For nearly Ten years Doctor Who fans pined for new Doctor Who serial. Then in April 1999, the announcement came: DOCTOR WHO FINDS A NEW FUTURE IN A NEW MEDIUM - The company responsible for the Benny Summerfield Audios; Big Finish where now to produce new Who on CD. First opening with a story entitled ‘Sirens of Time’ featuring Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Slyvester McCoy. Since then they have produced over 22 new Doctor Who stories, a Dalek only series, Music from the stories CDs, and now a new ‘Backstage’ feature CD called ‘Big Finish Talks Back!’. I caught up with Jason Haigh-Ellery, to ask him a couple of questions:
Have you anymore plans to produce an audio version of any other cult serials?
Yes - but all are taking a while to negotiate - so I can't say which ones as yet. I can tell you that we have been turned down for Babylon 5.
What gave you the idea of pairing up the 6th Doctor and Evelyn?
Gary wanted to do a new companion for Colin - to change the relationship dynamic and the Doc himself. He argued for an older companion - not done before - and eventually I agreed - he was right! Got my way over Charley though! She was originally going to be a present day travel agent - managed to pursuade him we needed a companion out of our time - like Victoria etc.
Are going to see anymore new audio partnerships?
maybe :) Got some ideas...
Would you ever consider producing a six-parter like the Ghosts of N-Space?
Could happen in 2003.
Are there any plans yet to produce a 4th Doctor Audio?
Would love to - up to Tom to say yes...
Where did you get the idea to produce a BF Audio Magazine? Are you planning for them to go on general release? If so, how much will it cost?
Must admit started as just a promo CD and then I decided to expand it and make it more newsy... which Nick was of course brilliant at. Did cost a bit of money though (!) so next time will be priced at £3.99 or something -hopefully Xmas 2001
Has your search for “new blood” in your Talent search earlier this year proved fruitful?
Yes - some new writers now coming through.
Which story is your favourite?
Personally I love Nick Brigg's stuff - but I think Rob's "Holy Terror" is a work of genius... have a soft spot for "Land of the Dead" (unlike most people!)
As you probably already know, some early episodes of Doctor Who have gone missing, which audio episode would you like to go missing?
Naughty - would get in trouble with too many people if I answered that one!
If you were asked to produce a new television serial with a 9th Doctor, whom would you cast in the lead?
Ric Mayall or possibly Nicholas Lyndhurst (a very under rated actor who could be another Troughton)
How long from start to finish does it take to produce an audio story?
Writing - anything up to 6 months. Recording - 2 days. Editing - 6-8 weeks. Duplicating - 2 weeks. Can take up to 8-9 months!
What's the most difficult part of making a story?
Good casting...
What have fans got to look forward to from Big Finish in the coming months?
New miniseries with the Docs and more Dalek Empire and Tomorrow People. A new self-contained, three-part mini-series of ‘Earthsearch’ , is starting in August (hopefully!) The first story: ‘Mindwarp’ is the 'prequel' to James Follett's classic 80s SF radio drama.
