The David Elworthy Series

What?

2010-11-05T13:29:00.001-07:00

Last week I saw The Sarah Jane Adventures episode, Death of the Doctor, which I thought was brilliant. It was amazing to see Jo Grant again; she hadn’t changed (well, except for the obvious aging, that is)!

However, what let the episode down for me was Colonel Tia Karim.

For a start, what the hell is she wearing? That’s not a military uniform; she looks like a reject from Topshop! Also, why is her hair down? Military regulations are very strict in that regard and all hair must be worn up when in uniform! And, if she is a colonel, why was she only wearing two rank pips (the insignia for a lieutenant! A colonel has two pips and a crown)? Is she even old enough to be a colonel?

Call me picky but for me such oversights let the episode down. In addition, I would have liked to know exactly why she had nothing left on Earth. What caused her to abandon UNIT in favour of the Shansheeth?

Update

2010-07-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

It was pointed out to me recently how remiss I have been about keeping this blog up-to-date. As a result, I thought I ought to update the readers (all two of you!) about the current situation.

I almost have another installment to go onto YouTube, but I have been having issues with my PC since Christmas and I also need to find out how to change MP4 files into another format, as my editing file does not accept MP4s. Any suggestions?

Successful Shoot

2009-12-29T16:28:00.000-08:00

Dr Cox and I shot a number of scenes today from the finale of Episode 1, set at Wimbledon...

Update

2009-12-23T02:55:00.000-08:00

Yuletide greetings!

I am once again in Lichfield over the festive period, so I aim to get a whole block of filming done from the finale of Episode 1.

The whole episode should be complete early in the New Year...

UNIT Uniforms - 1970s

2009-11-03T12:44:00.001-08:00

The UNIT Uniforms from the 1970s...

A - Officer's Service Dress

B - Other Rank's Service Dress

C - Officer's Barrack Dress

D - Battle Dress

E - Officer's Mess Dress

Young Brigadier

2009-10-30T10:27:00.001-07:00

Whilst watching the X Factor the other day, I realised who Rachel Adedji reminded me of:

A young Brigadier Bambera!!!! Especially the hair!

The resemblance is not so obvious in these pictures, but is definitely there, I say!

P.S. Joe to win!!!!

Successful Shoot

2009-10-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Doctor Cox and I shot a short scene from Episode 1 yesterday; it takes place in a car aprk.

Below are some photos from the shoot and I will post stills once I have edited the scene.

Captain Elworthy

2009-09-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a random photo I recently found, which was taken a year or so ago. It is myself in costume as Captain Elworthy...

And before anyone points it out, I am aware that the flag is backwards!!

UNIT Uniforms - 1960s

2009-09-06T05:38:00.001-07:00

I recently found some old drawings I'd done of all the UNIT uniforms through the ages, so I have decided to scan and colour them. Here are the first set:

The UNIT uniforms from the 1960s...

A - Officer's Uniform

B - Other Rank's Uniform

I shall colour and upoload more of the pics shortly.

Also, Part 4 of Episode 1 is coming together slowly so it should be online before Christmas...

Tribute to Ianto Jones

2009-08-24T00:11:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, I went down to Cardiff Bay for lunch. As I walked past the entrance to Torchwood I noticed that there were a number of floral tributes and cards laid out. On clser inspection, I realised that they were in memory of the late Ianto Jones, who died in the most recent series (poor Owen and Tosh never had floral tributes!).

I went down to the Bay again yesterday, and there were more cards and flowers. Also, according to the Torchwood episode 'Fragments', Ianto's date of birth is 19 August 1983. Last Wednesday was the 19 August, and there were now birthday cards and banners laid out amongst the tributes!!

Also, more amusingly, there was a poster for Torchwood's missing pet, which presumably has not been seen since the explosion...

Film Footage

2009-08-22T03:42:00.001-07:00

I realised that I had not uloaded stills from the last lot of filming that I did.

So here, for your delectation, they are...

The Doctor

2009-07-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my dear friend, David Cox, who portrays the character of Professor Richards in the The David Elworthy Series.

Mr Cox has just received his doctorate (in Electronic Engineering, or some such complicated science!) and is now Doctor Cox.

Successful Shoot

2009-07-13T01:58:00.000-07:00

I was in Lichfield over the weekend so Mr Cox and myself shot another small scene from Episode 1.

I shall post stills when I have got round to editing it...

New Commanding Officer

2009-07-07T09:20:00.001-07:00

It would seem (according to last night's 'Torchwood') that Colonel Mace is no longer the Commanding Officer of UNIT's British Contingent. If I heard correctly, I believe he has now been posted to Vancouver, though he is still with UNIT.

His replacement is Colonel Oduya...

I rather liked Colonel Mace; we shall have to wait and see how Colonel Oduya turns out.

Plunderball, Part 3

2009-05-31T02:16:00.000-07:00

Part 3 of Episode 1 is now online!

Here is the link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx9uhrYhQ1M

Film Footage

2009-05-29T01:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some stills from the footage that we shot over the weekend...

I am currently just finishing off the editing of Part 3 and it will be online very soon...

Successful Shoot

2009-05-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Dave Cox and Amy came round earlier so we shot some scenes from the finale of Episode1.

Whilst Dave and I were filming, Amy and Vicki were enjoying the glorious sunshine!

Below are some stills...

Successful Shoot

2009-05-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have just finished shooting the remaining mortuary scenes from Episode 1; I roped my father in to play Doctor Monroe (I let him keep the NHS name badge that I made for the character as a souvenir!).

I shall edit this footage and post stills once I return to Cardiff. But this also means that I can finally put Part 3 of Episode 1 onto YouTube!! I shall endeavour to do this at some point next week.

Also, I will hopefully be shooting some more scenes from the remainder of Episode 1 with Dave Cox tomorrow...

Torchwood are watching you...

2009-05-01T03:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I purchased a copy of the new edition of the Torchwood Magazine.

Upon turning to page 19 I received the shock of my life…

There was a photo of me!!!

Film Footage

2009-04-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some stills from the footage that we shot a few days ago. I have now edited it. They are from a scne in Episode 1 set in a hospital mortuary...

All I need to do now is cast someone as the Pathologist, Doctor Monroe, and these mortuary scenes will be complete. Any volunteers?

Successful Shoot

2009-04-12T10:30:00.001-07:00

Shot some scenes earlier today from Episode 1. They take place inside the hospital in Oxford that Elworthy and Richards visit to see a body in the mortuary.

Here is the corpse underneath a sheet…

And here is what the corpse actually consisted of…

I shall edit these scenes upon my return to Cardiff.

Free UNIT Beret

2009-04-07T02:48:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago ‘Doctor Who Adventures’ magazine gave away a free UNIT beret and dog tags; for the novelty value I purchased a copy of this magazine!

As you can see from the photo below, the ‘beret’ is not exactly beret like! It is more like some sort of UNIT fez!!! Haha! What can one expect from a children’s magazine though?

On a more serious note, I am returning to Lichfield for the Easter weekend; hopefully I may get some more filming done...

Film Footage

2009-02-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

I have now edited the footage that I shot earlier. Below are some stills.

In some shots you can see that Elworthy is talking to someone, who I need to film at a later date and edit into the Teaser...

Successful Shoot

2009-02-24T04:51:00.000-08:00

I have just shot a little scene from the Teaser of Epiosde 2...

As you can see, my cat, Mischief, tried to get herself a cameo!

Role reversal

2009-02-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

Found these photos, which were taken during shooting of some Episode 3 footage, back in Christmas 2006.

Dave Cox and I had swapped costumes, so I was dressed as Professor Richards, and he was dressed as Captain Elworthy!

The result was somewhat strange!

Update

2009-02-22T09:48:00.000-08:00

Just an update to let you know that Episode 1 part 3 will be on YouTube soon(ish). I have only one scene left to shoot, which takes place in a mortuary. I will be able to shoot this whenever Dave Cox and myself are next back in Lichfield together (and whoever I find to play Dr Monroe!).

Be patient, it is coming...

Rewrite

2009-02-20T06:07:00.000-08:00

I have finally decided to rewrite Episode 2 of The David Elworthy Series. I have been toying with the idea for a while now, and I ultimately decided to do it a few days ago.

It will still bear certain similarities to the original screenplay; DI Rhiannon Jones will still be Elworthy’s partner in the episode, Professor Richards will still be absent, and it will still be set in Cardiff. I will probably still keep the same alien villains too, though I will modify their evil plans to fit the new story.

I did not take the decision lightly as I was rather fond of the original screenplay; it was the first episode out of the whole series that was written, however my new idea fits in nicely with when it is set (you’ll see), and follows on from a few references that are made in Episode 1.

We had actually shot a couple of scenes from my original draft of Episode 2, which I fear some, if not all, will have to be scrapped. What I will do, however, is edit these scenes together and put them on YouTube as ‘Lost Footage’, just because I do rather like them, and because the actors involved in them deserve the credit they are due.

I am now busy writing the new screenplay, and will begin shooting as soon as possible. It will be called “From Vargonia With Love”.

More signage

2009-02-20T06:03:00.000-08:00

I put some more signage together today for Episode 1 sets.

Can you guess where Elworthy and Richards end up in pursuit of the alien Tennis Balls?

Hospital Signage

2009-02-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

For the next scene I need to shoot from Episode 1, Captain Elworthy and Professor Richards go to the local hospital to examine a corpse in the mortuary.

Today I put some signs together to stick to the walls of the hospital set (wherever that ends up being!).

I think they look pretty realistic...

Film Footage

2009-02-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

I have now edited the footage that we reshot a few months back. It is the scene in from Episode 1 set in Richards' house...

Film Footage

2009-02-11T03:50:00.001-08:00

I have edited some more of the Episode 1 footage that we shot over Christmas. Below are some stills...

It pays to advertise!

2009-02-06T14:59:00.001-08:00

UNIT Uniforms

2009-02-04T11:43:00.002-08:00

In the old series of Doctor Who, UNIT troops used to wear standard British Army uniforms (probably because they were easy to get hold of and reasonably cheap surplus!)

In the new Doctor Who series, however, UNIT troops are outfitted in all black combat fatigues.

To be honest, I wasn’t that enamoured with this costuming choice when it first appeared (and those eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed that in The David Elworthy Series the UNIT troops wear modern British Army uniforms – although this is party because of the cost; surplus Army combats are far cheaper than SWAT gear!)

However, I recently discovered that there is, in fact, a precedent for the UNIT troops wearing all black uniforms: The Royal Tank Regiment wear black coveralls as their standard day-to-day uniform…

Suddenly, I feel slightly more warmly towards to new series’ UNIT fatigues!

Now, if they could just sort out Magambo’s uniform…!

Captain Magambo returns

2009-01-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

It would seem that UNIT Captain Erisa Magambo (played by Noma Dumezweni) will be returning in the Doctor Who Easter Special Planet if the Dead; she has been seen filming around Cardiff.

Personally, I would have preferred to see Colonel Mace return, although it is nice to get a returning UNIT character at all in the new series; it harkens back to the returning UNIT characters of the 70s.

One thing that bugs me, though, is why does Magambo wear a black uniform rather than the khaki one that the other UNIT officers wear (such as Colonel Mace, Captain Price, Major Blake, and the other officers we saw in the Tower of London HQ).

Presumably, since it is worn with a beret and not a peaked cap, it is meant to be closer to the black fatigues worn by the standard UNIT troops; unfortunately, the uniform that Magambo actually wears is made from British Army ceremonial uniform, and is thusly far smarter than the standard khaki one (the British uniform code specifies it as No 1 Dress, and is equivalent to what Americans call Dress Uniform). If they wanted a black uniform for UNIT officers, why not just put them in a black military jumper!

See my sketch below for how it could look - complete with a black 'norgie' top and black combat trousers...

Alterantively, if they like the idea of keeping officers in a shirt and tie, there is a V-neck jumper available...

Perhaps I shouldn’t get so irked by something as insignificant as costuming details!!

Comic Elworthy

2009-01-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

Captain Elworthy returns to his comic background...

Even though my Elworthy films are Doctor Who fan films, the Doctor himself never actually appears; but in one of the episodes, Elworthy mentions that he once met the Doctor.

As a result, I thought I would turn that little adventure into a comic strip, so we could see that momentous meeting.

Below is one of the panels from the comic strip that I am working on...

It is set during Elworthy's first year with UNIT (as you can see from his insignia he is still only a Lieutenant).

But which incarnation of the Doctor does he meet? Wait and see...

I will post some pages when I get round to putting them together!

Film Footage

2009-01-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

I have now edited some of the footage that we shot over Christmas, which were all scenes from Episode 1.

Below are some stills from what I have edited so far; there are more to come when I get round to doing some more editing.

Sucessful Shoot

2008-12-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

Well, after being in Lichfield for over a week, we finally shot some scenes earlier today.

It would be impossible for me to describe in words exactly how cold it was whilst we were filming (although the photo of Harriet does go some way towards illustrating it!)! Ironically, however, the scenes we were shooting are supposed to be set in the summer!!!

The footage we shot was from Episode 1, and I'll post the stills once I've edited it.

Below are a small amount of photos that were taken today...

UNIT to return?

2008-12-26T06:57:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to say that I have heard a rumour that UNIT will be returning in the Easter special of Doctor Who, whch is called "The Planet of the Dead".

I am acquiver with anticipation.

Also, I hope you all had a great Christmas!

Filming Schedule

2008-12-19T14:25:00.000-08:00

I am returning to Lichfield tomorrow for Christmas, so I plan to do as much filming as possible in the next week.

I shall keep you all informed...

Film Footage

2008-12-19T11:43:00.001-08:00

At long last, here are some stills from the footage that we shot all those months ago; it is a scene from Episode 1 and is set inside Professor Richards's archaeology tent.

Apologies for the lack of updates recently - it has been a hectic few months.

Quantum of Solace

2008-11-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

Something had been bugging me since I saw Quantum of Solace yesterday, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was. I really enjoyed the film, but I felt that there was something missing - a certain spark. I have now realised what it was.

The film was a fantastic action film, but it wasn't really a Bond film! It had none of the Bond-isms that we all love and expect. I realise that the producers were aiming for more realism, but at the end of the day who really watches a Bond film for realism? We watch it for the gorgeous girls, expensive cars and the rapier wit, which were somehow missing form Quantum.

Also, unless I missed it, he didn't even say the "Bond, James Bond" line, making this the first official Bond film where this line is not utterred.

Quantum of Solace

2008-11-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

I have just returned from seeing the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. My verdict?

Not the best Bond film ever, but still a damn good film; I thouroughly enjoyed it.

However, it does win an award for the worst Bond theme tune EVER!

On a separate note, I realised that I haven't yet posted the stills from the recent footage that I edited. I shall endeavour to do that poste haste...

Elworthy: 24

2008-10-22T12:17:00.001-07:00

In the last week I watched a whole series of 24 (season 4 for those of you who are interested). I had forgotten just how addictive the programme is!

It got me thinking, however; imagine an Elworthy episode done in the style of 24.

It was a concept that intrigued me, so I put together this image, which is what an Elworthy 24 could potentially look like…

Successful Shoot

2008-09-29T12:25:00.001-07:00

I was back in Lichfield this weekend, where I did some more filming with Dave Cox. We shot a couple of scenes from Episode 1.

The first one was set in a tent on Professor Richards's Archaeology site. However, since I didn't have a tent, I simply hung a couple of bed sheets on the washing line!! I assure you the finished effect will be impossible to spot!

Here are some photos...

Someone, who shall remain nameless (Vicki), decided to take a photo of my perfectly formed behind...

Lunchbreak - cheese on toast (only the best for my cast!)...

I appear to be doing a Winston Churchill impression...

Dave Cox decides he'd rather use my 'tent' as a cape instead...

Making a grand entrance...

The other scene I shot was a reshoot of the hallway scene that I shot over Christmas, but turned out too dark...

Just when Vicki thought she'd escaped all the photos!

Mr Cox hiding behind the screenplay...

I shall upload the edited screencaps once they are done.

Mutiny

2008-09-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

I was in the process of sifting through some old photos, searching for some I wanted to upload to a Photobucket Album, and I came across this amusing picture. It is from May 2007.

Clearly Sergeant Edwards has had enough of Captain Elworthy!!

UNIT through the ages

2008-09-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture I drew of a UNIT soldier from the current Doctor Who series. I may get round to drawing the various soldiers from the show's past, to illustrate the changes, but we'll see.

This is a UNIT soldier from the 2000s...

A Fancy Dress Party

2008-09-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Went to a Fancy Dress Party on Friday. It was the 30th Birthday of Kim – one of my girlfriend’s extended family!

Below are a couple of photos from the evening...

I went in my UNIT uniform and Vicki went as a doctor (not THE Doctor!).

Vicki’s youngest brother, Luke, went as a Cyberman.
“DELETE!”

If you wish to see more, they are all uploaded onto my Facebook page.

Plunderball, Part 2

2008-09-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Finally, it has uploaded - and it only took 16 hours (I left it on to upload when I went to work this morning)!!!

So, as promised (and only a few months later than planned!), Part 2 of Episode 1, "Plunderball:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTzlre-xZy8

Yet Another Update

2008-09-02T00:12:00.001-07:00

Stupid YouTube

I tried uploading Part 2 again last night. I set it off at 6pm and left it to do it's thing.

14 hours later and it still hasn't uploaded!!

What must I do to get this thing online? Grrr...

Another Update

2008-09-01T10:03:00.001-07:00

I tried to upload Part 2 onto YouTube at about half 10 last night. It was still uploading when I retired to bed at midnight, so I left it to continue overnight. However, this morning it was still going and I had to turn it off before I left for work.

I’m not sure why it was taking so long – no other videos I uploaded ever took that long. Don’t know whether it was an issue with YouTube or an issue at my end, but I shall try and upload it again this evening.

Watch this space, as they say…

Update

2008-08-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

For everyone acquiver with anticipation for Part 2, it is on it's way.

I'm just having a few slight hiccups with the soundtrack, but it should be online this weekend. Make a note of it in your diaries!!

Film Footage

2008-08-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

I have now edited the footage that I shot last weekend, as well as footage that I shot a few months ago. Below are some stills.

Here is a still of Lichfield Cathedral, which in my film fills in for a shot of Oxford!

Part 2 is now complete and I shall put it onto YouTube very soon…

Successful Shoot

2008-08-24T10:55:00.001-07:00

I am back in Lichfield this weekend. Earlier today I shot the outstanding scene from Part 2 of Plunderball.

Eliot (playing yet another role!) portrayed Private Jacobs, who is stationed in a Radar Suite at UNIT HQ. In the background, you can see Harry holding up the flag, since there was nowwhere to hang it from!

Now that this is done Part 2 should be online in the next week!

Toclofane Invasion

2008-08-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

While Dan was staying the other weekend, we were sat in the lounge of my house, when we noticed something odd outside. It was a Toclofane (albeit an inflatable one!)!

The invasion has begun! I didn’t even Vote Saxon!

A Picture

2008-08-12T16:43:00.001-07:00

My old university chum Dan came down to stay last weekend. Dan plays Quartermaster Sergeant MacDuff in my series.

Below is a photo of Dan taken during his last visit a few months ago.

There is no real reason why I’m posting this pic, other than because I want to!

Update

2008-08-05T15:30:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update for you all. I am still trying to find someone to play Private Jacobs so I can finish part 2 and get it online. I just can’t seem to find anyone! Patience...

I Return!

2008-07-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! I am returned from Cyprus!

Well, I actually got back last week but haven’t got round to updating my Blog yet!

Now that I am resettled back into a normal routine I shall endeavour to complete Part 2 of ‘Plunderball’ and get it online. This means that I need to find someone to cast as Private Jacobs so I can shoot the outstanding scene. Any volunteers?

I leave you now with this photo from my holiday:

If you want to see more photos they are on my Facebook page. If you are not on Facebook (you both know who you are!) then I guess you’ll never see them! Hahaha! Unless, of course, I am feeling particularly generous when I next see you. After all, it would be unkind to deprive you of seeing photos of me!

A Cypriot Break

2008-06-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Elworthy Episode 1, Part 2 is now almost complete. I have only one more scene to shoot in order to finish it (which simply involves a UNIT soldier sat at a Radar screen).

I am off to Cyprus this week for my holiday. I had hoped to have Part 2 online before I went, but unfortunately it will now have to wait until my return.

As soon as I am back in the UK I will get this remaining scene shot ASAP, and get Part 2 online for all to see! Of course, I still need to cast the UNIT soldier, so any volunteers would be greatly appreciated!!

I leave you with this promotional photo of Captain Elworthy...

Film Footage

2008-06-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some screenshots from the footage I shot yesterday, which I have now edited.

These are from a scene where Elworthy is walking to his meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Beckett...

And these are from a scene after his meeting, where he is pondering his mission.

Film Footage

2008-06-29T09:13:00.001-07:00

Here is a still from footage that I shot last time I was in Lichfield. I have now added the alien Tennis Balls, which are surrounding their victim.

Successful Shoot

2008-06-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Did a little filming yesterday afternoon. Shot a short scene of Elworthy in the grounds of his HQ. The scene is from Episode 1, and will be merged with some shots of Cardiff Castle that I got on my lunch break from work earlier this week (I am using Cardiff Castle to double as Elworthy's HQ - Sandford Castle).

Once again, I roped a reluctant Vicki in to help! This time she portrays a passing soldier. No wig was needed this time as I only shot her from behind. I shall post edited screencaps once they are done.

Making Headlines

2008-06-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

In Episode 1, Professor Richards looks at the newspaper and complains that there is news about Wimbledon everywhere! I shot that scene over Christmas, except I didn't get a shot of the newspaper - so yesterday I put a front page together...

I used the name The Examiner after I saw a newspaper graphic from the BBC Doctor Who website. I got the idea of putting a box about Wimbledon above the main headline after a recent copy of The Metro did exactly the same thing. And since Episode 1 is set a year agao, I decided to make the main headline about the wet weather we had.

Below is a rough sketch of the newspaper page that I did in work.

I then realised that I would need a photo of a Tennis Player, so I took a picture of myself holding a Tennis Racket.

I then drew a headband on, and made my hair slightly longer in Photo Paint. It didn’t matter that the hair colour doesn’t match, because I figured it wouldn’t be noticeable on screen. I then put together the page using Coral Draw. The picture of the Unicorn and the people with umbrellas were just random stock photos from the Internet. Finally, I didn’t want to write a report on the soggy summer, so having seen ‘Turn Left’ recently, I just stuck a paragraph of Bad Wolf!

The finished page…

And here is a screenshot of the paper as it appears in the episode…

Film Footage

2008-06-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have now edited the footage that I shot on Sunday. Below are some screenshots from the scene, which involves Elworthy enjoying the company of a young lady, before being pulled away to duty.

Obviously, in true Bond fashion, there is more than just chess on Elworthy's mind - but you'll have to wait until the scene is on YouTube to see how it pans out for him!

Coincidence?

2008-06-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

I was looking through the screenplays for the later episodes of The David Elworthy Series today. As I read through Episode 6, I saw something that made me smile.

Episode 6, which is called ‘The man With The Golden Llama’, is about a lost Incan city that turns out to have extraterrestrial connections. Captain Elworthy, Professor Richards, and a female archaeologist they have met, travel to South America to uncover the secrets of the lost city (bear in mind that I wrote this story over a year and a half ago – before the new Indiana Jones film was released, with a similar storyline!)!

What I smiled at, though, was exactly where in South America Elworthy travelled to – Peru! The reason I smiled, for those of you who don’t remember, was because in the Doctor Who Sontaran two-parter that was on a few weeks ago, Colonel Mace told the Doctor that Sir Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart was stranded in Peru!!!

Now, my story is set a year before the Sontaran story, but it is fun to hypothesise that perhaps Sir Alistair was in Peru because of Elworthy’s lost city. Perhaps there to oversee a clean-up operation, or to give his expert opinion on various alien artefacts that had come to light! Why he would be stranded, though, is beyond me - maybe Elworthy forgot to deactivate an alien trap!!

Successful Shoot

2008-06-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Shot a scene from Episode 1 earlier today with Vicki. It was a scene that involved Elworthy and a girl named Nicole! Vicki, who plays a rather main part in Episode 2, had to put on a wig to play Nicole. The wig is one she wore to a fancy dress party last weekend - she went as Magenta from The Rocky Horror Show!

Here are some photos from the shoot. Will upload stills once it is edited.

Only a couple of small things to shoot now, and part 2 will be complete!

The US Contingent of UNIT

2008-06-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a still from the upcoming finale of Doctor Who series 4. It shows General Sanchez (Lieutenant General to be accurate, given the amount of stars he has on his shoulder!). It would appear that he belongs to the American Contingent of UNIT.

Coming soon... Hopefully!

2008-06-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

For those of you out there looking forward to Part 2 (I know that there are at least 3 of you!), hold on! It is coming, I promise! I have just had a few hectic weekends, and haven’t yet had a chance to shoot the last couple of scenes – other than that it is all ready to go! I shan’t make any promises, but I hope to get it online in the next month (fingers crossed) before I go away to Cyprus for my holiday!

UNIT returns

2008-06-01T06:52:00.001-07:00

It would appear that UNIT are due to make a return appearance later in this series of Doctor Who – in Episode 11 (entitled ‘Turn Left’).

Below is a photo of two extras from one of the shoots, and they are quite clearly UNIT soldiers.

Also, if you look closely at the wall behind these Daleks (from the "Coming soon" trailer), you can just about make out the winged globe that is the UNIT logo.

And finally, this photo from Doctor Who Magazine shows a UNIT officer and Rose. What is interesting is the uniform worn by the officer – why is she in a dark one and not the standard khaki green?

In reality, it would appear that she is wearing a uniform that the British Army calls “No. 1 Dress Ceremonial Uniform”, seen below on an Officer Cadet at Sandhurst.

But why this UNIT officer is wearing it (and with a beret not a peaked cap) remains to be seen…

Successful Shoot

2008-05-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

I did a quick shoot earlier with Bianca, whom I work with. She is playing Corporal Griffiths, and we shot half of a scene from Episode 1. I only shot half the scene because she is chatting to someone on the radio, and I haven't yet cast Private Jacobs, with whom she is talking!

The Doctor defeated at last (sort of)

2008-05-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well, the Doctor has managed to survived encounters with Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans, the Master, and all other forms of alien menace, but he has finally been defeated (well, delayed) by Terry Wogan!!

Yes, it would seem that Doctor Who has been postponed next week due to the damn Eurovision Song Contest (despite the fact that Doctor Who is normally on an hour before Eurovision is due to start!)

The reason this bugs me so much, is that because of the rescheduling, I will now miss the last episode of the series as I will be in Cyprus!!

Ah well, there's not a lot can be done about it now!

For those of you eagerly awaiting the next installment of my series - be patient. All is coming together. I just need to procure a ladies blonde wig to proceed!!

'The Sontaran Strategem'

2008-05-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed the recent Doctor Who two-parter. It was nice to see both the Sontarans, and UNIT, as a cohesive military force (which we were never really able to see in the old series).

One thing that really bothered me though, was the unshaped UNIT berets! Not one soldier had a beret that had been properly shaped to fit his head! Surely the costume department could have sorted that out – if only for the main characters! This is meant to be the British Contingent, and in Britain we have very smart, well-shaped berets! We’re not one of those European armies with their sloppy headwear, you know!

Below is an example; Private Ross Jenkins

And here is a picture of Captain Elworthy from my series, sporting a truly well fitted beret.

However, despite that one niggle, I thought the episodes were great! Keep up the good work BBC! I do hope that Colonel Mace and UNIT will be returning again soon.

Also, what was Sir Alistair doing in Peru? Interesting…

UNIT ID Card

2008-04-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Based on the design of Martha Jones's UNIT Badge from the BBC Website, I have put together an ID Card for Captain Elworthy.

Film Footage

2008-04-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some screenshots from the edited footage that I shot last time I was in Lichfield.

And here are some screenshots of Tennis Balls that I shot last weekend, which I inserted into scenes shot in Lichfield.

Saint George

2008-04-23T13:43:00.001-07:00

Happy St. George's Day!

Successful Shoot

2008-04-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

I returned to Lichfield this weekend to celebrate Dave Cox's Birthday, and this morning we did some filming. We shot some scenes from Episode 1 (so hopefully, part 2 of this episode will shortly be completed on put onto YouTube!).

Below are some of the photos taken during the shoot...

The photo below is not, believe it or not, one of Elworthy's cunning disguises!! It was an attempt by myself to disguise my identity, as I appeared in a scene as an extra who gets killed (damn these blasted cast shortages!)!

However, I am not the first cast member to have more than one part - this was Eliot's third appearance as a different character - and, as with his other two roles, the character he played today will also be killed off horribly!!

More Birthday Wishes

2008-04-12T10:14:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to David Cox, who plays the part of Professor Paul Richards in my series. I hope he has a good birthday today,

Happy Birthday

2008-04-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Captain Elworthy!

According to the character bio that I wrote when I started making the series, David William James Elworthy was born on this day in 1979. He was the only son of George Elworthy, Earl of Middlemarch, and his wife, Eleanor Elworthy, Countess of Middlemarch. As heir apparent to his Father’s Earldom, Elworthy was given the Courtesy Title of Viscount Blakeney – which he holds to this day, but rarely uses in day-to-day life.

This makes Elworthy 29 today (making him 3 years older than me!).

Film Footage

2008-04-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some screenshots from the rest of the footage that I shot when Dan came to stay.

It is the ‘Q’ scene from Episode 4, in which Elworthy is given his new gadget phone, and a pair of interesting spectacles…

New Commanding Officer

2008-04-05T02:24:00.000-07:00

As we know, Doctor Who is back on our screens tonight for a brand new series, and UNIT are set to return in Episodes 4 and 5. In this story they will be commanded by Colonel Mace (played by Rupert Holiday Evans) – who rumour has described as ‘the new Brigadier’.

If this rumour is true, and UNIT’s new Commanding Officer is indeed a Colonel and not a Brigadier, then clearly the British Contingent has been downsized from a Brigade to a Regiment. Funnily enough, this would actually make sense, considering Labour’s Defence cuts over the recent years!

Film Footage

2008-04-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

These are screenshots from the last lot of footage that I shot over Christmas, which I have now edited.

It is a scene from early in Episode 4, where Elworthy visits Richards in one of the UNIT labs (which is actually Dave Cox’s parent’s dining room!) to brief him on a new mission.

Fortunately, Episode 4 is set in December, so the massive Christmas tree in the centre of the room won’t seem at all anachronistic!

Film Footage

2008-03-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

I have edited some of the footage that I shot a couple of weeks ago when Dan came to stay.

The scene is from Episode 1, and is where Elworthy is given his gadget-laden phone by Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant MacDuff (it is the homage to the ‘Q’ scenes from the James Bond films).

And this is a still from footage for Episode 3, where MacDuff has a brief cameo, chatting to Elworthy down the phone.

Film Footage

2008-03-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

Below are some more screenshots from edited footage from a scene that I shot over Christmas. However, as you can see, the lighting is…well, non-existent!! As a result, I shall reshoot this scene in my parent’s hall (the original was shot in Dave Cox’s parent’s hall). Fortunately it is only a short scene, and is from Episode 1.

"Oh, Shame!"

2008-03-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

I was randomly sketching the other night, and ended up drawing this picture:

It is Brigadier Winifred Bambera - Commanding Officer of the British Contingent of UNIT during the 1990s.

She appeared in the Doctor Who serial "Battlefield".

The T-Shirt

2008-03-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Have returned to Lichfield for the weekend and met up with my Brother, who gave me my (belated) Birthday present. It was extremely cool!!

He has made me a T-shirt for my films!!! As you can see from the photos below, it has VOTE DAVE PRODUCTIONS on the breast, and my Vote Dave logo on the sleeve.

Thanks, Edd!!!!

Successful Shoot

2008-03-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I shot a number of scenes with Dan Cook (whom I went to uni with), who had come down to stay for the weekend. He plays the part of Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant MacDuff - the chap who give Elworthy all his gadgets (the equivalent to James Bond's Q).

I shot scenes from Episodes 1, 3 and 4. I will post sceenshots when I have edited them - though I still have a few bits and pieces left to edit from Christmas!!!!

Below is a photo of Dan and I in costume...

This is a photo of my hallway...

...which I turned into the Quartermaster's office...

In Memorium

2008-03-15T04:40:00.000-07:00

Beware the Ides of March...

Just thought I'd post a quick memorial to commemorate the greatest man who ever lived:

On this very day, 2,056 years ago, Gaius Julius Caesar was stabbed to death by his fellow Senators in the Theatre of Pompey. But despite their best efforts, his legacy lives on.

On a lighter note, I am hoping to do a little filming this afternoon. I shall post more details later...

The UNIT Acronym

2008-03-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

The United Nations Intelligence Taskforce is no more (not the organisation – the name!)!

The last time the full name was used onscreen was by the Ninth Doctor in ‘Aliens of London’. Since then they have only been referred to by the UNIT acronym. This was because, according to writer Russell T Davies, the real United Nations were no longer happy to be associated with the Doctor Who TV show.

However, I discovered today that for the return of UNIT later this year (in ‘The Sontaran Stratagem’) the organisation’s name has been changed to the Unified Intelligence Taskforce.

This doesn’t quite have the same snazzy ring to it, in my opinion. But if it avoids upsetting the UN…

This means that I may have to dub some of Elworthy's lines from Episode 1!! Or I could just leave it, and then change it for all the later episodes - with no explanation! That could be quite cool!

Davemas!

2008-03-12T10:55:00.001-07:00

A quick message to say Happy Birthday to me!

26 years ago today, I entered the world - but was it ready for me? Only time will tell!

Film Footage

2008-03-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here are the screenshots that I tried to upload yesterday. They are from a scene midway through Episode 1, and is the scene in which Captain Elworthy tells Professor Richards exactly what UNIT really do!

Server Error

2008-03-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

I have edited some more of the footage from Christmas, but I cannot upload any of the screenshots because Blogger seems to be playing up. I shall upload the images as soon as I can...

Film Footage

2008-02-23T09:34:00.001-08:00

I have edited a some more of the footage I shot over Christmas. Below are some of the stills. They are from a scene very early on in Episode 1, and is the first appearance of Professor Richards in the series.

Bloopers

2008-02-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

Although this Blog is about my current film series, I just thought I’d let everyone know that I have uploaded the Bloopers Video from my last film - a Star Trek Fan Film that I made, many years ago, at University.

The link is below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRBpjMCgGGU

As a special treat, I’ll even include a selection of the publicity stills!

Film Footage

2008-02-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

Now that I have successfully put the first instalment online, I have begun to edit the rest of the footage that I shot over Christmas.

Below are some stills from a scene that I shot with Dave Cox, and is from Episode 5, which involves a parallel universe.

Plunderball, Part 1

2008-01-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

So, at last, Part 1 of "Plunderball", the first episode in the series, is finally on YouTube. In all honesty it is just a draft cut, as there are bits that need tweaking, and there is another scene I wish to shoot and insert. But for the time being, you can see the opening scenes of The David Elworthy Series at the link below...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUkCCQYadZ4

Release Date

2008-01-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

For all those of you out there who are aquiver with anticipation about my upcoming film, I just thought I'd let you know that Episode 1 part 1 will be going onto YouTube tomorrow evening. I had hoped to get it on yesterday or the day before, but I have been waylayed with some work I am doing for a friend of mine who works on the Milkshake show. So, as I say, all been well, the series shall premiere tomorrow...

Sickness and health

2008-01-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

I apologise for the lack of recent activity - I have ben sufferring from the good old influenza virus (or flu as it is more commonly known!!)!! I spent the last four days confined to bed with a fever, although I am on the mend now. I shall very soon get to work editing the footage from Christmas, and I intend to have Episode 1 Part 1 on You Tube before this month is out - it is pretty much finished, I just need to find way to compress it down to only 100MB!! Any suggestions any one?

Film Footage

2008-01-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

I have edited the first bit of footage that I shot over Christmas (the shortest bit, in fact - it was only four shots!!). It is from the Teaser of Episode 1 and involves Sergeant Edwards at the UNIT checkpoint. I just had to slot it into the footage that I had already edited.

Below are two stills from the edited footage.
As you can see, the British uniforms work quite well, as Edward appears to be disappearing into the background!!!!

Christmas is over...

2007-12-30T05:37:00.001-08:00

Well, Christmas is over (almost) for yet another year - although given how quickly last year flew by, it'll be Christmas again in no time!!! Seriously, though, the last two weeks that I have spent in Lichfield have whizzed past - it seems like only yesterday that I got here, yet here I am, packing to return to Cardiff.

I must say I am slightly disappointed at how little filming I actually managed to get done - but I still have planty to edit when I return (stills of which I shall post when it is done), and much fun was had by all - it is allways great to see my old school friends again.

I have to go now, as Father is getting tetchy and wants to set off, so I shall go pack the car and catch the cat!!!

Successful Shoot

2007-12-28T07:19:00.001-08:00

Have just filmed a couple of shots from the teaser of Epiosde 1, which involves my brother as Sergeant Edwards.

Below are some photos from the shoot (though Edward was acting a little camera shy!!). As you can see, I even managed to rope my reluctant Father into donning a camo jacket and being an extra!

All I need to do now is insert this footage into the already edited footage from the teaser (although, I don't think the background location will match up at all!!!)

Christmas Presie

2007-12-26T16:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday - Christmas Day - as per traditon, we had a couple of family friends round:
Jayne (who plays Lt Col Beckett) and her mother Cynthia.

Cynthia's neighbour (Colin) made a rather funky present for the films! A homemade clapper board!!

Henceforth I shall use it at every shoot!