(Possiblity) animated episodes coming to DVD

2entertain discuss the future of animated stories.

Recently there have been a number of rumours online stating that there will be no further animated Doctor Who episode reconstructions, but speaking to Doctor Who Online, Dan Hall, Commissioning Editor for the 2entertain Doctor Who DVD range, has revealed that this is not the case.

Contrary to rumour, two further animated stories are in development. Two of the core production team have been working on these projects for several months now. The commissions are by no means guaranteed, but the stories have been decided and negotiations are underway. This had not been announced for the reason that this early in the process we cannot promise a title on the shelf, which is why I feel it is important to set the record straight at this juncture.

But with the development of more animated stories, funding is an important issue, with some fans even offering to help out, but as Dan goes on to explain, the matter is a little more complex.

What is little known is that 2entertain was not the major funder of The Invasion - it was brought to us near-complete. The funding model proved unavailable for the follow-up release. Pre-production work was cancelled shortly after a short test scene had been animated. This left future animation commissions with a massive shortfall.

Whilst offers from fans to fund projects is very generous, it is simply not workable from a legal or commercial standpoint. Solving this financial shortfall has been worked on these past 24 months. Low-cost animations that fall below standard are not an option, artistically or commercially. BBC Audiobooks provide brilliant linking narrations that fire the most active imaginations. Therefore, if animations are to be commissioned, they must be of a quality that does the brand proud.

Some stories have been subject to colour issues, but contrary to other rumours circulating online, 2entertain plan to look into ways of dealing with this.

We continue to invest in Research and Development work on improving or replacing colour in those stories for which colour is either damaged or does not exist. Online statements that we are not attempting this are untrue.

http://www.drwho-online.co.uk/news/

Dan Hall speaking to Doctor Who Online tells us Contrary to rumour, two further [Doctor Who] animated stories are in development.

Two of the core production team have been working on these projects for several months now. The commissions are by no means guaranteed, but the stories have been decided and negotiations are underway.

This had not been announced for the reason that this early in the process we cannot promise a title on the shelf, which is why I feel it is important to set the record straight at this juncture.So although there are still funding issues, it looks like two more missing Doctor Who stories may be completed with animation! There are no clues as to which two are being developed, I'm hoping Fury of the Deep is one of them, but its very unlikely :)Any suggestions anyone?

http://lifetheuniverseandcombom.blogspot.com/