Doctor Who Series 11 Third Block Director of Photography Tim Palmer has a few filming photos and videos on his blog.

His first blog entry is on March 3 which states:

“It’s an honour to be part of the new Dr Who team with the new Doctor. Thank you to director Sallie Aprahamian, producer Alex Mercer, creator Chris Chibnall and everybody at BBC Wales.”

Sallie Aprahamian is the director of the the third filming block, consisting of Episodes 4 and 6, according to Doctor Who Magazine and various actors’ CVs. She had this to say about her filming block in a Doctor Who Magazine interview:

“The weather was not kind to us on one of the episodes – howling rain storms, snow, lots of mud and bright sunshine, sometimes within minutes of each other. The cast and crew were amazing, working on through with good humour and craft. That’s how Doctor Who magic sometimes has to happen.”

So what is in store for these two episodes? The photos in Palmer’s blog give some clues, as well as some quotes

“ARACHNOPHOBICS LOOK AWAY NOW” – ‘DR WHO’ 02/03/18
Camera operator Mark McQuoid facing up to a furry friend and getting into the swing of things with his T-shirt.”

Below the quote is a photo of McQuoid looking through a glass enclosure holding a tarantula.

“PERISCOPE LENS”– ‘DR WHO’ 02/03/18
My old favourite, the Optex Excellence, comes into its own again for a low angle shot from within a freshly dug grave. Key grip John ‘Robbo’ Robinson on the left and camera operator Mark McQuoid at the camera.”

McQuoid is filming from within a grave-sized depression.

“TUNGSTEN FILL OUTSIDE” – ‘DR WHO’ 02/03/18
It’s hot, it’s heavy and it draws a lot of power but there’s an unquantifiable magic about tungsten light outside. No HMI can match the colour quality and broad punch of a Dino.”

You will see two photos of Jodie Whittaker under this quote, one with a female guest star and one with Mandip Gill.

“LAY FLAT SMOKE” – ‘DR WHO’ 02/03/18
Real SFX are doing an outstanding job laying smoke in the large woodland locations we have been filming in. Hundreds of yards of tube, hidden from the eye, surround each set. Even when the wind picks up there are enough sources spread about to provide even smoke coverage. The results are fantastic, especially when the sun comes out.”

“FLICKER BOX” – 31/03/18
A very elegant and naturalistic way to create a realistic flicker. PKE Lighting made up these boxes. The sparks approve – gaffer Mark ‘Hutcho’ Hutchings in front.”

You can spy a glimpse of the set in this video. It is known some filming in this block occurred both inside and outside Treowen Manor House. There are some more photos of this set on Palmer’s blog. One of them is described.

“VERMEER” – 31/03/18
I’m supposed to light scenes to look like a Vermeer not be in them. Photo courtesy of production designer Arwel Jones.”

“MUDDY PUDDLES” – 31/03/18
Peppa Pig would have been in her element. After a night and day of nonstop rain the sun came through for the final slate.”

There was even some underwater photography.

“COLDER THAN IT LOOKS” – 31/03/18
The water does look inviting but don’t be deceived. The Beast from the East had just blown through and the water temp was 3 degrees C. A very tidy splashbag setup. ”

A start date for Doctor Who series 11 is expected imminently.