Whoa! It's only taken 12 years stuck in development hell, but now at last the producers of the K9 spin-off series have found enough money to make the series they've dreamt up. The series filmed its 26 part (!) first series between 3rd December 2008 and 8th May 2009, according to the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine.
Made as a co-production between Disney's Jetix channel and Australia's own Network Ten, the series is aimed at 8-12 year olds and described as "a blend of The X Files and Men in Black, with a touch of Ghostbusters".
The cast list includes:
Keegan Joyce, 19 (playing 'Starkey' - "a 14 year old orphan rebel in a slightly-dystopian future London, whose flight from the police leads him to the mysterious old Victorian mansion.")
Philippa Coulthard, 16 (appearing as 'Jorjie Turner' - "another 14 year old who's teamed up with Starkey for the sake of adventure.")
Robyn Moore ('Inspector June Turner, Jorjie's mother, who "heads up the Alien Threat section of the Department, a shadowy security/police organisation.")
Robert Moloney ('Professor Gryffen' - who is "experimenting with some unearthed alien technology, a Space-Time Manipulator.")
Daniel Webber, 20 ('Darius Pike' - Gryffen's 15 year old streetwise assistant.)
The series has been created by Bob Baker and Paul Mark Tams, and features scripts from other writers including Jim Noble, Shayne Krause and Shane Alexander. Series script editors are Anthony Morris and Graeme Farmer, with Vicki Madden being script producer.
Producers are Richard Stewart & Penny Wall (Australia) and Simon Barnes (of Park Entertainment, UK). Grant Bradley & Jim Howell executive produce, and Baker/Tam act as associate producers.
Rather interestingly, the series features a cameo by the original Mark I model of K9 (last seen in Doctor Who's "The Invasion of Time") before the metal mutt is then destroyed and completely rebuilt from scratch. It means this show is an official continuation/spin-off from the Doctor Who mythology (after years of trying to distance itself from the show).
It should debut early 2010.
More news as and when it comes in!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Spoilers, ahoy!
It hasn't even been a day since our last little helping of spoilery goodness, but the BBC Press Office have today officially put the word out on the Doctor's appearance on The Sarah Jane Adventures!
"When I heard the news that David was going to be joining us I was absolutely over the moon." exclaims Elisabeth Sladen, who plays the title character. "Not only has it made my day but it will also make the viewers' day. It's fantastic news that Sarah Jane is going to spend some time working with The Doctor again and is testament to just how successful this CBBC series is."
Russell T. Davies reconfirms what he said in the latest DWM regarding the Doctor's appearance not just being a cameo, but goes on to state that "he and Sarah Jane face their biggest threat ever." But it doesn't end there...!
The press release goes on to reveal several more spoilers regarding the stories featured in the third series, so if you'd rather not know - look away!
We'll encounter a new alien race, the reptilian Veil and their enemies the Judoon, an extraterrestrial girl that can make people play games against their will, a living painting, the inhabitants of a supposedly haunted house, monsters who want to infect Earth with a strangely aggressive weed and a chance for Sarah Jane to find personal happiness with someone who could be the perfect person to complete her family, confirming Russell T. Davies' statement in DWM that "the wedding of Sarah Jane will be a day for everyone to remember!"
Sounds like this is going to be the most exciting series of SJA yet! The article states that the show returns to our screens this September.
UPDATE - DigitalSpy and Newsround are reporting that the Doctor features in episodes five and six (which forms Adventure Three). Since every series of SJA kicks off on the last Monday of September, the first part of the crossover (written by Gareth Roberts) should premiere on the CBBC Channel on October 19th!
"When I heard the news that David was going to be joining us I was absolutely over the moon." exclaims Elisabeth Sladen, who plays the title character. "Not only has it made my day but it will also make the viewers' day. It's fantastic news that Sarah Jane is going to spend some time working with The Doctor again and is testament to just how successful this CBBC series is."
Russell T. Davies reconfirms what he said in the latest DWM regarding the Doctor's appearance not just being a cameo, but goes on to state that "he and Sarah Jane face their biggest threat ever." But it doesn't end there...!
The press release goes on to reveal several more spoilers regarding the stories featured in the third series, so if you'd rather not know - look away!
We'll encounter a new alien race, the reptilian Veil and their enemies the Judoon, an extraterrestrial girl that can make people play games against their will, a living painting, the inhabitants of a supposedly haunted house, monsters who want to infect Earth with a strangely aggressive weed and a chance for Sarah Jane to find personal happiness with someone who could be the perfect person to complete her family, confirming Russell T. Davies' statement in DWM that "the wedding of Sarah Jane will be a day for everyone to remember!"
Sounds like this is going to be the most exciting series of SJA yet! The article states that the show returns to our screens this September.
UPDATE - DigitalSpy and Newsround are reporting that the Doctor features in episodes five and six (which forms Adventure Three). Since every series of SJA kicks off on the last Monday of September, the first part of the crossover (written by Gareth Roberts) should premiere on the CBBC Channel on October 19th!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Doctor, Doctor (Give Me a Call)
Breaking news... the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, number 409 (officially released later this week) apparently confirms that David Tennant will be appearing in the third series of The Sarah Jane Adventures, according to various online fans who have received their subscription copies of the magazine early.
More on this story as and when it breaks.
For now, settle down and watch this charming clip from John Barrowman's Tonight's the Night - featuring Barrowman and Tennant on board the TARDIS set!
6PM UPDATE - Den of Geek! are running the story, with extracts from DWM itself:
Also joining the Tenth Doctor is the robotic mutt, K9 but RTD is keen to stress that this is no fleeting appearance by David Tennant. The writer says, "... it's more than just a cameo from the Tenth Doctor! He's a proper part of the story." He also adds that the two-parter is "extraordinary, wild and powerfully moving," cryptically adding, "let's just say that the wedding of Sarah Jane will be a day for everyone to remember!"
The 2 part adventure is written by Gareth Roberts.
A while ago I heard that Roberts would be contributing a story called "The Impossible Sarah Jane Smith" for the third series. Is there any truth to the rumours - and just who is Sarah Jane marrying?!
More on this story as and when it breaks.
For now, settle down and watch this charming clip from John Barrowman's Tonight's the Night - featuring Barrowman and Tennant on board the TARDIS set!
6PM UPDATE - Den of Geek! are running the story, with extracts from DWM itself:
Also joining the Tenth Doctor is the robotic mutt, K9 but RTD is keen to stress that this is no fleeting appearance by David Tennant. The writer says, "... it's more than just a cameo from the Tenth Doctor! He's a proper part of the story." He also adds that the two-parter is "extraordinary, wild and powerfully moving," cryptically adding, "let's just say that the wedding of Sarah Jane will be a day for everyone to remember!"
The 2 part adventure is written by Gareth Roberts.
A while ago I heard that Roberts would be contributing a story called "The Impossible Sarah Jane Smith" for the third series. Is there any truth to the rumours - and just who is Sarah Jane marrying?!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sunday
Most people consider Sunday a day of rest. A day to sit back, put their feet up, forget their woes and have a nice cuppa! In the world of SJA, however, last Sunday happened to be one of the busiest days of the year! That was the case for me, anyway, when I had the privilege of heading up to Cardiff last weekend to meet fellow SARAH-JANE.tv writer, Peter Pan, and attend the prestigious BAFTA Cymru Awards Ceremony at the Wales Millennium Centre!
Peter Pan and his partner were my wonderful hosts for the weekend, and were kind enough to take me sightseeing places I've wanted go since SJA first aired!
The most famous house in Wales, 13 Bannerman Road! *faint*
Luke, Clyde and Rani's school, Park Vale!
The swing set where Clyde finds Luke in 'Warriors of Kudlak'
Spellman's Magical Museum of the Circus!
The pier where Maria runs into the young Sarah Jane!
Not strictly SJA, but how could I miss out on seeing Torchwood HQ?!
Peter Pan and his partner were my wonderful hosts for the weekend, and were kind enough to take me sightseeing places I've wanted go since SJA first aired!
The most famous house in Wales, 13 Bannerman Road! *faint*
Luke, Clyde and Rani's school, Park Vale!
The swing set where Clyde finds Luke in 'Warriors of Kudlak'
Spellman's Magical Museum of the Circus!
The pier where Maria runs into the young Sarah Jane!
Not strictly SJA, but how could I miss out on seeing Torchwood HQ?!
We even went over to Upper Boat, mere yards away from Sarah Jane's attic set! There was a wall and a fence between us, mind you - but still, yards away! Once our time exploring Cardiff was over, I got dropped off at the Wales Millennium Centre to attend the Welsh BAFTA's:
I'd arrived pretty early, but this was the scene at the red carpet two hours before the ceremony had even begun(!)
I had to head in at this point, so wasn't able to catch the stars as they made their way through the entrance. Fortunately, photographer alun.vega was able to catch a snap of Lis Sladen and Russell T. Davies as they arrived!
In the lobby of the Millennium Centre, my fellow BAFTA attendees and I were being entertained courtesy of a male singer and his piano accompanist. We were even served our choice of champagne or juice! This kept us occupied whilst star after Welsh star filed into the building and were escorted to their seats in the main theatre. Eventually at 6pm, we were called in, too.
It wasn't until 7.40pm that the Children's Programme nominations were finally announced. What the public didn't know before tonight was which SJA episode had been nominated for a BAFTA. Turned out to be The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith! A sure win, right?! Wrong... Sadly, The Sarah Jane Adventures lost out on an award for a fourth time...this time in favour of a Welsh pre-school puppet show called Holi Hana...which had talking Welsh ducks! Yeah...
Okay, a teeny bit bitter - as were most of the audience, if the audible groans I heard when the winner was announced is any indication. But it's not the end of the world. There's still the main BAFTA's this Autumn, and the RTS Awards next year! SJA may have missed out on an award this time around, but that only means finally getting one down the line will be all the more sweeter!
The remainder of the BAFTA Cymru ceremony was still quite entertaining though, especially when Russell T. Davies came on-stage to accept an award and claimed to have got it on with Gethin Jones' sister [a running joke that evening!]. Our very own Lis discarded her pink coat and also went on-stage to call out the nominations for the Best Actor award.
All in all, a rather hectic Sunday! An SJA location pilgrimage around Cardiff, attending the Welsh BAFTA's - and I even squeezed in a trip to the local Doctor Who Exhibition! Who'd want a day of rest when you can do all that?
I'd arrived pretty early, but this was the scene at the red carpet two hours before the ceremony had even begun(!)
I had to head in at this point, so wasn't able to catch the stars as they made their way through the entrance. Fortunately, photographer alun.vega was able to catch a snap of Lis Sladen and Russell T. Davies as they arrived!
In the lobby of the Millennium Centre, my fellow BAFTA attendees and I were being entertained courtesy of a male singer and his piano accompanist. We were even served our choice of champagne or juice! This kept us occupied whilst star after Welsh star filed into the building and were escorted to their seats in the main theatre. Eventually at 6pm, we were called in, too.
It wasn't until 7.40pm that the Children's Programme nominations were finally announced. What the public didn't know before tonight was which SJA episode had been nominated for a BAFTA. Turned out to be The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith! A sure win, right?! Wrong... Sadly, The Sarah Jane Adventures lost out on an award for a fourth time...this time in favour of a Welsh pre-school puppet show called Holi Hana...which had talking Welsh ducks! Yeah...
Okay, a teeny bit bitter - as were most of the audience, if the audible groans I heard when the winner was announced is any indication. But it's not the end of the world. There's still the main BAFTA's this Autumn, and the RTS Awards next year! SJA may have missed out on an award this time around, but that only means finally getting one down the line will be all the more sweeter!
The remainder of the BAFTA Cymru ceremony was still quite entertaining though, especially when Russell T. Davies came on-stage to accept an award and claimed to have got it on with Gethin Jones' sister [a running joke that evening!]. Our very own Lis discarded her pink coat and also went on-stage to call out the nominations for the Best Actor award.
All in all, a rather hectic Sunday! An SJA location pilgrimage around Cardiff, attending the Welsh BAFTA's - and I even squeezed in a trip to the local Doctor Who Exhibition! Who'd want a day of rest when you can do all that?
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Seeing Stars
It isn't everyday that we here at SARAH-JANE.tv come across an SJA event as genuinely exciting as Utopia! In the past, we've reported for signings featuring one, two or even three guests from The Sarah Jane Adventures.
But FIVE?! That's definitely a first.
The last time we mentioned Utopia, the guest list stood at Joseph Millson [Alan Jackson], Juliet Cowan [Chrissie Jackson], Christopher Pizzey [Eddie Smith] and Rosanna Levelle [Barbara Smith]. If that wasn't reason enought to go, SJA composer Sam Watts has agreed to make his convention debut by also throwing his hat into the ring! His appearance will follow hot on the heels of the Music from Outer Space concert in Liverpool last month, where he had the oppurtunity to premiere his SJA compositions to a live audience.
With just a month till the June 6th convention date, and only a handful of tickets remaining - this is one signing that cannot to be missed. As the official Utopia website itself proclaims, buy now to avoid disappointment!
Incidentally, if the £40 entry fee isn't for you - an informal Tommy Knight [Luke Smith] signing will be taking place in Stansted on the same day! Reiterating what we wrote in March, half the money raised by Tommy will go toward benefitting the school that invited him, whilst the other half will be donated to his favoured charity, the Demelza House Children's Hospice. Organiser, Trisha Broszek, was kind enough to pass on some details:
"Tommy will be signing/photographs from 3 to 3:45 and then 4:15 to 5 although he should be arriving around 2ish. He will be supplying his official photos for autographing as well as photos which will be taken on the day. When printed he will sign them and then they will be posted to the person on the pic, i think that will be popular."
For more information on the venue and event, here's a copy of the flyer.
In other news, Tommy Knight's mum and sisters will be taking part in the Race for Life on 17th May, 2009. A UK-wide women-only event, money raised through Race for Life marathons are vital in funding Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. Please dig deep and help Sandy Knight reach her £170 target! We've sponsered her, why don't you?
But FIVE?! That's definitely a first.
The last time we mentioned Utopia, the guest list stood at Joseph Millson [Alan Jackson], Juliet Cowan [Chrissie Jackson], Christopher Pizzey [Eddie Smith] and Rosanna Levelle [Barbara Smith]. If that wasn't reason enought to go, SJA composer Sam Watts has agreed to make his convention debut by also throwing his hat into the ring! His appearance will follow hot on the heels of the Music from Outer Space concert in Liverpool last month, where he had the oppurtunity to premiere his SJA compositions to a live audience.
With just a month till the June 6th convention date, and only a handful of tickets remaining - this is one signing that cannot to be missed. As the official Utopia website itself proclaims, buy now to avoid disappointment!
Incidentally, if the £40 entry fee isn't for you - an informal Tommy Knight [Luke Smith] signing will be taking place in Stansted on the same day! Reiterating what we wrote in March, half the money raised by Tommy will go toward benefitting the school that invited him, whilst the other half will be donated to his favoured charity, the Demelza House Children's Hospice. Organiser, Trisha Broszek, was kind enough to pass on some details:
"Tommy will be signing/photographs from 3 to 3:45 and then 4:15 to 5 although he should be arriving around 2ish. He will be supplying his official photos for autographing as well as photos which will be taken on the day. When printed he will sign them and then they will be posted to the person on the pic, i think that will be popular."
For more information on the venue and event, here's a copy of the flyer.
In other news, Tommy Knight's mum and sisters will be taking part in the Race for Life on 17th May, 2009. A UK-wide women-only event, money raised through Race for Life marathons are vital in funding Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. Please dig deep and help Sandy Knight reach her £170 target! We've sponsered her, why don't you?
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