Project: Who?

Project: Who?On the eve of the launch of the new series of Doctor Who in 2005, Anthony Stewart Head (of Buffy fame) narrates a series of behind-the-scenes interviews conducted with the cast, crew and creative staff behind the new show during filming.

Order this CDReview: A fascinating look behind the scenes of the new Doctor Who, Project: Who? takes the listener from the BBC boardrooms when the idea of a revival first became a serious possibility, to the weeks leading up to the premiere. Among those interviewed are actors Christopher Eccleston, Billie Piper, Elisabeth Sladen, Nicholas Briggs and John Barrowman, writers Paul Cornell, Rob Shearman, Mark Gatiss and Terrance Dicks, producers Russell T. Davies, Julie Gardner, Phil Collinson, director Joe Ahearne, BBC1 Controller Lorraine Heggessy, designers Bryan Hitch and Edward Thomason, and Doctor Who Magazine editor Clayton Hickman. Davies, Collinson, Gardner, Ahearne and Billie Piper are the predominant interview voices heard here; Christopher Eccleston is heard from less frequently, and when he does appear, he talks about the exhausting pace of making the show, and the fact that it leaves time for little else – the writing seems to have been quite clearly on display on the nearest wall the whole time with regards to his departure.

Each of the writers talks about his respective story, while original series veterans Terrance Dicks and Elisabeth sladen (who played Sarah Jane Smith in the 1970s, and is returning to the role in the 2006 season’s School Reunion). The writers, along with less visible players such as Bryan Hitch, are very interesting to hear from; each of them conveys a sense of near-giddiness as they talk about the moment they each came to be associated with the new show. Davies is heard from more than anyone, but hearing his thought processes are absolutely vital to understanding some of the directions of the new show, such as the persistence of Earth-based stories and CGI being front and center in many episodes. Davies is both a fan and a sharp-eyed critic of the original series, and pulls no punches in giving his opinions of the failings, both from a storytelling standpoint and a production value standpoint, of the classic show’s waning years. Chances are, if you’re wondering what the makers of the new show are thinking, your question is answered here.

The additional material included on disc 2 is lovely stuff if you’re approaching the new Doctor Who with the avid interest of a fan, but one can see why it was left off of the original broadcast version. The decision to go back to the original music is covered – maybe not something the general public will be interested in, but fans will be keenly interested in. Russell T. Davies talks about his distrust of pre-premiere press buzz, on why he’s only planning on staying for the first three or four seasons, and on why he isn’t able to open the door to spec script submissions the way that, say, Big Finish Productions can. This last bit is particularly interesting, because Davies is clearly pained that he can’t use the series to help develop and nurture new writers, but the sheer number of fans who would send in even half-baked stories, combined with the lawsuit-happy world in which we live, makes open script submissions a minefield for the BBC.

Very entertaining listening, and well assembled. Even if your interest in Doctor Who old or new is cursory, it’s interesting to see how this version of the show came about, and just how much pressure there was on everyone to make it work.

LogBook review by Earl Green