According to Variety, the Doctor Who documentary Doctor Who Am I has been purchased by Kaleidoscope Film. Following the production and release of the Doctor Who TV film in 1996, the film will debut in theatres across the United Kingdom in October. International distribution is also planned. In addition to premiering at Hot Docs, the documentary will be featured at TIFF next month. The documentary will focus on the production and distribution of the Doctor Who movie, which first aired on television in 1996 following a brief sabbatical that began in 1989 but was met with widespread disapproval and ultimately led to the show’s demise until 2005 when it was restored.
It will follow screenwriter Matthew Jacobs as he “reluctantly revisits” the making of the film and its critical response upon its initial release. The film chronicled the regeneration of the Seventh Doctor into his next face, played by Withnail & I’s Paul McGann and was supposed to be the pilot episode for an American-produced revival of the series, which hadn’t shown any episodes in six years. Although it’s a classic Doctor vs. The Master scenario, people weren’t fond of the film since it Americanized the popular science fiction series.
When asked by Variety about working with directors Vanessa Yuille and Jacobs, Kaleidoscope CEO Spencer Pollard said, “As a company, Kaleidoscope is overjoyed to be collaborating with Matthew and Vanessa on such a fantastic movie. A true fan created this. We hope that film festival and distributors all across the world will appreciate it as much as we did.” Yuille commented on Kaleidoscope’s participation, saying, “We may be a tiny film, but Kaleidoscope recognised early on that we had a tremendous heart.
Kaleidoscope’s familiarity with the Doctor Who series and its international fanbase makes them a great partner for our film. They may broadcast our ‘Whoniverse’ documentary all throughout the galaxy.”
Adding his own thoughts on the film’s significance, Jacobs said: As the programme approaches its 60th anniversary, it would be a great time for an uplifting film about Doctor Who fans. We’re thrilled that the folks at Kaleidoscope have come to the same conclusion that our documentary is must-watching for all story nerds. Yuille makes his directorial debut with Doctor Who Am I, with Jacobs serving as co-director. McGann, in addition to Eric Roberts and Daphne Ashbrook, will be included in the documentary. Together with Jacobs and Yuille, American Anorak acts as producer. Those who enjoy Doctor Who will find this a fascinating throwback to the series’ earlier years.