The Telesnap Reconstructions: An Overview
last update: 6 September 1997
The most current version of this FAQ can always be found at
(http://members.aol.com/dwundergrd/telesnaps/TRFAQ.htm>
1. WHAT ARE THE "TELESNAP RECONSTRUCTIONS"?
The Telesnap Reconstructions combine high-quality audio recordings (made by
Graham Strong and David Holman) with the John Cura Telesnaps (reprinted in
DWM and other sources) to recreate the missing episodes of DOCTOR WHO. In
most cases, opening titles and complete credits are have also been
recreated, and the best-available prints of any surviving episodes are
included, and any additional film footage has also been incorporated where
possible.
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2. HOW ARE THEY PRODUCED?
Make no mistake: putting together these Telesnap Reconstructions is a
time-consuming and labor-intensive process. (While this information refers
specifically to Richard Develyn's work, it should provide an indication of
the efforts that have gone into each of the different Reconstructions.)
To begin with, there are an average of 50-60 different photos available for
each episode. Eeach individual photo is scanned, by hand, with several
adjustments made to improve the image quality of each scan.
Each episode is then scripted. "Typically there will be about 100 picture
changes per episode," according to Richard Develyn. "During this time I
might decide to 'construct' a few pics myself, typically by removing people
from an existing picture where I haven't been able to find a suitable one
elsewhere. I'm generally reluctant to use a picture ahead of their natural
appearance, though I break this rule for pictures from existing episodes."
Finally, each reconstructed episode is recorded to VHS video from a
PC...one single frame at a time. Each insertion is then checked to make
sure it's been timed correctly before the process can continue.
Scanning and processing the photos takes two and a half hours. Scripting
each individual episode requires takes another hour-and-a half. Recording
them to video requires an additional three hours. On average, that's some
seven hours of work per episode. (Keep in mind, this is just for a single
episode of a four- or six-part serial.) And that's only the beginning.
Robert Franks has recently been responsible for the completion of the
Richard Develyn's Reconstructions, adding complete opening and closing
credits to each episode and inserting any surviving film clips. (He's also
responsible for duplicating the copies that go out to each of the
individuals willing to help in the distribution of the Reconstructions.)
Copies of the unfinished Reconstructions are converted to NTSC SVHS video,
the appropriate title sequence is added to the beginning of each episode (a
Videonics MX-1 mixer is used to crossfade into the Telesnaps), and a
TM-3000 titlemaker is used to add indidual titles and additional material,
such as author credits and episode numbers. At the end of each episode, a
credit roll begins over the final shot, and as it rolls the picture slowly
fades to black beneath it.
When possible, Robert will insert video footage from surviving episodes to
accompany the Telesnaps. Examples of this include Episode 4 of THE
UNDERWATER MENACE (which begins with the cliffhanger from Episode 3 before
going into the Telesnaps) and FURY FROM THE DEEP Episode 1 (which opens
with a surviving clip from the serial that was later used in THE WAR
GAMES).
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3. WHAT'S AVAILABLE?
The first series of these reconstructions has been produced by Richard
Develyn, with assistance from Robert Franks, David Clarke and Stephen
Cranford. While Richard was not the first to produce reconstructions of
this sort (a fan-produced version of POWER OF THE DALEKS using a
low-quality audio recording made by Richard Landen has been in fan
circulation for many years), his work has been responsible for inspiring
many similar projects.
Available now:
oTHE SMUGGLERS
oTHE POWER OF THE DALEKS
oTHE HIGHLANDERS (Note that there's a very slight edit to the end of
Episode 1, due to a fault in the audio recording that was used.)
oTHE UNDERWATER MENACE
oTHE MOONBASE
oTHE ABOMINABLE SNOWMEN
oTHE ICE WARRIORS
oTHE WEB OF FEAR
oFURY FROM THE DEEP
oTHE WHEEL IN SPACE
Available soon:
oTHE EVIL OF THE DALEKS
Also in the works:
oTHE MACRA TERROR
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4. WHAT OTHER RECONSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Several other people have also put together similar projects. Bruce
Robinson compiles a newsletter covering this and other related matters, and
has produced several reconstructions of his own:
Available now:
oMARCO POLO (Reconstructed with still photos from a variety of different
sources.)
oTHE SAVAGES
oTHE POWER OF THE DALEKS
oTHE MOONBASE
(Each of these reconstructions include an on-screen transcript of the
spoken dialogue.)
Available Soon:
oTHE ENEMY OF THE WORLD
Michael Palmer has been even more ambitious, reconstructing episdoes where
(in most cases) Telesnaps are not currently available. Instead, he's used
still photos from a variety of sources, existing film footage from other
episodes and/or serials, and other materials.
Available now:
oTHE REIGN OF TERROR Episodes 4 and 5 (Reconstructed with still photos
adapted from the four surviving episodes, and from the 8mm clips.)
oMISSION TO THE UNKNOWN
oTHE TENTH PLANET Episode 4 (Includes the Telesnaps taken for this episode,
along with material adapted from the three surviving episodes.)
oTHE INVASION (Note: this tape contains reconstructions of episodes 1 and
4. To view the rest of this story please purchase the authorised home video
release.)
Available soon:
oTHE CELESTIAL TOYMAKER
Harold Achatz has also produced a reconstruction of his own, though the
materials used for it have been drawn from a number of different sources
(including computer-generated 3-D Daleks).
Available now:
oTHE DALEK MASTER PLAN Episode 1. (Note that this does not yet feature a
high-quality audio soundtrack.)
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5. WHAT'S ALL THIS TALK ABOUT "ENHANCED" VERSIONS?
All the people involved in the reconstructions are constantly seeking to
improve their previous work. Therefore, if you obtain a video, you should
be aware than an enhanced version may be available for distribution in the
near future. When enhanced versions are released by their creators' they
will be noted as such on this page. At that time you are welcome to return
any old tapes to be updated.
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6. HOW CAN I GET A COPY?
All of these reconstructions are available completely free of charge...all
you'll need to provide are blank videocassettes and return postage. For
more information, contact any of the following:
In the US:
Robert Franks (OH) (TelesnapGuy@CompuServe.COM>
Brian Pearce (NJ) (brian@interactive.net>
Andrew Cloninger (IL) (ancl@freenet.tlh.fl.us>
Rick Brindell (NY) (BRINDELLR@aol.com>
Ed Riggs Jr. (NC) (cn1063@coastalnet.com>
Jonathan Waggoner (KY) (silasp1@westky.com>
Susan Cooney (WA) (WhoDub@aol.com>
David Schranz (NY) (schranz@j51.com>
Derek Donnell (TX) (DerekBD@aol.com>
Kathy Sullivan (MN) (WNMCGYVER@VAX2.Winona.MSUS.EDU>
In the UK:
There are several dub sites set up for each of the reconstructions. Please
refer to the list below...
Marco Polo - contact Dominic Jackson (dominic.jackson@virgin.net>
Reign of Terror - contact Martyn Alner (martyn.alner@bournemouth.gov.uk>
Mission to the Unknown - contact Simon Wiles (simon.wiles@virgin.net>
The Daleks Master Plan 1 - contact Simon Wiles (simon.wiles@virgin.net>
The Savages - contact Dominic Jackson (dominic.jackson@virgin.net>
The Smugglers - contact Derek Handley (dhandley@ford.com> or Francis
Moloney (francis.m@virgin.net>
The Tenth Planet - contact Simon Norton (snorton666@aol.com> or Martyn
Alner (martyn.alner@bournemouth.gov.uk>
The Power of the Daleks (Bruce Robinson / COI version) - contact Dominic
Jackson (dominic.jackson@virgin.net>
The Power of the Daleks (Richard Develyn version) - contact Michael Palmer
(mjp@swdal.win-uk.net>
The Highlanders - contact Steve Black (steve.black@cableinet.co.uk> or
Colin Kenworthy (Colin_Kenworthy/IT/Ventura@Ventura-UK.com>
The Underwater Menace - contact Steve Black (steve.black@cableinet.co.uk>
or Francis Moloney (francis.m@virgin.net>
The Moonbase (Bruce Robinson / COI version) - contact Dominic Jackson
(dominic.jackson@virgin.net>
The Moonbase (Richard Develyn version) - contact Steve Black
(steve.black@cableinet.co.uk> or Colin Kenworthy
(Colin_Kenworthy/IT/Ventura@Ventura-UK.com>
The Abominable Snowmen - contact Malcolm Morris
(Malcolm.Morris@btinternet.com> or Ken Robinson (Ken.Robinson@cranfield.ac.uk>
The Ice Warriors - contact Malcolm Morris (Malcolm.Morris@btinternet.com>
The Web of Fear - contact Martyn Alner (martyn.alner@bournemouth.gov.uk>
Fury From the Deep - contact Martyn Alner (martyn.alner@bournemouth.gov.uk>
The Wheel in Space - contact Andrew Barrett (acbarrett@btinternet.com>
The Invasion 1 & 4 - contact Simon Wiles (simon.wiles@virgin.net>
In Australia:
Bruce Robinson (robinsba@ozemail.com.au>
The following web pages are also of interest:
http://members.aol.com/dwundergrd/telesnaps/
(This site features information and background about the Telesnaps.)
http://freespace.virgin.net/dominic.jackson/
(This site focuses on Bruce Robinson's Change of Identity reconstructions.)
We're always looking for reliable people willing to help make
the reconstructions available to people who will enjoy it. Contact Robert
Franks, Dominic Jackson or Bruce Robinson at the addresses above if you'd
like to make your services available, and be included in this listing.
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7. WHAT ABOUT THE AUDIOS?
The high-quality audio recordings used in the production of these
reconstructions are also available. (At this time, virtually all of the
missing episodes are available in this form, with the remainder to be
available soon.) For more information, contact any of the following:
In the US:
Robert Franks (TelesnapGuy@CompuServe.com>
Brian Pearce (brian@interactive.net>
Andrew Cloninger (ancl@freenet.tlh.fl.us>
Kathy Sullivan (WNMCGYVER@VAX2.Winona.MSUS.EDU>
In the UK:
Paul Johnson (Bluebottle@geocities.com>
In Australia:
Bruce Robinson (robinsba@ozemail.com.au>
The following web pages are also of interest:
http://www.enteract.com/~andrew/who.htm
http://members.aol.com/dwundergrd/telesnaps/AU1.htm
We're always looking for reliable people willing to help make the audios
available too. Contact Robert Franks, Andrew Cloninger or Brian Pearce at
the address above if you'd like to make your services available, and be
included in this listing.
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8. I'VE SEEN THESE TAPES FOR SALE AT CONVENTIONS! WHAT'S THE STORY?
THIS MATERIAL IS NOT TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE. There have been several
instances of people offering the Telesnap Reconstructions for sale at
$15-$20 each. (We've seen these offers by mail order, posts to this
newsgroup, and the web. It wouldn't surprise me to hear that these being
offered for sale at conventions.) You'd do well to avoid these unscrupulous
dealers, for several important reasons:
A.)You can obtain these Reconstructions completely free-of-charge from any
of the people listed above.
B.)The people who put them together worked very, very hard to bring them to
fandom-at-large, never intending to make any sort of profit...or, for that
matter, to even be compensated for their efforts in any way (other than the
knowledge of a good deed done).
And C.) We have access to the original tapes, assuring a high-quality copy
you're not likely to find from someone who is trying to sell them. (And we
will do what we can to not make these available to anyone we find offering
them for sale.)
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If you've read this far (and you haven't skipped the part about how this
stuff is put together), you'll have some idea of the long hours and hard
work that has gone into each one of these Reconstructions. If you purchase
them (either by mail order or at a convention), you'll not only be lining
the pockets of someone who doesn't deserve to profit from these efforts,
you'll also be going against the generous spirit of fandom in which they
were created. Please don't patronize anyone offering this stuff for sale.
(And if you do come across anyone offering this stuff for sale, please
contact Robert Franks or Brian Pearce. We'd very much like to know about
it.)
On a similar subject, the surviving individual episodes of DOCTOR WHO
(along with off-air recordings of serials not yet released to home video)
are also often seen offered for sale, at conventions and via the Internet
(This is a particular problem in the US, where converted copies of serials
released to home video in the UK are sold months in advance of release in
the US.) Once again, you'd do well to avoid these unscrupulous dealers.
(Save your money and support the official home video releases instead,
where your purchase will encourage further releases in the series.)
Many of these surviving episodes are included along with the Telesnap
Reconstructions, and many others are easily found by trading with other
fans. Check out the Video Trading FAQ of Rassilon. (As with the Telesnaps,
this material is available absolutely free of charge...you provide only
blank videocassettes and return postage.)
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The Doctor Who reconstructions are fan-produced endeavours completed
without the consent of BBC Worldwide, BBC Television, or any holders of the
Doctor Who license. No infringement on any such copyright holder is
intended nor are the tapes produced for any sort of monetary compensation
Tapes are distributed through the worldwide Doctor Who fan network. Support
the BBC releases!