Showing posts with label david tennant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label david tennant. Show all posts

David Tennant - Interview

What is it like being part of the 50th in one of the biggest years for the show?

It's very exciting to be around for the big celebration episode. I think since I left, the expectation had been that I'd end up in this special, because there is a precedent for old Doctors coming back for a visit around the anniversary time. I was thrilled because it's a huge thing for Doctor Who and it's a huge thing for television in general. So few shows run beyond a few series and 50 years' worth is quite a legacy, so I'm very honoured to be part of that.

What is it like working with Matt and Jenna? Was there any rivalry or competitiveness between the two sets of Doctors and companions?

It's funny, I think people almost expected Matt and me to be at loggerheads, but we've really enjoyed it. I guess when you've played a character for a long time you kind of feel like you know how they'll react in most situations. It's delicious to be handed a situation that's completely new and a character meeting a version of himself is not something that you come across in a lot of drama. So to get to play that with someone as talented and as quick and brilliant as Matt is nothing short of jolly good fun.

You've probably seen some of the previous anniversary specials, but how do you think this one compares to them?

It's very hard to be objective about something you're in, especially when you set it up against things that you experienced as a child. But I certainly remember when The Five Doctors was on, it was electrically exciting. That was of course in the day when we didn't even have a video player. You couldn't revisit things, so the chance to see old Doctors that I had never seen on the telly at all acting with the current [Doctor] was fantastic. I hope that this will have some of that buzz for today's generation.

Do you still watch Doctor Who?

Of course. I watch it every time it's on, along with the rest of the nation.

How did you find filming in 3D compared to 2D?

Our job as actors remains the same really, but you're aware that there's a whole extra layer of technical stuff that has to be dealt with and the cameras are bigger. We shot a lot on this hand-held camera, which was quite trying for Joe, our intrepid camera operator, who has this enormous thing that he has to lug around and navigate around the set; he did it brilliantly. But it causes some headaches for the camera teams and for the post-production side of making it. We're not doing too much novelty-weaving into the lens for the 3D effect, but it gives it an extra zing.

What was it like working with Billie again?

It's always lovely to see Billie, and to be on set with her is a particular joy. She's one of my favourite actresses and one of my favourite people, so I was very happy to be in the same room as Billie.

Where will you be watching the episode?

Wherever I am in the world and whatever I'm doing, I'm sure I will make time for the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special.

During filming did you ever have pinch-yourself moments thinking, "God, I'm back" or anything like that?


I think the thing with filming Doctor Who is that there is so much excitement around it and there's so much enthusiasm for it that often the lead-up to getting here is more of a delight than shooting it.

Because once you're on set there’s a script and there's lines and you've got to get the scene shot and they are the pressures that filming always has. Really, you're just trying to film the scenes the best you possibly can, so you sort of put aside the idea that you're making something that is a moment in television history. The pressure of that would sort of paralyse you really.

Moffat thanks fans

Well that was all a bit Keystone Cops, wasn't it? Our biggest surprise, our most secret episode, a revelation about the Doctor that changes everything ...

... and we'd have got away with it too, if we hadn't accidentally sent Blu-ray copies of Name Of The Doctor to 210 Doctor Who fans in America. Security-wise, that's not GOOD, is it? I mean, it's not top-notch; it's hard to defend as professional-level, hard-line secrecy.

My favorite fact is that they're Blu-Rays. Listen, we don't just leak any old rubbish, we leak in high-def – 1080p or nothing, that's us. Every last pixel in beautifully rendered detail. It's like getting caught extra naked.

But here's the thing. Never mind us blundering fools, check out the fans. Two hundred and ten of them, with the top-secret episode within their grasp – and because we asked nicely, they didn't breathe a word. Not one. Even Doctor Who websites have been closing their comments sections, just in case anyone blurts. I'm gobsmacked. I'm impressed. Actually, I'm humbled. And we are all very grateful.

Now you might be thinking, what does all this matter? It's a plot development in the mad old fantasy world of Doctor Who, why is that important? Well of course, it's not important, and in the scheme of things, it doesn't matter at all. Just as it doesn't matter when you're telling a joke, and some idiot shouts out the punchline before you finish. It's irritating, that's all. It's bad manners.

Well, no bad manners here! Two hundred and ten Doctor Who fans kept the secret, and many, many more fans helped. I wish I could send you all flowers, but I don't know where you live (and, given our record, you really shouldn't be sharing private information with us). So instead, there is a little video treat.

Ten plus 11 gives you ...


Blu ray distributed early in America

Due to a shipping error copies of the series 7 part 2 Bluray have been distributed to America. This  obviously contain the finale to this years series.

Edward Russell, Brand Manager has said:

Production error in US means DW bluray shipped early. Let's hope no one spoils it for those who want to enjoy it together on Saturday. This is like a Doctor Who version of the Dunkirk spirit! I know some folk want to boast, but it's so much better if we all watch together.

The BBC have added via twitter:

"Steven Moffat has promised if fans help keep the finale’s secrets, we’ll release a special video featuring Matt and David right after the ep!".

We understand that a small number of US fans have received in error their DVD edition of Series 7 Part 2 early. We respectfully ask those fans not to divulge information or post content publicly so that fellow fans who have yet to see the episodes do not have their viewing pleasure ruined.

If everyone keeps the secrets safe until next Saturday we will release a special new clip featuring material of the Tenth AND Eleventh Doctor!

Anniversary Pics

 
 
Pics released by the BBC from the read through for the anniversary special.
Featuring David Tennant, Matt Smith, Jenna-Louise Coleman and guest star Joanna Page

Anniversary Story - Casting

Due to a publishing error, subscribers to DWM have had their copies early, in which is revealed casting for this years Anniversary special.

David Tennant, Billie Piper & John Hurt are to star in the 3D adventure which is due to be screened in November, with filming starting next week.

The BBC have released a statement, which you can read here

David Tennant - Convention

Tenth Doctor David Tennant is to appear at his first convention this year at Midnight in Birmingham (14-16 Dec)

Children in Need Rocks Manchester




Last night saw the broadcast of the Children in Need concert, co-presented by David Tennant.

Wednesday Update




It is being reported that Mark Gatiss will be appearing in Episode Thirteen, no confirmation as of yet.






David Tennant and Catherine Tate opens tonight at the Wyndham's Theatre. The Play runs until September.


For those who missed the article here is a link to an interview with Classic series writer David Fisher, which appeared in the Eastern Daily Press, read the article here