The Writer's Tale (CON episode)

The Writer's Tale was the episode of Doctor Who Confidential broadcast in conjunction with The Idiot's Lantern.

Aspects of production covered

 * Filming the climatic climb up the TV transmitter.
 * Reworking of the climax to adapt the Doctor being repelled by the Wire for practicality.
 * Filming of Maureen Lipman in period clothing and sets for her Wire insert sequences.

Additional topics covered

 * The history of early BBC Television broadcasting.

People interviewed

 * Mark Gatiss, Writer, Episode 7
 * Russell T Davies, Head Writer, Doctor Who
 * Ron Cook, Magpie
 * Euros Lyn, Director, Episode 7
 * Dave Houghton, Visual Effects Supervisor
 * David Tennant, The Doctor
 * Steven Moffat, Writer, Episode 4
 * Toby Whithouse, Writer, Episode 3
 * Maureen Lipman, The Wire
 * Phil Collinson, Producer, Doctor Who
 * Jamie Foreman, Eddie Connolly

Music list

 * "Rebellion (Lies)" by Arcade Fire, Album: Funeral
 * "Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve, Album: Urban Hymns
 * "Jeepers Creepers" by Mel Tormé, Album: Rediscover The 50s: 1952-56
 * "Talk" by Coldplay, Album: X&Y
 * "Our House" by Madness, Album: Divine Madness
 * "Dancing in the Street" by David Bowie & Mick Jagger, Album: Best of Bowie
 * "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley, Album: ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits
 * "Rule Britannia" by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, Album: RAF Brass Bands 2: Anthems
 * "Half Light" by Athlete, Album: Tourist (also used in DCOM: Allons-y!)

Crew

 * Camera - Stuart Brereton, Eric Huyton, Aled Jenkins, Andy Smith
 * Sound - John Foakes, Steve Hoy, Kevin Meredith
 * Runners - Rhian Arwel, Alia Bianco
 * Researchers - Alexander Gratton, Hannah Williams
 * Assistant Producer - Zoë Rushton
 * Production Team Assistants - Bethan Evans, Claire Jones
 * Production Co-ordinator - Hannah Simpson
 * Production Managers - Zoë Scott, Natalie Street
 * Editor - Dan Ablett
 * Colourist - Simon Meek
 * Dubbing - Mark Ferda
 * Executive Producers for Dr Who - Russell T Davies, Julie Gardner
 * Executive Producer - Mark Cossey
 * Edit Producer - Geoff Evans
 * Producer - Adam Page
 * Series Producer - Gillane Seaborne

Elements retained in Cut Down
to be added

Home video releases
The "Cut Down" version of this episode was included on the Doctor Who: The Complete Second Series DVD box set released on 20 November 2006.