First of its kind since Longleat back in ’83!
BBC Worldwide today revealed details of the first official Doctor Who convention since the series’ regeneration in 2005. The event will take place on the 24 and 25 March 2012 at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Wales, just a short hop (well, taxi journey) from where the show is filmed.
Billed as the Ultimate Doctor Who Fan Event, there are just 1,500 tickets available for each of the days – the programme is the same on each day to give attendees the most in depth experience possible. Fans who manage to snap these up will gain unrivalled access to Eleventh Doctor star Matt Smith, series lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat and many more key members from the award-winning cast, crew and production team including Doctor Who special FX Supervisor Danny Hargreaves, production designer Michael Pickwoad, Doctor Who producer Marcus Wilson and the award-winning Millennium FX team.
The unique interactive programme will include theatre sessions and Q&As with cast and crew; behind the scenes sessions show-casing the script to screen process; discussions with episode directors and writers and demonstrations from special FX and prosthetics experts that will illustrate the challenges and scale of their work on the world’s longest running sci-fi show. Autograph and photo opportunities will also be available with attending cast members and there will be official Doctor Who merchandise and collectables on sale.
Convention attendees will be let into the secrets of Doctor Who special effects as Danny Hargreaves and his talented team, reveal the tricks used to create the stunning physical effects that leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Watch them recreate a spectacular battle scene with live pyrotechnics, amazing explosions and laser effects.
Even more tricks of the trade will be unveiled by the award-winning Millennium FX team responsible for creating some of Doctor Who ’s most iconic monsters including the Silence, the Silurians, the Weeping Angels and the Ood. The team will be giving a live demonstration of the skilful process involved in prosthetics application that fans can watch up-close and learn from the team how each stage is achieved.
Convention attendees will also be able to get up close and personal with rare costumes and props from the show where designers and experts will be on hand to answer questions about the origins and history of the items on show. The Millennium Centre itself has starred in several episodes: it was the setting for a hospital in “New Earth” in series two run by the cat-like Sisters of Plentitude; in Tom McRae’s episode “The Girl Who Waited” in Series six the building featured as a principle location on Apalapucia – the kindness facility where people were quarantined – see if you can spot the top floor balcony where Amy fought with a Handbot!
Matt Smith commented on the convention’s announcement: “It’s brilliant that the first official convention is being held in Cardiff, the home of Doctor Who . I’m really looking forward to seeing the fans there, and remember – bow ties are cool!”
Steven Moffat said: “A whole weekend dedicated to all things Doctor Who , brilliant! We’re going to be celebrating the whole team behind the show, people who bring to life the Doctor’s craziest adventures and letting fans into some of our trade secrets. If you want to get under the skin of Doctor Who this is an unmissable event!”
Tickets are priced £99 will go on general sale on 14 November from 9am from: www.dwconvention.com . All tickets will include official and exclusive behind the scenes images postcard pack and convention bag.
Don't forget that ahead of this new convention there's also our SFX Weekender where Doctor Who fans can meet Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, Alex Kingston and more.
