast

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 10:35 PM PST


The Doctor returns just in time for Christmas, but you'll want to watch out ...
Gamercast
... scary 'shadow' monsters that appeared in the episodes Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead back when the Doctor was played by David Tennant. ...

Television stars film new Man Utd drama - News & Star

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 09:55 PM PST


Television stars film new Man Utd drama
News & Star
And on Friday, top British actors David Tennant, the former Doctor Who star who plays assistant manager Jimmy Murphy, Sir Matt Busby actor Dougray Scott and ...

and more »

Australia Gets Doctor Who Online

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 09:48 PM PST

Doctor Who fans down under will now be able to watch the first two seasons of the regenerated run- thanks to a deal brokered between BBC Worldwide Australia and Yahoo!7's catch up service.

The deal will allow fans to catch not only the Ninth and Tenth Doctor in action but also classic BBC comedies such as Fawlty Towers and The Young Ones - along with modern hits such as Little Britain and The Catherine Tate Show (there's a definite Doctor Who connection between all these shows.)

As part of ongoing access to the best of the Beeb, future programmes will be aired on the service, either in a catch up following broadcast on the Seven Network, or as part of PLUS7′S dedicated library of shows. Kath Hamilton is the "Director of Audience" at Yahoo!7:

"The deal with BBC Worldwide Australia means that we can deliver even more quality content. I'm confident that shows like Doctor Who… will have our audience engaged."

Aussie fans can also re-live (Group) Captain Jack's greatest hits from the first two seasons of Torchwood.

The service is also available to Playstation 3 users.

(via Gallifreynewsbase)

A Character Christmas for Amy Pond

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 09:43 PM PST

This Christmas sees Character release a new figure of Eleventh Doctor's companion Amy Pond in her original 'Kissogram' police uniform, as seen in The Eleventh Hour.

The figure will be available separately (reported by the Mirror as an Argos exclusive), and as part of a boxed set with the Eleventh Doctor and TARDIS (joining the growing collection of exclusive sets from Forbidden Planet). Both are due to be released in the week leading up to Christmas.


The Doctor Who News Page

Virgin Media is top of the box this Christmas - HEXUS

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 09:36 PM PST


Virgin Media is top of the box this Christmas
HEXUS
... of episodes in a new 'Ultimate Christmas' collection featuring Father Ted,Catherine Tate, Little Britain and Friends, as well as many more classics. ...

and more »

Virgin Media is Top of the Box this Christmas - News On News

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 09:30 PM PST


Virgin Media is Top of the Box this Christmas
News On News
... of episodes in a new 'Ultimate Christmas' collection featuring Father Ted, Catherine Tate, Little Britain and Friends, as well as many more classics. ...

and more »

Starz Finds 'Magic' in Miami Series - Centre Daily Times

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 08:43 PM PST


Starz Finds 'Magic' in Miami Series
Centre Daily Times
Then, later in the year, Starz will debut "Torchwood: The New World," a co-production with BBC Worldwide that stars John Barrowman and Eve Myles, ...

and more »

Advent update: Day seven

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 08:42 PM PST

Head over to the home page now to check out our seventh festive update! We're counting down the days until A Christmas Carol and getting in the spirit with an exclusive giveaway each day, so stay tuned until December 25th as there's still plenty more to come! You can keep up to date with the latest update and [...]

December Podcast 002 - 07 December 2010

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 08:41 PM PST

Nick Briggs (executive producer with bad eating habits), David Richardson (line producer who never stops working), Paul Spragg (producer's apprentice and comedy genius) and Alex Mallinson (design guru who's FAR TOO LOUD) present the second of four December podcasts. Can you hear sleigh bells?

This time, we preview the December releases: Relative Dimensions (Eighth Doctor and Lucie), The Demons of Red Lodge (Fifth Doctor and Nyssa), Quinnis (First Doctor and Susan), An Earthly Child (Eighth Doctor and Susan), The Four Doctors (four Doctors!), Dead Man's Switch (Bernice Summerfield) and The Second Doctor Box Set (including the Daleks in The Destroyers). There will be clips.

Plus! Emails from our loyal, lovely listeners. And! A cliffhanger...

Oh... and not so many crisps this time.

'We are now staging a phased reduction in the crisp content of all Big Finish podcasts,' a spokesman said today.


Download Podcast Here

Jenkins: Singing Swung It

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 08:13 PM PST

Katherine Jenkins will soon be making her acting debut in the Doctor Who Christmas special, A Christmas Carol. But here's something that you may not know, the Welsh Mezzo Soprano nearly turned down the role fearing that she didn't have enough experience in the acting field.

In an article from www.thedailyrecord.co.uk , Katherine stated:

"When they [the producers] first called and asked me if I'd like to be in the Christmas special, my first reaction was, 'I can't do it, I'm not an actress'…I've never trained as an actress. I don't have any experience and that's why I was so nervous about taking on the part…but there is music and I don't think there has been anything like that on Dr Who [sic] before (nb: there has, in 2007's Daleks in Manhattan and the Big Finish audio The Pirates)…

"Realizing I'd be able to sing too is what swung it for me. When they told me they required singing, I thought, 'Since there's music with my character, I'd love to do it'…it's such an iconic show and it'll be something I can show my grandchildren."

And after the auditions were over and Katherine was offered the part, it came as something of a special present:

"I got the call the next day, on my 30th birthday, that I had got the part…I was really excited and couldn't believe it was going to happen. It was the greatest birthday party ever but I couldn't tell anyone. I wanted to tell my mum but couldn't because I didn't want to be responsible for anything getting out. At least, I now know I can keep a secret."

You should know this by now: A Christmas Carol stars Matt Smith, Michael Gambon, Katherine Jenkins, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, is written by Doctor Who's Executive Producer Steven Moffat and will air on Christmas Day at 6pm on BBC One and BBC HD!

Submarine - FemaleFirst.co.uk

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 07:56 PM PST


FemaleFirst.co.uk
Submarine
FemaleFirst.co.uk
... newcomer Craig Roberts, Yasmin Paige ('The Sarah Jane Adventures') and Golden Globe winner Sally Hawkins (Happy Go Lucky, Made in Dagenham). ...

Dr. Who Sonic Screwdriver Close to Reality - AOL News

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 07:18 PM PST


AOL News
Dr. Who Sonic Screwdriver Close to Reality
AOL News
Doctor Who, as played by David Tennant in 2008, with his sonic screwdriver. It may not be here in time to stuff your holiday stockings with, ...

and more »

Dr. Who Sonic Screwdriver Close to Reality - AOL News

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 07:18 PM PST


AOL News
Dr. Who Sonic Screwdriver Close to Reality
AOL News
Doctor Who, as played by David Tennant in 2008, with his sonic screwdriver. It may not be here in time to stuff your holiday stockings with, ...

and more »

Marianne Elliott: Follow a road less travelled - Metro

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 06:07 PM PST


Metro
Marianne Elliott: Follow a road less travelled
Metro
A crack cast of comic talent, including Mark Gatiss and Catherine Tate, is helping Elliott bring out the play's 'excruciating' comedy. ...

'Special' Christmas gift for US 'Dr. Who' fans - NewsOK.com

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 04:11 PM PST


'Special' Christmas gift for US 'Dr. Who' fans
NewsOK.com
The showing will be preceded by a marathon of previous "Dr. Who" Christmas specials beginning at midnight Dec. 24. A live concert, the "Doctor Who Prom," ...

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