Chris Chibnall: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Person | {{Infobox Person | ||
|image = Chris | |image = Chris Chibnall 2018.jpg | ||
|job title = {{il|[[Show runner]]|[[Writer]]|[[Executive producer]]|[[Co-producer]]}} | |job title = {{il|[[Show runner]]|[[Writer]]|[[Executive producer]]|[[Co-producer]]}} | ||
|story = [[#Credits|See below]] | |story = [[#Credits|See below]] | ||
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|clip = Regenerating Doctor Who Doctor Who Series 11 | |clip = Regenerating Doctor Who Doctor Who Series 11 | ||
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'''Chris | '''Chris Chibnall''' (born [[21 March (people)|21 March]] [[1970 (people)|1970]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bbcdoctorwho/status/1241152794159087622|title=A very happy birthday to the current showrunner of #DoctorWho, Chris Chibnall 🎂|author=Doctor Who Official|date of source=21 March 2020|website name=Twitter|accessdate=21 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/11634011.men-from-watford-featured-in-this-years-whos-who/|title=Men from Watford featured in this year's Who's Who|author=Ansell, Frazer|date of source=28 November 2014|website name=Watford Observer|accessdate=21 March 2020}}</ref>) was the [[head writer]] and [[executive producer]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]'', starting with [[series 11 (Doctor Who)|series 11]]. | ||
Before taking over from [[Steven Moffat]], | Before taking over from [[Steven Moffat]], Chibnall had written several episodes of ''Doctor Who'', from [[Series 3 (Doctor Who)|series 3]] in 2007 to [[Series 7 (Doctor Who)|series 7]] in 2012. He was also the effective head writer of [[Series 1 (Torchwood)|series 1]] and [[Series 2 (Torchwood)|2]] of ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]'' from 2006-08, after becoming [[co-producer]] of those first two series. This status made him a regular interviewee on ''[[Torchwood Declassified]]''. He has also made four appearances on ''[[Doctor Who Confidential]]''. | ||
== Biography == | == Biography == | ||
=== As a youth === | === As a youth === | ||
In 1986, | In 1986, Chibnall represented the [[Doctor Who Appreciation Society]] on the BBC's public opinion show "[[Open Air]]". There he famously criticised ''[[The Trial of a Time Lord]]'' season as a specific example of the generally inconsistent quality of the series in the 1980s. The segment can be seen as a special feature on the [[BBC DVD]] of ''[[The Ultimate Foe]]''. | ||
=== Career === | === Career === | ||
Chibnall's first major piece of television was 2002's ''[[Born and Bred]]'', a rural medical dramedy for which he was co-creator, prolific writer, consulting producer and [[executive producer]]. Originally [[producer|produced]] by [[Phil Collinson]], the show swiftly came to be produced by [[Chris Clough]] — ironically, the man who had [[director|directed]] half the episodes of ''Doctor Who'' that Chibnall had railed against in his teens. | |||
In 2005, he wrote his first | In 2005, he wrote his first script for {{wi|Life on Mars (UK TV series)|Life on Mars}}, and a script for ''All About George'', a six part [[serial]]. | ||
Also in 2005, | Also in 2005, Chibnall was brought into ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]'' by [[Russell T Davies]], who would officially credit him as [[co-producer]], but effectively make him the head writer. During this period he also wrote his first ''Doctor Who'' script, ''[[42 (TV story)|42]]'', and his second script for {{wi|Life on Mars (UK TV series)|Life on Mars}}. He did not participate in the third ''Torchwood'' series, ''[[Children of Earth]]'', but instead spent the 2008 production year working on {{wi|Law & Order: UK}}, starring [[Freema Agyeman]] and [[Bill Paterson]]. There, he wrote the majority of the episodes in the show's first series, adapting storylines from the original [[American]] scripts. RTD lamented the loss of Chibnall in his book, ''[[The Writer's Tale]]'', pointing out how much work Chibnall had actually shouldered in the previous two ''Torchwood'' seasons. Around the end of his run on ''Torchwood'', he also wrote the fifth episode of {{wi|Spooks: Code 9}}, a spin-off of {{wi|Spooks (TV series)|Spooks}} on which [[writer]] [[James Moran]] and actor [[Georgia Moffett]] both worked. | ||
At some point around his time on ''L & O'', | At some point around his time on ''L & O'', [[Steven Moffat]] commissioned him to write a two-part [[Silurian]] story for ''Doctor Who'', which became ''[[The Hungry Earth]]'' and ''[[Cold Blood]]''. | ||
In the 2009-2010 production season, he | In the 2009-2010 production season, he saw the production of his script for the tele-movie {{wi|United (TV drama)|United}}, directed by [[James Strong]] and featuring a post-[[Tenth Doctor]] [[David Tennant]]. By 2009, Chibnall was moving on to his next big series, {{wi|Camelot (TV series)|Camelot}}, an adult adaptation of the [[King Arthur]] legend. Broadcast on and co-produced by [[Starz]], ''Camelot'' saw Chibnall return to the role of series creator and head writer. However, days before the launch of ''[[Torchwood: Miracle Day]]'' — another Starz original — the network announced that the generally well-reviewed show had been cancelled due to scheduling problems with its main actors. Chibnall was again left to find new work. | ||
He has spoken out against ''[[Series 4 (Torchwood)|Torchwood: Miracle Day]],'' stating that | He has spoken out against ''[[Series 4 (Torchwood)|Torchwood: Miracle Day]],'' stating that the show had lost its "essence".<ref>http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s8/torchwood/news/a458928/torchwood-writer-on-miracle-day-it-lost-the-shows-essence.html</ref> | ||
In 2013, he wrote the [[ITV]] drama {{wi|Broadchurch}}, which was directed by [[Euros Lyn]], starred [[Jodie Whittaker]] | In 2013, he wrote the [[ITV]] drama {{wi|Broadchurch}}, which was directed by [[Euros Lyn]], starred [[Jodie Whittaker]], [[David Tennant]] and [[Olivia Colman]], and also featured [[Arthur Darvill]] and [[David Bradley]]. ''Broadchurch'' went on to have three series, all written and executive produced by Chibnall. | ||
He was interviewed in [[DWM 485|issue 485]] of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' for the revival series' tenth anniversary. He commented that he always hoped that the show would | He was interviewed in [[DWM 485|issue 485]] of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' for the revival series' tenth anniversary. He commented that he always hoped that the show would return to TV. | ||
=== As head writer === | === As head writer === | ||
Having | Having taken over from [[Steven Moffat]], Chibnall decided to tone down the mythology of the show, as some might suggest its focus on lore was driving new viewers away. During his [[Series 11 (Doctor Who)|first series]], there was a less rushed pacing in some episodes, arguably due to the added five minutes of runtime, a minor distinction from past series'. | ||
In light of taking over, he went on to backtrack on his comments about ''Trial'' in his youth as part of the DWAS, deeming the words of his 16-year-old self "a load of nonsense".<ref>https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a867737/doctor-who-series-11-boss-chris-chibnall-criticism-nonsense/</ref> | |||
Having focused on a "toned down" version of the show for his Series 11, the following [[Series 12 (Doctor Who)|Series 12]] would go on to become a whirlwind of huge changes to the show's long-standing narratives, some of which had been formed by the likes of [[Sydney Newman]] and [[Verity Lambert]] themselves. These changes included changing up the Doctor's species and method of becoming a [[Time Lord]]. | |||
He reportedly plotted his era to adapt a story plan he had since he was a child.<ref>[https://cultbox.co.uk/news/the-timeless-child-jodie-whittaker-hints-of-a-continuing-mystery Jodie Whitaker interview]</ref> | |||
Although he has been occasionally | Although he has been occasionally criticised for mishandling certain elements, his era strove to tell diverse stories, much like his predecessor, and he has the distinction of introducing the first [[Islam|Muslim]] companion of the series, [[Yasmin Khan]]. | ||
== Credits == | == Credits == | ||
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* ''[[Fragments (TV story)|Fragments]]'' | * ''[[Fragments (TV story)|Fragments]]'' | ||
* ''[[Exit Wounds (TV story)|Exit Wounds]]'' | * ''[[Exit Wounds (TV story)|Exit Wounds]]'' | ||
|valign="top" width=50%| | |valign="top" width=50%| | ||
==== ''Doctor Who'' ==== | ==== ''Doctor Who'' ==== | ||
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== Awards == | == Awards == | ||
Chibnall | Chibnall is a three-time nominee for a {{w|Writers' Guild of Great Britain}} award for best series, but, unusually, he only lost once. He was nominated, along with other writers, for [[series 3 (Doctor Who)|series 3]] and [[series 5 (Doctor Who)|series 5]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]'', which he won for series 3. | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
Revision as of 17:43, 31 March 2020
Chris Chibnall (born 21 March 1970[1][2]) was the head writer and executive producer of Doctor Who, starting with series 11.
Before taking over from Steven Moffat, Chibnall had written several episodes of Doctor Who, from series 3 in 2007 to series 7 in 2012. He was also the effective head writer of series 1 and 2 of Torchwood from 2006-08, after becoming co-producer of those first two series. This status made him a regular interviewee on Torchwood Declassified. He has also made four appearances on Doctor Who Confidential.
Biography
As a youth
In 1986, Chibnall represented the Doctor Who Appreciation Society on the BBC's public opinion show "Open Air". There he famously criticised The Trial of a Time Lord season as a specific example of the generally inconsistent quality of the series in the 1980s. The segment can be seen as a special feature on the BBC DVD of The Ultimate Foe.
Career
Chibnall's first major piece of television was 2002's Born and Bred, a rural medical dramedy for which he was co-creator, prolific writer, consulting producer and executive producer. Originally produced by Phil Collinson, the show swiftly came to be produced by Chris Clough — ironically, the man who had directed half the episodes of Doctor Who that Chibnall had railed against in his teens.
In 2005, he wrote his first script for Life on Mars, and a script for All About George, a six part serial.
Also in 2005, Chibnall was brought into Torchwood by Russell T Davies, who would officially credit him as co-producer, but effectively make him the head writer. During this period he also wrote his first Doctor Who script, 42, and his second script for Life on Mars. He did not participate in the third Torchwood series, Children of Earth, but instead spent the 2008 production year working on Law & Order: UK, starring Freema Agyeman and Bill Paterson. There, he wrote the majority of the episodes in the show's first series, adapting storylines from the original American scripts. RTD lamented the loss of Chibnall in his book, The Writer's Tale, pointing out how much work Chibnall had actually shouldered in the previous two Torchwood seasons. Around the end of his run on Torchwood, he also wrote the fifth episode of Spooks: Code 9, a spin-off of Spooks on which writer James Moran and actor Georgia Moffett both worked.
At some point around his time on L & O, Steven Moffat commissioned him to write a two-part Silurian story for Doctor Who, which became The Hungry Earth and Cold Blood.
In the 2009-2010 production season, he saw the production of his script for the tele-movie United, directed by James Strong and featuring a post-Tenth Doctor David Tennant. By 2009, Chibnall was moving on to his next big series, Camelot, an adult adaptation of the King Arthur legend. Broadcast on and co-produced by Starz, Camelot saw Chibnall return to the role of series creator and head writer. However, days before the launch of Torchwood: Miracle Day — another Starz original — the network announced that the generally well-reviewed show had been cancelled due to scheduling problems with its main actors. Chibnall was again left to find new work.
He has spoken out against Torchwood: Miracle Day, stating that the show had lost its "essence".[3]
In 2013, he wrote the ITV drama Broadchurch, which was directed by Euros Lyn, starred Jodie Whittaker, David Tennant and Olivia Colman, and also featured Arthur Darvill and David Bradley. Broadchurch went on to have three series, all written and executive produced by Chibnall.
He was interviewed in issue 485 of Doctor Who Magazine for the revival series' tenth anniversary. He commented that he always hoped that the show would return to TV.
As head writer
Having taken over from Steven Moffat, Chibnall decided to tone down the mythology of the show, as some might suggest its focus on lore was driving new viewers away. During his first series, there was a less rushed pacing in some episodes, arguably due to the added five minutes of runtime, a minor distinction from past series'.
In light of taking over, he went on to backtrack on his comments about Trial in his youth as part of the DWAS, deeming the words of his 16-year-old self "a load of nonsense".[4]
Having focused on a "toned down" version of the show for his Series 11, the following Series 12 would go on to become a whirlwind of huge changes to the show's long-standing narratives, some of which had been formed by the likes of Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert themselves. These changes included changing up the Doctor's species and method of becoming a Time Lord.
He reportedly plotted his era to adapt a story plan he had since he was a child.[5]
Although he has been occasionally criticised for mishandling certain elements, his era strove to tell diverse stories, much like his predecessor, and he has the distinction of introducing the first Muslim companion of the series, Yasmin Khan.
Credits
Writer
TorchwoodSeries 1 (2006-2007)Series 2 (2008) |
Doctor WhoSeries 3 (2007)Series 5 (2010)Series 7 (2012)Series 11 (2018-19)
Series 12 (2020) |
Co-producer
TorchwoodSeries 1 (2006-2007) |
Series 2 (2008) |
Executive producer
Doctor WhoSeries 11 (2018-19) |
Series 12 (2020) |
Short fiction
Awards
Chibnall is a three-time nominee for a Writers' Guild of Great Britain award for best series, but, unusually, he only lost once. He was nominated, along with other writers, for series 3 and series 5 of Doctor Who, which he won for series 3.
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Doctor Who Official (21 March 2020). A very happy birthday to the current showrunner of #DoctorWho, Chris Chibnall 🎂. Twitter. Retrieved on 21 March 2020.
- ↑ Ansell, Frazer (28 November 2014). Men from Watford featured in this year's Who's Who. Watford Observer. Retrieved on 21 March 2020.
- ↑ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s8/torchwood/news/a458928/torchwood-writer-on-miracle-day-it-lost-the-shows-essence.html
- ↑ https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a867737/doctor-who-series-11-boss-chris-chibnall-criticism-nonsense/
- ↑ Jodie Whitaker interview
