Interview with the legendary director
Graeme Harper on the set of Time Crash.
Trelawney: I was wondering, if you could be
Graeme: It would have to be The Master because he seems to have fun outwitting The Doctor. Who knows one day he might again. I think he is the only one; he has a brilliant brain, I would like one of those!
Lawrence: Out of all Classic and New Series stories which you have directed, which are you most proud of?
Graeme: I think it has to be two: Doomsday and the trilogy to end Series four - Turn Left, The Stolen Earth and Journeys End. They feel so epic in the depths of the stories.
Thomas: How do you approach a Doctor Who script that you are going to direct? What's the first thing that goes through your head?
Graeme: As I read a script I immediately see a vision of how the scenes will look and play and ideas pop into my head straight away, but I don't make a note of anything until the second reading. That way I read the story straight off, like a viewer watching it for the first time, so I try and hold onto those first ideas in my brain. The stronger ones emerge again without fail and the less important ones drop by the wayside.
Christopher: You have directed two episodes of 'Doctor Who' which are considered "legendary" by many fans during the 1980s. With this behind you, do you find you have a reputation to keep going? And do you aim to bring a Classic feel to the New Series?
Graeme: I feel responsible that every story I tell, I do to the best of my ability. I want the audience to get as much excitement and pleasure from the action and the story, so I make it as I would love to see it. I don't want to bring a 'classic' style to it. I want it to be pacey and energetic. Very modern with never a dull moment. I really hope I manage to achieve that. Of course, as a director, you can never please everyone, but we try.
