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Post by doctorkernow on May 8, 2019 16:16:26 GMT
Hello again.
Well, I wish Timegirl and everyone who has a go all the best. Do read the terms and conditions as they have changed from previous years.
As for advice, there are many places on the forum that give advice and encouragement about writing particularly on the creatives section of the community thread. There is also an article in the current issue of Vortex where the current producer of the Short Trips range, Alfie Shaw is interviewed.
It is a great opportunity to write. The 2016 competition started me writing again after a 20 year gap. Once again good luck and happy writing.
Now where was I? "The Doctor and Susan looked at the huge pile of washing up in front of them. Suddenly, a large tentacle emerged from the sink and snaked towards them..."
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2019 17:40:20 GMT
Hi I am new to the forum and I would love some advice on my entry. I had my whole plot drafted out in detail, it was going to be themed around the relationship between Rose and the Tenth Doctor. However then I saw the guidelines for this years contest stated that there were no new series companions aloud even though we are able to use new series Doctors. I still like certain elements of my story I had and would like advice on how I can make it work with these new restrictions. The main elements I think could still work ( without giving away too much) are that it features a weakened Tenth Doctor in a strange unreal fairytale like world ruled by a mysterious being that has stollen the Doctor’s identity. I either thinking of doing the story with either the Tenth Doctor on his own or having him paired up with Sara Jane. What do you guys think? First off, welcome to the forum. We are extremely pleased to have you as part of our small family. In regards to advice, I think you have a great story in the makings, however, I would simply send an email to Big Finish about using 10 and Sarah Jane together as she might be an exception to the rule due to her appearance in School Reunion. Knowing Big Finish, they are more than happy to help you with those kinds of questions. Much luck to you. Disappointed, of course, that we can't use any of the New Series companions, but it's certainly not the end of the world. Besides, I would be happy to share some details on the two submissions that I originally planned to submit this year. 1. "The Walls Are Closing In" (Tenth Doctor and Rose, with Jackie) - Set before Army of Ghosts/ Doomsday where Rose ends up inside her bedroom and "meets the Death Star trash compactor" (see post: notthebigfinishforum.freeforums.net/post/199048/thread), as part of an interrogation scheme in another time period. Even though it very much sets up the events of Canary Wharf, I might as well save this idea for another year or something else. Nevertheless, I hope to get the synopsis and extract completed, with a full rough draft. 2. "The Black Envelope" (Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane) - In the pilot version of An Unearthly Child, you may remember that very moment where Susan doodles on a piece of paper with ink blots. That gave me the idea to speculate whether she also did it in the re-filmed version but offscreen. So I initially came up with having the First Doctor and Susan as the leading characters, but later decided to make some modifications after re-listening to Destiny of the Doctor: Hunters of Earth (quite similar to what I had in mind). This time, the Fourth Doctor will be subject to blackmail, by an alien mercenary based in Ealing, when Sarah Jane comes across the envelope (containing the exact drawing) in the TARDIS. Haven't decided whether to consider submitting it, but I'd rather not let the concept go away forever. If I decide not to borrow any ideas from these submissions, that's fine. And I wish the very best to all who plan to enter this year.
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Post by ollychops on May 8, 2019 21:37:10 GMT
I find it curious that while New Series Doctors are allowed, New Series companions aren’t - was this the case last year too?
But thinking about it, out of the five New Series Short Trips so far (including the Ninth Doctor one in July) only two of them feature a NS “companion”, and that was Jackie (but it’s debatable if she counts as a companion) - I wonder if this rule applies to all the Short Trips, even outside of the competition?
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Post by sherlock on May 8, 2019 21:57:07 GMT
I find it curious that while New Series Doctors are allowed, New Series companions aren’t - was this the case last year too? But thinking about it, out of the five New Series Short Trips so far (including the Ninth Doctor one in July) only two of them feature a NS “companion”, and that was Jackie (but it’s debatable if she counts as a companion) - I wonder if this rule applies to all the Short Trips, even outside of the competition? Does seem odd, but even the Jackie Short Trips had some sort of difficulties being released last year what with being delayed for some months (did we ever get a confirmed reason for that?). Maybe there’s just extra limitations on New Series content for some reason. Good luck to anyone entering on here.
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Tony Jones
Chancellery Guard
Professor Chronotis
Still rockin' along!
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Post by Tony Jones on May 9, 2019 7:56:05 GMT
I find it curious that while New Series Doctors are allowed, New Series companions aren’t - was this the case last year too? But thinking about it, out of the five New Series Short Trips so far (including the Ninth Doctor one in July) only two of them feature a NS “companion”, and that was Jackie (but it’s debatable if she counts as a companion) - I wonder if this rule applies to all the Short Trips, even outside of the competition? Does seem odd, but even the Jackie Short Trips had some sort of difficulties being released last year what with being delayed for some months (did we ever get a confirmed reason for that?). Maybe there’s just extra limitations on New Series content for some reason. Good luck to anyone entering on here. As I understand it, the BBC approves all new series scripts, old series are just approved at outline
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Post by constonks on May 9, 2019 14:08:59 GMT
Also the post specifically says classic series and Big Finish companions so no stories where Compassion and Destrii meet Splinx the cat, I suppose!
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Post by xlozdob on May 9, 2019 14:10:27 GMT
Hi I am new to the forum and I would love some advice on my entry. I had my whole plot drafted out in detail, it was going to be themed around the relationship between Rose and the Tenth Doctor. However then I saw the guidelines for this years contest stated that there were no new series companions aloud even though we are able to use new series Doctors. I still like certain elements of my story I had and would like advice on how I can make it work with these new restrictions. The main elements I think could still work ( without giving away too much) are that it features a weakened Tenth Doctor in a strange unreal fairytale like world ruled by a mysterious being that has stollen the Doctor’s identity. I either thinking of doing the story with either the Tenth Doctor on his own or having him paired up with Sara Jane. What do you guys think? BF just updated the terms. Check out @bigfinish’s Tweet:
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Post by whiskeybrewer on May 9, 2019 14:40:39 GMT
Well time to get this sorted then
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Post by timegirl on May 9, 2019 14:50:02 GMT
I emailed Big Finish and they said I can use Ten and Sarah Jane so I am going ahead with that as a plan. I think I like this better than my original plan of it being a Ten and Rose story😊 It will be like a a much more surreal follow up to “School Reunion”.
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Post by Max Kashevsky on May 9, 2019 14:52:45 GMT
Good luck to everyone applying!
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Post by nucleusofswarm on May 9, 2019 17:57:04 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2019 7:24:39 GMT
Even though some of it is outdated, I'd be happy to share my DWC article once again: thedoctorwhocompanion.com/2018/05/11/some-helpful-tips-on-how-to-submit-a-short-trip-for-the-big-finish-paul-spragg-writing-opportunity/And by the way, I'm currently planning on using the Tenth Doctor (set during The End of Time) on his "Final Reward" tour where he reunites with a former companion inside Heathrow Terminal 3 and hangs out with them for a while, during the heavy snowstorm of December 2010. Haven't fully decided which companion yet; probably Tegan, Jo, or Flip. I'd call it a mixture of Die Hard 2 (without the violence) and Steven Spielberg's The Terminal (starring Tom Hanks).
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Post by shallacatop on May 10, 2019 10:25:28 GMT
Good luck to all those who are entering!
I had a War Doctor idea last year, but couldn’t submit due to the incarnation not being permitted in the opportunity. It was a character piece, where he escaped the Time War briefly to contemplate whilst searching for the perfect cup of tea. This year the restriction still applies and A Small Semblance of Home covered something similar!
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Post by lorddrubie on May 10, 2019 14:35:37 GMT
Hello! This is my second year submitting to the Paul Spragg competition. Last year, I submitted a story revolving around Ace focusing on how detached she's become from any particular point in time, even her hometown. I was thankful to receive some feedback and encouragement from Ian. This year, I'm looking to submit another character piece, this time on the Ninth Doctor, but considering that the War Doctor is off limits for licensing reasons, I'm not sure to what extent I can talk about the Doctor's involvement in the Time War, which is an essential aspect of Nine's character. I don't plan on directly mentioning the War Doctor, just that the Doctor (no distinction) fought in the war. Just as well, I've been knocking about the idea of Nine briefly crossing paths with another Doctor. I more than likely will be able to tell the story I want without doing this, but would this idea still fly?
I saw some posts in here suggesting emailing Big Finish directly with these sorts of questions, but what email address would I send my inquiries to? I'd imagine the competitions address is being flooded with entrants.
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Post by masterdoctor on May 10, 2019 14:40:30 GMT
Hello! This is my second year submitting to the Paul Spragg competition. Last year, I submitted a story revolving around Ace focusing on how detached she's become from any particular point in time, even her hometown. I was thankful to receive some feedback and encouragement from Ian. This year, I'm looking to submit another character piece, this time on the Ninth Doctor, but considering that the War Doctor is off limits for licensing reasons, I'm not sure to what extent I can talk about the Doctor's involvement in the Time War, which is an essential aspect of Nine's character. I don't plan on directly mentioning the War Doctor, just that the Doctor (no distinction) fought in the war. Just as well, I've been knocking about the idea of Nine briefly crossing paths with another Doctor. I more than likely will be able to tell the story I want without doing this, but would this idea still fly? I saw some posts in here suggesting emailing Big Finish directly with these sorts of questions, but what email address would I send my inquiries to? I'd imagine the competitions address is being flooded with entrants. I would say to email enquires first and if they can’t help you nessacarily, they would be more than able point you in the direction of who could.
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2019 20:18:28 GMT
Even though some of it is outdated, I'd be happy to share my DWC article once again: thedoctorwhocompanion.com/2018/05/11/some-helpful-tips-on-how-to-submit-a-short-trip-for-the-big-finish-paul-spragg-writing-opportunity/And by the way, I'm currently planning on using the Tenth Doctor (set during The End of Time) on his "Final Reward" tour where he reunites with a former companion inside Heathrow Terminal 3 and hangs out with them for a while, during the heavy snowstorm of December 2010. Haven't fully decided which companion yet; probably Tegan, Jo, or Flip. I'd call it a mixture of Die Hard 2 (without the violence) and Steven Spielberg's The Terminal (starring Tom Hanks). After having a while to think, even though I listened to more of her audios than watching her TV serials, I believe it's gonna be a challenge to write for Tegan. On her way back to Brisbane for Christmas, Tegan has no choice but to spend an uncertain number of hours, or perhaps days, at Heathrow. When the Doctor meets her at check-in, she doesn't recognise him until he says an old catchphrase "Brave heart, Tegan" (in an attempt to imitate his fifth incarnation). Whilst offering Tegan an alternative 'flight' to Brisbane, things become more complicated when the TARDIS deliberately keeps the Doctor locked out; the airport becomes infested with alien critters who may or may not be considered a threat. That's all I can say for now!
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2019 1:06:48 GMT
Even though some of it is outdated, I'd be happy to share my DWC article once again: thedoctorwhocompanion.com/2018/05/11/some-helpful-tips-on-how-to-submit-a-short-trip-for-the-big-finish-paul-spragg-writing-opportunity/And by the way, I'm currently planning on using the Tenth Doctor (set during The End of Time) on his "Final Reward" tour where he reunites with a former companion inside Heathrow Terminal 3 and hangs out with them for a while, during the heavy snowstorm of December 2010. Haven't fully decided which companion yet; probably Tegan, Jo, or Flip. I'd call it a mixture of Die Hard 2 (without the violence) and Steven Spielberg's The Terminal (starring Tom Hanks). After having a while to think, even though I listened to more of her audios than watching her TV serials, I believe it's gonna be a challenge to write for Tegan. On her way back to Brisbane for Christmas, Tegan has no choice but to spend an uncertain number of hours, or perhaps days, at Heathrow. When the Doctor meets her at check-in, she doesn't recognise him until he says an old catchphrase "Brave heart, Tegan" (in an attempt to imitate his fifth incarnation). Whilst offering Tegan an alternative 'flight' to Brisbane, things become more complicated when the TARDIS deliberately keeps the Doctor locked out; the airport becomes infested with alien critters who may or may not be considered a threat. That's all I can say for now! If you have any local knowledge questions regarding Brisbane for writing Tegan, I'd be happy to help out.
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2019 7:42:17 GMT
After having a while to think, even though I listened to more of her audios than watching her TV serials, I believe it's gonna be a challenge to write for Tegan. On her way back to Brisbane for Christmas, Tegan has no choice but to spend an uncertain number of hours, or perhaps days, at Heathrow. When the Doctor meets her at check-in, she doesn't recognise him until he says an old catchphrase "Brave heart, Tegan" (in an attempt to imitate his fifth incarnation). Whilst offering Tegan an alternative 'flight' to Brisbane, things become more complicated when the TARDIS deliberately keeps the Doctor locked out; the airport becomes infested with alien critters who may or may not be considered a threat. That's all I can say for now! If you have any local knowledge questions regarding Brisbane for writing Tegan, I'd be happy to help out. Actually, much of the story will take place at Heathrow Terminal 3 (various locations within Departures), and a little bit inside the TARDIS. Only a brief glimpse of Brisbane will be seen right at the very end, where the Doctor says his final farewell to Tegan. And yes, I'd be happy to learn a bit more about Tegan's life in Brisbane (post Resurrection of the Daleks).
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2019 8:26:53 GMT
If you have any local knowledge questions regarding Brisbane for writing Tegan, I'd be happy to help out. Actually, much of the story will take place at Heathrow Terminal 3 (various locations within Departures), and a little bit inside the TARDIS. Only a brief glimpse of Brisbane will be seen right at the very end, where the Doctor says his final farewell to Tegan. And yes, I'd be happy to learn a bit more about Tegan's life in Brisbane (post Resurrection of the Daleks). *thumbs up* Cool, send me a PM with your questions when the time comes and I'll be happy to answer them to the best of my knowledge. Also, the premise for this story is fantastic, hope you have fun writing it.
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2019 10:57:10 GMT
Actually, much of the story will take place at Heathrow Terminal 3 (various locations within Departures), and a little bit inside the TARDIS. Only a brief glimpse of Brisbane will be seen right at the very end, where the Doctor says his final farewell to Tegan. And yes, I'd be happy to learn a bit more about Tegan's life in Brisbane (post Resurrection of the Daleks). *thumbs up* Cool, send me a PM with your questions when the time comes and I'll be happy to answer them to the best of my knowledge. Also, the premise for this story is fantastic, hope you have fun writing it. Thx! Will do!
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