Who called for a Doctor? Dr Who star Colin Baker on set of Sleaford film
WITH BBC sci-fi drama Dr Who reaching a new peak in popularity thanks to new Doctor Matt Smith, members of a Sleaford film project are even more thrilled to have secured the services of the sixth Doctor - Colin Baker.
The team led by co-directors Chris Clark and Rich Dutton, have been hard at work filming a psychological detective thriller at a makeshift studio in a barn near Sleaford.
The actors have minimal props as once filming is finished in August, the next year will be spent building up a backdrop of CGI effects to generate a Sin City style feature film.
Colin's services were secured thanks to a mutual friend, Jane Tucker, formerly of the trio Rod, Jane and Freddy which appeared in ITV kids' show Rainbow.
Colin said: "When they sent the details I thought it was extremely interesting and different because I get sent quite a lot of scripts by young, aspiring film makers thinking it would be nice to have an ex-Dr Who and usually I say no.
"But this was a good script and Jane spoke very highly of them and I thought, why not? I have found them a charming, creative bunch and have had a thoroughly good time."
He had not done a lot of blue screen work in the past, and so he said they were simply filming his performances. They would even edit out his legs, as he plays a cripple in a wheelchair.
Colin went on: "I play the part of William, a retired actor who is a millionaire, but for various reasons he has not seen his son for 22 years and is anxious to find him." The reason for his disappearance makes up main bulk of the film.
Having spared a couple of days for shooting, he has been in three short scenes and he has had to keep up with the fast pace of filming on a tight budget.
Currently he is about to go on tour doing a stage play of Inspector Morse and has appeared in a feature film called Back To Hell. He also played a 'mark' in an episode of the BBC show Hustle in March.
"I have four daughters aged 18 to 25, so I have to keep working," he joked.
Rich Dutton said: "We worked until quite late the first night, but Colin is a professional and didn't mind. He plays a pivotal character.
It all revolves around him and he is absolutely perfect for the role."
Colin, who was heading back to his Buckinghamshire home afterwards, said: "I have had a very good time and am looking forward to the end product."
Referring to the newfound interest in the Dr Who franchise, he was glad to see how much the BBC was putting into it. "My heart sank when I heard they were casting someone so young, but Matt Smith has Dr Who written through him like a stick of rock. I knew he was perfect within minutes of watching him and I love the scripts."
Ian Mude, an amateur actor from Sleaford who has done a lot of roles with Sleaford Little Theatre and Stamford Shoestring Theatre, is playing the other key role, originally set to be played by James Aubrey of Cranwell who was one of the child actors in Lord of the Flies.
He was struck by the crew's professionalism while still keeping a sense of fun, setting realistic daily targets to achieve. "It is a real joy to be involved. It is a commitment for three months but a pleasure. Richard's script is a fine piece of work."
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Weather for Sleaford
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
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