Full-page, full-colour advertisements for series one of the new Survivors audio adventures shortly to be released by Big Finish appear in SFX (July 2014) and Doctor Who Magazine (No 474, 2014). The artwork of the two ads is slightly difference, with – for example – the DWM advert indicating prominently the involvement of original series cast members and Louise Jameson.
David Richardson, producer:
We never undertake these audio productions of classic TV series lightly. We are telling new stories for something that we love, and it’s a huge responsibility. I felt that with Survivors that we had superb scripts and a terrific cast. What I found most flattering was the fact that Ian McCulloch, at several times during recording, said he felt our episodes were the equal of the very best Terry Nation scripts. That meant a great deal.
Ken Bentley, director:
Compared to most of the plays I’ve directed for Big Finish, Survivors is straighter, darker, and more truthful. The emotional ground we cover is much broader, and without borders. It’s been fascinating to read the scripts, to see how the writers respond to this new storytelling world. It’s been a privilege to work with the cast and hear them bring to life characters who are battling to stay alive (Terry Molloy delivers a performance so magnificent it makes you wish Big Finish gave out awards). And the sound design is so finely detailed, staging sequences just as they would’ve done in the original television series. That’s how much thought we’ve put into this. Right down to the smallest detail.
Matt Fitton, script editor and writer of episode 1, Revelation: Survivors gives us the opportunity to showcase the talent we have at Big Finish in exciting new ways. While we’re all used to thinking of Chase Masterson, Terry Molloy and Louise Jameson in a sci-fi adventure context, here their characters are thrown into real and gritty scenarios and pushed to the very limits. It’s a world much closer to our own, where ordinary people are confronted with extraordinary situations and the dramatic potential is immense. Mix in the original TV series cast alongside some of our amazing new cast – Sinead Keenan, Adrian Lukis, Caroline Langrishe and John Banks to name but a few – and we think Survivors is a storytelling world with a tone like nothing you’ve ever heard before from the Big Finish stable…
Andrew Smith, writer of episode 3, Judges:
This audio series of Survivors continues what its TV predecessor did better than any other of its kind that I can think of, which was to immerse the audience in its world. As we listen we can’t help but consider, in a world where so much of what we take for granted has gone (including technology, government and law), how would we cope? Would we have the temperament, skills and determination to survive? It helps that the characters – such as Greg and Jenny – are people like us who behave realistically in extreme adversity, sometimes making wrong decisions. It’s been a privilege to be a part of bringing this landmark series to a new audience and to place these characters, portrayed by our first class cast, in further jeopardy. Across the four episodes you’ll be going on an emotional roller coaster ride with them.
John Dorney, writer of episode 4, Esther:
Given that we usually work in fantastical universes, it’s been revelatory to work on something so grounded and earthy. Freed of those sci-fi shackles, I think we’ve all – actors, writers, directors, sound designers, etc- really had the chance to flex our metaphorical muscles and work outside of our comfort zones. And I think everyone’s grabbed that chance with both hands and taken the opportunity to do something really special. We’ve gone back to basics just as much as the characters have. We’ve been able to focus on people and the way they behaved, we’ve been able to look at the best side of humanity and its darkest, and push everything as far as we can go. It’s not quite like anything you’ll have heard from Big Finish before and I doubt you’ll forget it in a hurry.
Big Finish have released an image of the CD artwork for the first series of Survivors audio adventures being released next month. Series one (which is released in both CD and digital download formats) is still available for pre-order from the Big Finish web site.
A new advert for the first series of new Big Finish Survivors audio adventures appears in the latest issue of Vortex magazine (No 63), available for free download from the Big Finish website.
The Big Finish Day 5 will feature guest appearances from Tom Baker and Philip Hinchcliffe launching the new Big Finish Doctor Who: Philip Hinchcliffe Presents release; a new audio drama in which Carolyn will also feature, lending her vocal talents to the role of Mordrega.
From the team behind the new Big Finish Survivors audio adventures, there will also be appearances from producers Nick Briggs, David Richardson, director Ken Bentley and actor (and Big Finish regular) John Banks.
Based on the original series of Survivors (1975-1977), this first set of new audio adventures will compromise four stories, featuring new characters and several of the leading characters from the original series.
As well as a brief vocal appearance from key original cast members, the trailer includes extracts from the new version of Anthony Isaac’s original series’ theme specially re-recorded for this release.
Big Finish – Survivors – series one – cover design
Big Finish has published more details of the four episodes which will make up the first series of new Survivors audio adventures – now available for pre-order ahead of its June 2014 release.
Synopses
It begins with just a few people falling ill. Another flu virus that spreads around the globe. And then the reports begin that people are dying… When most of the world’s population is wiped out, a handful of survivors are left to pick up the pieces. Cities become graveyards. Technology becomes largely obsolete. Mankind must start again…
1. Revelation by Matt Fitton
When people begin to die of a new strain of a flu virus, newspaper journalist Daniel Connor investigates. He uncovers a terrifying story – but will anyone ever get to read it?
2. Exodus by Jonathan Morris
Billions of people have died across the globe. Cities are rife with secondary diseases, and the survivors attempt to make their way out of London.
3. Judges by Andrew Smith
After a storm wipes out much of their community’s supplies, Greg and Jenny go in search of new provisions – much to Abby’s disapproval.
4. Esther by John Dorney
Greg, Jenny and their new friends are trapped. Will they ever make it out alive?
Credits
Written By: Matt Fitton, Jonathan Morris, Andrew Smith, John Dorney Directed By: Ken Bentley
Cast
Lucy Fleming (Jenny Richards), Ian McCulloch (Greg Preston), John Banks (Daniel Connor), Louise Jameson (Jackie Burchall), Sinead Keenan (Susie Edwards), Caroline Langrishe (Helen Wiseman), Adrian Lukis (James Gillison), Chase Masterson (Maddie Price), Terry Molloy (John Redgrave)
Special appearance by Carolyn Seymour (Abby Grant)
Written By: Matt Fitton, Jonathan Morris, Andrew Smith, John Dorney Director: Ken Bentley Sound Design: Neil Gardner Music: Nicholas Briggs Cover Art: Anthony Lamb Number of Discs: 4 Duration: 240ms approx ISBN: 978-1-78178-276-7 Production Code: BFPSURV001 Recorded At: Moat Studios, Audio Sorcery Studios
Big Finish have also brought together in one place the full, current set of publicity and promotional shots of series one cast members
Several member of the production team working on the new Survivors audio adventures will be appearing at the Tenth Planet Big Finish Day 4 event on 18 January 2014.
David Richardson (Producer)
Nick Briggs (Executive producer; Music)
Jason Haigh-Ellery (Executive producer)
Ken Bentley (Director)
Matt Fitton (Scriptwriter)
John Dorney (Scriptwriter)
John Banks (‘Daniel Connor’)
Big Finish Day 4
Saturday 18 January 2014
10:00-18:00 Copthorne Hotel
Slough
Windsor, Berkshire
SL1 2YE
The Starburst web site has published short interview snippets with cast and crew members from the forthcoming new Survivors audio adventures being released by Big Finish in June.
In the brief article, Ian McCulloch suggests to Starburst‘s Tony Jones:
‘I think Terry Nation would have approved of the style of writing and presenting the drama that Big Finish has chosen. They are very much the type of story that Terry would have liked the show to have covered [in the 1970s].’
Lucy Fleming adds:
‘I think the scripts are very well done and the idea behind Survivors is a universal story that makes you think again about what’s really important. The show always made viewers think about the basic practicalities of life as well as enjoying the adventure stories we were making.’
