Myth Makers
Myth Makers was a semi-professional series of documentaries about the principal creatives of the 1963 version of Doctor Who. It was produced for the direct-to-video market by Reeltime Pictures — with most releases being interviews of a single cast or crew member conducted by Nick Briggs. The vast majority of the original interviews were conducted between the mid-1980s and the early 2000s. A few more volumes surfaced until the late 2000s, but most of the releases in the 2000s were actually remastered — and often re-edited — versions of the the interviews that had originally been recorded in the 1980s or 1990s. The series was notable for being the first video series about the production of Doctor Who. Its longevity proved there was an appetite for such information, and it is probably fair to say that it helped pave the way for Doctor Who Confidential, as well as the audio interviews that became commonplace on most Big Finish audio CDs.
Cast spotlight
Jump into full cast pages for bio, socials, and recent work.
Ep 1Michael Wisher
Many Doctor Who fans will best remember Michael Wisher for his definitive performance as Davros, creator of the Daleks. Most certainly Michael was a gifted actor, a chameleon who could transform his voice and appearance, working regularly in television and on Doctor Who during the 1970’s. Michael loved his times working on the programme and appeared in several spin-off dramas including Wartime and Shakedown. In this special production, we’ve included highlights of Michael’s original interview in 1985 and recall his life and career in the company of Nicholas Briggs, Peter Miles and Michael’s son Andrew Wisher.
Ep 2John Leeson
Ever wondered how to marinade a Yeti?… No? Well neither had a rather bemused Nicholas Briggs until he caught up with John Leeson on location for the Doctor Who drama Downtime. Ten years earlier, it was all a lot easier for Keith Harrison when he interviewed John for the second Myth Makers. Life was simple then, you just sat down and had a nice chat about life and being the voice of K9. Now you have to run round the inside of the Doctor’s faithful robot companion, plus learn how to cook (and more importantly, how to catch) a Yeti! Well these are the ingredients, it’s all been cooking in the oven, so take your seats for dinner. Confused? Not half as much as Nick!
Ep 3Nicholas Courtney
Back in the mid 1980’s two Nicks (Courtney & Briggs) strolled around the location for the Doctor Who story Mawdryn Undead and chatted about Nick C’s life and career. Now, parked in a little red car on the shores of Rutland Water (location for Battlefield) they find not only that it’s too cold to venture outside, but also that they are surrounded by sheep! With the aid of previously unseen footage from their original Myth Makers, Mr B delves deeper and Mr C reveals a good deal more! Nick Courtney is on top form in this extended release.
Ep 4Carol Ann Ford
Carole Ann Ford portrayed a unique character in Doctor Who. As Susan, The Doctor’s granddaughter, she left Gallifrey with the errant Time Lord before the very first episode, An Unearthly Child. This Myth Makers combines two interviews by Nicholas Briggs, the first at Carole’s home in 1985 and the second at a London TV studio in 1996. Together they give a very personal view of the early days of Doctor Who and the effects the programme had on Carole’s life and career.
Ep 5Janet Fielding
Janet Fielding played the Australian air stewardess Tegan in Doctor Who from 1980 to 1983. She started with Tom Baker and then did every Peter Davison story except his last two! Janet is a founder of Women in Film and Television UK which she ran for the first four years. When legendary London agent Marina Martin was ready to retire she recruited Janet to take over her eponymous agency. As an agent, Janet represented Paul McGann when he was offered the part of The Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who TV pilot. In 2008, she moved to Ramsgate and started Project MotorHouse, which is a charity and social enterprise that works with local youths and specialises in photographic projects. This unique Myth Makers combines two interviews recorded with Janet in 1985 and 2020.
Ep 6Nicola Bryant
Undoubtedly, Nicola Bryant’s portrayal of Perpugilliam Brown has become one of the most popular assistants in the history of Doctor Who. When Nicholas Briggs first talked to Nicola in 1985, Doctor Who had been cancelled (for the first time) and its future was uncertain. Eleven years later in 1996, they met again to discuss her last season in the programme and life after Doctor Who. Both interviews are combined in this Myth Makers, giving us a fascinating insight into Nicola’s evolving life and career.
