From the look of things, aside from the battered top hat, he’s wearing exactly the same costume as seen in The Snowmen last year.
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Time Of The Doctor - costume portraits
The dust has barely settled since the 50th Anniversary special, and the BBC publicity machine is already getting into gear to promote the Christmas special, and Matt Smith’s final outing as The Doctor.
From the look of things, aside from the battered top hat, he’s wearing exactly the same costume as seen in The Snowmen last year.
From the look of things, aside from the battered top hat, he’s wearing exactly the same costume as seen in The Snowmen last year.
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Doctor Who Celebration -
The Eleventh Hour panel
Here is a couple of short videos I shot of the Eleventh Hour Panel, introduced by Matthew Sweet with Steven Moffat, Jenna Coleman and Matt Smith.
Doctor Who Celebration - wardrobe trailer
Fans of the costumes on Doctor Who had a treat in store with the extensive exhibition, as well as the Wardrobe Workshop where you could meet members of the costume department.
But one little gem tucked away in a corner of the main hall was an original wardrobe trailer used by the costume department.
This was one of the big green buses you see loitering around when location filming is taking place.
Its plain exterior hid the treasure trove of costuming contained inside, and once you did get inside - there was only space for a dozen people at any one time - there was not restrictions to rifling through the racks and having a good nose at the contents of the hangers.
Just inside the door is a sort of office area, with benches on each side where sewing machines could be set up for use.
On the walls were a variety of continuity photos from the filming. Beyond this area were the costume rails. They roughly went in season order down one side, and back up the other.
Above the rails are tags, which once you looked closely didn’t always relate to what was below.
Amongst all the monster and supporting players costumes, there were some choice items for die hard Doctor fans.
Most of the costumes were pretty standard off the peg clothes used during the Tenth Doctor’s era.
But the Eleventh Doctor items proved to be the real treasure trove.
A total of three Donegal tweed jackets were on show.
One was on a display mannequin at the far end, along side an ironing board.
One the rails was another plain Donegal, plus the heavily distressed, burnt and torn version seen in The Pandorica Opens and The Big Bang.
Next to that was a number of Paul Smith shirts in burgundy and blue. One of the burgundy shirts was dirtied down to accompany the distresses Donegal jacket and another was a replica.
Speaking to the costume staff, these were made when original shirts were becoming thin on the ground, although none were used in the end for main shoots, though they may have been seen worn by stunt doubles.
The Tenth Doctor was also there, and you can see what I found over on the Coat Blog.
The final gem was the replica Christian Lacroix ties made for The Eleventh Hour.
These have the blue swirls embroidered on with the reddish patches.
Two were here, one in pristine condition, the other torn and distressed.
It was jaw-dropping to discover the red patches on the tie are just fabric painted on by hand. I’m sure we all thought there were sections of red fabric appliquéd on, but as is often with film and tv work, the simplest solution is often the best.
It was quite inspiring to see the ties first-hand.
I might even have a go at making my own. Hummmm.
But one little gem tucked away in a corner of the main hall was an original wardrobe trailer used by the costume department.
This was one of the big green buses you see loitering around when location filming is taking place.
Its plain exterior hid the treasure trove of costuming contained inside, and once you did get inside - there was only space for a dozen people at any one time - there was not restrictions to rifling through the racks and having a good nose at the contents of the hangers.
On the walls were a variety of continuity photos from the filming. Beyond this area were the costume rails. They roughly went in season order down one side, and back up the other.
But the Eleventh Doctor items proved to be the real treasure trove.
A total of three Donegal tweed jackets were on show.One was on a display mannequin at the far end, along side an ironing board.
One the rails was another plain Donegal, plus the heavily distressed, burnt and torn version seen in The Pandorica Opens and The Big Bang.
Next to that was a number of Paul Smith shirts in burgundy and blue. One of the burgundy shirts was dirtied down to accompany the distresses Donegal jacket and another was a replica.
Speaking to the costume staff, these were made when original shirts were becoming thin on the ground, although none were used in the end for main shoots, though they may have been seen worn by stunt doubles.
The Tenth Doctor was also there, and you can see what I found over on the Coat Blog.
The final gem was the replica Christian Lacroix ties made for The Eleventh Hour.
These have the blue swirls embroidered on with the reddish patches.
Two were here, one in pristine condition, the other torn and distressed.
It was jaw-dropping to discover the red patches on the tie are just fabric painted on by hand. I’m sure we all thought there were sections of red fabric appliquéd on, but as is often with film and tv work, the simplest solution is often the best.
It was quite inspiring to see the ties first-hand.
I might even have a go at making my own. Hummmm.
Doctor Who Celebration -
Special Effects panel
Here is a couple of short videos I shot of the Special Effects Panel, introduced by Dallas Campbell with Danny Hargreaves.
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Doctor Who Celebration -
costume exhibition
This weekend’s Doctor Who Celebration has been a feast for the eyes for fans.
As well as catering for those who have come to Who through the relaunch series, there has been a good nod to the history of the show with a wide variety of guests and an extensive exhibition of costumes culled from Cardiff’s Doctor Who Experience.
They had a near complete set of Doctor’s costumes on show (missing was the Eighth and War Doctors) arranged in a circle around Bessie.
The Eleventh Doctor costume on show was straight out of the Experience, though it was originally displayed on the creepy waxwork of Matt Smith.
The Eleventh Doctor era was well represented, with several displays of costumes and set pieces.
The centre-piece was from The Snowmen, which included The Doctor’s costume with top hat; Clara’s dress; Dr Simeon’s costume; all standing around the Great Intelligence snow machine.
There were a handful of companion costumes on show, including Amy Pond’s kiss-a-gram outfit from The Eleventh Hour; her costume from The Hungry earth; Rory’s stag-do outfit from Vampires Of Venice; and River Song’s costume from The Pandorica Opens.
There was also some prosthetic displays including a dinosaur from Dinosaurs On A Spaceship; and some background monsters from The Rings Of Akhaten.
Finally there was a nice little mini display of masks and helmets, mainly from series six.
As well as catering for those who have come to Who through the relaunch series, there has been a good nod to the history of the show with a wide variety of guests and an extensive exhibition of costumes culled from Cardiff’s Doctor Who Experience.
The Eleventh Doctor era was well represented, with several displays of costumes and set pieces.
There were a handful of companion costumes on show, including Amy Pond’s kiss-a-gram outfit from The Eleventh Hour; her costume from The Hungry earth; Rory’s stag-do outfit from Vampires Of Venice; and River Song’s costume from The Pandorica Opens.There was also some prosthetic displays including a dinosaur from Dinosaurs On A Spaceship; and some background monsters from The Rings Of Akhaten.
If you want to see the costumes for the other Doctors at the exhibition, click the links below
Doctor Who Celebration - photo calls
As with all big modern conventions, there are organised photo opportunities with the stars of the show, plus the uniquenchance to stand on the original TARDIS console room set.
I’ve booked myself into a shot with Matt Smith and a second on the TARDIS set. Each ticket was an extra £15, so not cheap.
My first call was for the TARDIS set, but the queue was SO long it snaked around two other stages where interview sessions were going on!
To be fair the organisers said it was taking longer than they planned, so they were happy for people to come back later when the queue had died down.
This was just as well, as I needed to get to the Matt Smith shoot upstairs.
The queue for this was more manageable and moved quite briskly once Matt arrived.
I did notice that it didn’t seem quite as professional as some of the photo shoots I’ve be too. The photographer had a standard SLR camera, using just a camera-mounted flash. It was being done against a bare white wall.
Once I was done there I went back to the TARDIS queue, which was just as long as before but I decided to stick it out as I was owed the shot.
The set had been built in the far corner of the hall, wrapped in black drapes.
I could see that as people came out from the shoot, they could wait around and pick up their photos almost straight away, which was good.
What wasn’t so good was I saw at least five people having to be taken around again as their shots hadn’t come up to scratch. Hummmm.
As you got closer to the front, the queue snaked around until you could see the exterior doors of the TARDIS, beyond which was the set.
Finally I was invited forward and through the door to find the TARDIS console in front of me, and a small section of the wall behind it with the Police Box doors to one side. That was it. It was not the complete set.
Before you could blink the shot was taken and you were ushered off to collect your photo.
Once I got the print I was very disappointed. The photo was very dark, looked like it was lit from one single light bulb and badly framed.
Frankly the sneaky shot I took above here was better than the official photo!
Collecting the shots with Matt Smith, these weren’t much better.
The harsh flash and wall didn’t work well together; again the print was very dark; and neither shot had Matt and me in the centre.
I’ve scanned the pictures in and done a bit of retouching and reframing to improve them a bit.
As a memento of the day, they don’t impress me.
But at least Matt dressed a bit better than some of his previous photo calls.
He scrubs up well in a nice cashmere frock coat for Doctor Who, but he dresses like a scruff to meet the fans!
I’ve booked myself into a shot with Matt Smith and a second on the TARDIS set. Each ticket was an extra £15, so not cheap.
To be fair the organisers said it was taking longer than they planned, so they were happy for people to come back later when the queue had died down.
This was just as well, as I needed to get to the Matt Smith shoot upstairs.The queue for this was more manageable and moved quite briskly once Matt arrived.
I did notice that it didn’t seem quite as professional as some of the photo shoots I’ve be too. The photographer had a standard SLR camera, using just a camera-mounted flash. It was being done against a bare white wall.
The set had been built in the far corner of the hall, wrapped in black drapes.
I could see that as people came out from the shoot, they could wait around and pick up their photos almost straight away, which was good.
What wasn’t so good was I saw at least five people having to be taken around again as their shots hadn’t come up to scratch. Hummmm.
As you got closer to the front, the queue snaked around until you could see the exterior doors of the TARDIS, beyond which was the set.
Finally I was invited forward and through the door to find the TARDIS console in front of me, and a small section of the wall behind it with the Police Box doors to one side. That was it. It was not the complete set.Before you could blink the shot was taken and you were ushered off to collect your photo.
Once I got the print I was very disappointed. The photo was very dark, looked like it was lit from one single light bulb and badly framed.
Frankly the sneaky shot I took above here was better than the official photo!
Collecting the shots with Matt Smith, these weren’t much better.
The harsh flash and wall didn’t work well together; again the print was very dark; and neither shot had Matt and me in the centre.
I’ve scanned the pictures in and done a bit of retouching and reframing to improve them a bit.
As a memento of the day, they don’t impress me.
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
Radio Times special -
win The Doctor’s Bowtie!
One thing that caught my eye was a competition to win a screen worn Eleventh Doctor bow tie!We do get a wonderful close up view of the bow tie to a level of detail you can’t see on screen or even on the high resolution costume portraits.
I wonder who the lucky winner will be!
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
* WARNING* FAKE items on eBay
I’ve been in two minds about posting this, but I decided to do so as a warning to other to sometimes be wary of what you see for sale on eBay.
The two items I’m highlighting appeared this week, and raised some eyebrows on a number of forums and social media sites.
They are so obviously wrong to not take in the savvy costume fan, are named such and come with apparent verifying documentation to possibly take in the less observant buyer.
Anyway, I leave you to judge their authenticity for yourself, but for what it’s worth I have my own opinions.
The two items I’m highlighting appeared this week, and raised some eyebrows on a number of forums and social media sites.
They are so obviously wrong to not take in the savvy costume fan, are named such and come with apparent verifying documentation to possibly take in the less observant buyer.
Anyway, I leave you to judge their authenticity for yourself, but for what it’s worth I have my own opinions.
MATT SMITH
SCREEN USED TWEED JACKET
Radio Times -
50th anniversary issue covers
The 50th Anniversary week is almost here, and as expected the cover of the latest Radio Times features The Doctor - not just once, but TWLEVE times!
The sources of the images used are quite interesting, the majority of which are from the Radio Times own extensive archive of Doctor Who images. All are out-takes, so are being published for the first time.
The First and Second Doctors come from the 10th Anniversary Special published by the Radio Times in 1973. The Third Doctor comes from a photoshoot in 1970 for the launch of Jon Pertwee in the role.
The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Doctors are pictured from the shoot for the 30th Anniversary special, which featured in the 1993 Children In Need.
This shows that they were all taken separately before being composited into the group on the cover.
The rest of the Doctors come from bespoke cover shoots done for the Radio Times in more recent years. For example the Ninth Doctor is from the gatefold cover which launched the new series in 2005; and the Tenth from The Next Doctor in 2008. The Eleventh and War Doctors are obviously newly taken.
Here’s the full size version of the Eleventh Doctor’s cover.
Finally, have you noticed that all 12 covers join together to form a long single image?
The sources of the images used are quite interesting, the majority of which are from the Radio Times own extensive archive of Doctor Who images. All are out-takes, so are being published for the first time.
This shows that they were all taken separately before being composited into the group on the cover.
The rest of the Doctors come from bespoke cover shoots done for the Radio Times in more recent years. For example the Ninth Doctor is from the gatefold cover which launched the new series in 2005; and the Tenth from The Next Doctor in 2008. The Eleventh and War Doctors are obviously newly taken.
Here’s the full size version of the Eleventh Doctor’s cover.
Finally, have you noticed that all 12 covers join together to form a long single image?
Thursday, 14 November 2013
Day Of The Doctor - costume portraits
It’s less than ten days until the 50th Anniversary special, and the BBC have released some high resolution pictures of Matt Smith in full costume.
The cashmere frock coat gets its penultimate outing.
This is worn over a new charcoal fine Prince of Wales checked waistcoat; blue shirt; and a new deep purple and small polka dot bow tie.
The trousers are a pair of his usual G-Star RAW; and he wears the purple boots to go with the frock coat.
The picture at the top gives a good view of the boots, and how high they come up the ankle.
Must say I’m looking forward to seeing Matt in action again!
The cashmere frock coat gets its penultimate outing.This is worn over a new charcoal fine Prince of Wales checked waistcoat; blue shirt; and a new deep purple and small polka dot bow tie.
The trousers are a pair of his usual G-Star RAW; and he wears the purple boots to go with the frock coat.The picture at the top gives a good view of the boots, and how high they come up the ankle.
Must say I’m looking forward to seeing Matt in action again!
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Doctor Who Celebration - my tickets arrive!
It’s only a couple of weeks til the Doctor Who Celebration, and my tickets have arrived.
Now I’m getting excited!
Now I’m getting excited!
Friday, 8 November 2013
Tweedaggon
I’ve had a very busy week - been having a very busy couple of months come to that.
October has been manic for US clients wanting something for Halloween, and now I have a rush for the 50th Official Celebration - all on top of my usual bits and pieces I do.
It’s funny sometimes how I don’t get asked to make a particular garment for ages, then I get a run of orders and find myself under a mountain of cloth.
This month is seems to be tweed!
If you’re waiting on a jacket from me - it’s likely yours is one of those shown above!
October has been manic for US clients wanting something for Halloween, and now I have a rush for the 50th Official Celebration - all on top of my usual bits and pieces I do.
It’s funny sometimes how I don’t get asked to make a particular garment for ages, then I get a run of orders and find myself under a mountain of cloth.
This month is seems to be tweed!
If you’re waiting on a jacket from me - it’s likely yours is one of those shown above!
Friday, 1 November 2013
Cashmere Frock Coat - Magnoli version
Matt Smith’s cashmere frock coat is becoming increasing popular.
Personally I’m getting a lot of enquiries about it.
For the choice of fabric, the best alternative option out there is the Abby Shot coat, though their pattern leaves a bit to be desired.
If you so desire you can order something that resembles the coat from a variety of eBay sellers from the Far East, all of whom will make you a coat to measure for as little as $100.
Another option is to order one from Magnoli Clothiers in New Zealand.
I’m afraid I don’t much care for this version.
The length of the coat is almost a foot too long. It desperately needs to be hacked back.
It’s difficult to tell from the photos, but I’m struggling to see the right number of buttonholes. There should be six on each since of the coat.
The back of the coat lacks almost everything a frock coat should have.
I can’t see the arched princess seams from the shoulders, and the skirt is in a single piece from the front edge to the back vent.
The top of the vent is too low, remembering that the coat is around a foot too long as well.
I can see why the fabric has been chosen. As well as being purple, the screen-used material has a shy-blue flecking which is very subtle.
I know this has been a sticking point for a number of cosplay fans, who seem to fixate about seeing a flecking in the fabric.
The choice, which undoubtedly has the flecking - in red and navy as well as the light blue - is at cost of almost everything else that needs to be right about the fabric. Not a very good attempt. Sorry.
Personally I’m getting a lot of enquiries about it.
For the choice of fabric, the best alternative option out there is the Abby Shot coat, though their pattern leaves a bit to be desired.
If you so desire you can order something that resembles the coat from a variety of eBay sellers from the Far East, all of whom will make you a coat to measure for as little as $100.
Another option is to order one from Magnoli Clothiers in New Zealand.
Smith Frock Coat by Magnoli Clothiers
The length of the coat is almost a foot too long. It desperately needs to be hacked back.
It’s difficult to tell from the photos, but I’m struggling to see the right number of buttonholes. There should be six on each since of the coat.
The back of the coat lacks almost everything a frock coat should have.
I can’t see the arched princess seams from the shoulders, and the skirt is in a single piece from the front edge to the back vent.
The top of the vent is too low, remembering that the coat is around a foot too long as well.
I can see why the fabric has been chosen. As well as being purple, the screen-used material has a shy-blue flecking which is very subtle.
I know this has been a sticking point for a number of cosplay fans, who seem to fixate about seeing a flecking in the fabric.
The choice, which undoubtedly has the flecking - in red and navy as well as the light blue - is at cost of almost everything else that needs to be right about the fabric. Not a very good attempt. Sorry.