Posted on 21 Jan 2012 08:14
Over the last week or so I've made some big changes to the behind the scenes code of Nerva Beacon. Sadly it won't look much different to you, but it does mean updating the site will be simpler and quicker. Can only be a good thing.
The Technical Manual has been a desired project of mine for a long time. The idea is simple (as is everything else here, till it balloons out of control), to compile as much useful information and tutorials to help people make their own audio plays. Right now it is essentially a collection of links and listings, highlighting a lot of other people's wise words and generously donated skills and time. If you're thinking of making an audio play then dip in and see what you think. Even better, if you've got suggestions to add or improve things then say so in the Forum. I'd like the manual to increase in size and quality over time, so we'll see how it goes.
With time spent on those updates there are only a few audios more (see below), some of them of course Audio Visuals.
After more than a season of stories the Audio Visuals style is become clearer. Something I particularly like is that they really embraced the idea of an audio series. They weren't afraid to put in a minutes worth of just music or sound effects to build, or prolong, or epilogue a mood. It creates very atmospheric stories that draw you into their world. I also have to say that Nick Briggs is The Doctor. The role fits like a glove and I can fully accept him as a 'whatever' incarnation. Character wise he's closest to the 5th Doctor, and the format of the series feels influenced by that era. Most likely due to the proximity. If you hadn't guessed I'm enjoyed the Audio Visuals a lot.
I may be a Doctor Who fan but that doesn't automatically make me a Dalek fan. They're overused, at times cliched, and often irritating. Oh the sacrilege. Despite that some of my favourite stories are about the daleks and davros, Revelation of the Daleks, Day of the Daleks, and I've a fondness for the first Peter Cushing movie. I digress. That in mind, The Mutant Phase is a great Doctor Who story and one of the best dalek stories period. I've heard both versions and they are different enough to enjoy both on their own merits. The Audio Visual version has a particularly interesting fate for companion Greg, one which has been echoed in New Who.
Another standout in this batch of Audio Visuals was the character, especially the performance, of Cuthbert. A villainous tycoon with a quaint regional accent. The most down to earth president of an evil corporation you could hope for. Whilst destroying the TARDIS to get to The Doctor he calmly says, "I want to be out there to stop him asphyxiating when the TARDIS has had it's chips."
Recent additions to the beacon:
The Mutant Phase, Crossing Dimensions Productions, Trust Me, The Destructor Contract, Vilgreth, The Trilexia Threat, Minuet in Hell, Solos Productions, Time's End.
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