The FFOW! series takes a look at that vast library created by the proud and the passionate: fan films. Whether the budget and talent is astronomical or amateur, FFOW! celebrates the filmmakers whose love of comics, books, movies, video games, and TV shows inspires them to join the great conversation with their own homemade masterpieces.
This week’s film comes recommended by Fanboy Comics Senior Contributor Drew Siragusa, the man who introduced me to the Doctor. That makes him a good friend. Likewise, this Doctor Who fan film is a great piece.
THE FILM
Writer/director Nick Scovell has adapted the 1966 Doctor Who story arc The Power of the Daleks into an all-new adventure. Originally the first starring role for the second Doctor, Patrick Troughton, this updated story takes place in the not-too-distant future.
In the year 2017 on the island of South McKinley, a drilling team from the Vulcan Corporation has unearthed an ancient capsule that radiates a “phased pulse.” The Doctor pretends to be from the UN in order to investigate.
“Am I excited or worried? I hate that in-between feeling,” he remarks. He soon proves right. Inside are three weakened but determined Daleks who pretend to be peaceful in order to use the humans for their own villainous devices. If the Doctor is unable to stop the plot in time, UNIT will resort to a final contingency strike and vaporize the Falklands.
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE IT
Power of the Daleks works as a perfect child to the classic Who series and the new Who currently on the eve of its seventh season. The action, pace, and setting reflect the time that Doctor Who was filmed as a multi-camera serial in the BBC studios in London. Even the original opening credits that TNT Films has created for this fan film use the graphics recognizable from older episodes. They place Scovell’s image in the time vortex, soaring through space just like Troughton, Jon Pertwee, or Tom Baker.
Likewise, the story setting on Earth and the modern themes of energy bring to mind the current series under Steven Moffat. In fact, split this story into its two main components – Daleks feigning service to humans and an isolated drilling team making an ancient discovery – and you have episodes “Victory of the Daleks” and “The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood” from Series Five with Matt Smith.
Nick Scovell fills in for Troughton’s second regeneration of the Doctor. Since he doesn’t carry the second Doctor’s signature pipe, I assume he isn’t playing the same regeneration per se, but a possible future Doctor we have yet to see (Twelfth? Thirteenth? Will they go past thirteen?)
The production value is amazing. Shimmering above it all are the fully-functioning Dalek reproductions, which according to the producers are based on the design from the new series but bear the coloring of the classic. Their dialogue is supplied by the voice of the Daleks himself, Nicholas Briggs.
Another great plus is the film’s purpose. According to doctorwhonews.net, the completed film will screen at Power: Reimagined, a charity event in Ferneham Hall for Children in Need and Cancer Research UK, with proceeds going to both charities.
Whether you are a die-hard, classic Who fan or have only seen the show since Eccleston piloted the TARDIS, this is a must-see for you. Can’t wait to see the final chapter!
WHERE YOU CAN SEE IT
Power of the Daleks is available online at www.youtube.com/user/PowerOTDaleks/videos. Check out the mini Doctor Who Confidential episodes for more behind-the-scenes info.
Just for fun, you can see the original story from 1966 at www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eU-PVoB6fo&;feature=related. Compiled of original dialogue, narration, and screen shots, it’s one of many episodes no longer in existence.
