SFX TV Interviews

The next issue of SFX Magazine, due out April 14, will contain interviews about the new series with producers Russell T. Davies and Julie Gardner as well as writers Mark Gatiss, Rob Shearman, Steven Moffat and Paul Cornell. They'll be going into depth on the casting of the new Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. "When Mal Young, Julie Gardner and I first got into the same room together in September, he was the very first name mentioned," explained Davies. "And that's a fact. Of course, there were other names, there had to be, but he was first. Who'd have thought we'd actually get him?ö Said Julie Gardner: "Christopher is, first and foremost, a wonderful actor. He's energetic, passionate, professional and instinctive. And he's got a great sense of humour. He loved the first episode, did an amazing audition, and here we are. I couldnÆt be more delightedà" Gardner also gives SFX some details about productions. "We start filming in the Summer with principal locations and studio work being done in South Wales. Being based in Cardiff offers endless possibilities - urban landscapes, countryside, beaches, historical houses are all within easy reach. There are many decisions to be made before that first camera rolls. We are currently receiving pitches from SFX companies and CGI specialists and we're still in the early stages of meetings with heads of departments." (Thanks to Steve O'Brien)