Yes, you read that right, I am going to make a film based on the BBC Sci-fi Show DOCTOR WHO but... with puppets. I had posted this thread in the Puppetry forum at Muppet Central, so if you had seen me there you don't have to reply again here. I'm after some opinions all round.

The film will feature my own FAN version of the Doctor, his existing adventures can be found at  DAM Productions presents Doctor Who.

I'd like to make a longer film utilising a felt version of the Doctor Who world, but wanted to start with a very basic shorter film. This will be 'Muppet Cutaway' and features my puppet Doctor against sequences from the Muppet Movies and The Muppet Show - like a Clip Show in a way, with new footage interacting with the old.

Muppet Cutaway' sees the Doctor and his companion Sammy attempting to infiltrate the Muppet Theatre, the Muppets have a diabolical scheme that will soon see planet Earth burnt to a cinder and the Doctor has to stop it!

Finding getting in a problem, the Doctor uses the Chameleon Arch (as seen in BBC's Doctor Who Series Three story 'Human Nature') to turn himself into a puppet! Success! The Doctor gets in and attempts to tell the human audience that they have to leave now before its too late, but it already is too late and they think the Doctor is part of the act!

While the Muppets attempt to remove the Doctor (cue clips of Harry and his explosions, stage hands with a hook and a flying Miss Piggy or Gonzo!) meanwhile in the TARDIS, a familiar but puppet form startles Sammy, it is a previous incarnation of the Doctor in puppet form and he must try to convince our incumbent Doctor that he needs to turn back to his fleshy form before the felt spreads through all of his incarnations!

Will the past Doctor and companion Sammy get the Doctor back before its too late? Will
the Doctor stop the Muppets and their apparent evil scheme? And will the Doctor be stuck as a puppet forever?

Find out in DOCTOR WHO: MUPPET CUTAWAY

A script is to follow. I'll share the drafts as and when here for people's enjoyment. The final film will be available from my website and youtube channel.

While I can make a fairish good looking puppet, head patterns and shapes are a HUGE problem to me. And I could do with some help in making the head patterns. So if anyone has the expertise or some tips and hints on making these sort of things please do not hesitate to contact me via david(at)damproductions.org or leave a message here!

Here is some concept artwork for the Doctor Puppet. Apologies to Phil Fletcher (of Gluvets fame) for ruining his wonderful puppet with my facial features!



I really want to make this a community film and would love it if everyone can contribute in any way. I want to give something back to the community from which I have learnt so much from.

so, tell me what you think, what should I change? Should I change anything? Am I going crazy? Am I being too ambitious? Am I wasting your time? Please be kind!

I look forward to hearing from you all soon!

oh dude...this is a fantastically wicked idea...I can not wait to see how you pull this out...I hope it's amazing...let us know what you need...

Sounds like a cool idea... if you want any extremely genuine english sounding voiceovers of the feminine variety, let me know...

(I'm also a dab hand with a sewing machine if you want anything.. well.. sewn!)

Wyoh

Thanks for the comments guys and glad you like the idea! This has been brewing in my head for a very very long time.

As for voice overs, I am always looking for voiceovers, for puppet projects or audio productions on my website www.doctorwho.damproductions.org so I might very well be calling on you sometime Wyoh! I am casting at the moment in fact.

Here is the first draft of the script, and the first pages.

since removed

Tell me what you think.

very nice

giggling (maniacally) to myself.

Yes doctor.. of course, that's what velcro was invented for.

Count me in for the auditions

Wy Knot

Wow David we are both working on the same things. I am doing a Doctor Who puppet film that I have been building assets to for the last few months.


Here is our tardis we built.

let me know if you need a K*9...LOL









spoon out

LOL! Nice K9 Rcdspoon. But unfortunately K9 will not be appearing (he was exterminated in our previous season of audio adventures, which this film follows in the next season).

Nice CGI TARDIS there DrPuppet - maybe we could collaborate on somethings ;-) A police box prop won't be appearing in 'Crescendo' but may very well appear briefly in some segments of 'Muppet Cutaway' most probably using footage from the television series.

At the moment, I am looking for assistance in the head design for the Doctor puppet. I have never been very good with patterns, especially flat sheet patterns and creating something with darts here and there to get a shape you see in the image. Trust me, I'm useless. I wondered if anyone could help me out designing this piece?

The head pattern is really the only thing stopping me, otherwise this film would be done by now! LOL!

~David.

How detailed do you want your doctor head to be?
 As in more Seaseme like or with more features like realistic nose and face features.

I just love listening to two Doctors at work. Can't wait to see what you guys come up with. this sounds like a exciting project.

Jay has kept us up to date with his project, I'm glad you are letting us in on yours as well David. ( BTW... Welcome to Puppets and Stuff if you were not already Welcomed properly).

Billy D.