Audience And Industry:

AUDIENCE:

 1. The target audience for "Doctor Who" has evolved over the years, but it has generally remained a family-oriented show with broad appeal. When it first premiered in 1963, it was intended as a program for children, with educational elements woven into its science fiction adventures. However, as the show progressed, it began to attract a wider audience, including teenagers and adults, due to its increasingly complex story lines, imaginative concepts, and witty dialogue.

Throughout its many seasons, "Doctor Who" has continued to appeal to a diverse audience, with fans spanning multiple generations. While it still retains its family-friendly elements, the show has also tackled more mature themes and narratives, appealing to older viewers as well.

In recent years, with the show's revival in 2005 and subsequent seasons, there has been a deliberate effort to cater to a broader demographic while still retaining the essence of what makes "Doctor Who" unique. This has led to a balancing act where the show maintains its appeal to younger viewers while also providing depth and complexity for older fans.

2. Personal Identity:

The show introduces the enigmatic character of the Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who can regenerate into different forms. The exploration of identity is central to the character of the Doctor, who is constantly evolving and reinventing themselves. This aspect of the show appeals to viewers who are intrigued by questions of self-discovery, reinvention, and the exploration of what it means to be human.

Personal Relationships:

"An Unearthly Child," the dynamic between the Doctor, his granddaughter Susan, and their human companions Ian and Barbara forms the basis of the story. The interactions between these characters as they navigate through time and space create opportunities for exploration of friendship, loyalty, and trust. Viewers are drawn into the relationships between the characters and invested in their journey together.

Diversion:

As a science fiction series, "Doctor Who" offers a richly imaginative universe filled with alien planets, futuristic technology, and thrilling adventures. "An Unearthly Child" transports viewers from present-day London to the distant past and then to a mysterious alien world, providing a sense of escapism and wonder. The fantastical elements of the show allow viewers to temporarily escape from the confines of reality and immerse themselves in a world of endless possibilities.

Surveillance:

The concept of surveillance is not as prominent in "An Unearthly Child" as it is in later episodes of "Doctor Who." However, the show does involve elements of discovery and investigation as the characters uncover the secrets of the Doctor's TARDIS and the mysteries of the alien planet they find themselves on. Viewers are engaged in the process of gathering information and piecing together clues alongside the characters, adding an element of intrigue and suspense to the story.

3.

Nostalgia and Freedom:

For fans of the modern "Doctor Who" series, watching the very first episode can evoke feelings of nostalgia and appreciation for the show's long history. It offers an opportunity to see the origins of beloved characters and concepts, as well as to explore the roots of the show's enduring appeal.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Viewing "An Unearthly Child" in the context of the 2020's allows audiences to appreciate its significance within the history of television and science fiction. It offers insights into the cultural and historical context of the early 1960's, including social norms, technological advancements, and storytelling conventions of the time.

4.

VISCERAL PLEASURE: Physical thrill of watching something e.g hairs on the back of your neck in a horror film, sport, big explosions. 

VICARIOUS PLEASURE: Experiencing something through the characters (e.g. time/space travel). 

VOYEURISTIC PLEASURE: Watching something you wouldn't normally get a chance to see (e.g. inside TARDIS).

5.

 "Doctor Who" boasts a vibrant and diverse online fan culture that has flourished over the years, with numerous websites, forums, social media groups, podcasts, fan fiction, fan art, and fan conventions dedicated to the series. Here are some examples of the various aspects of "Doctor Who" fan culture:

Fan Websites and Forums:

There are numerous websites and forums dedicated to "Doctor Who," where fans can discuss episodes, share theories, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Social Media: "Doctor Who" has a strong presence on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, where fans engage in discussions, share fan art and memes, and interact with the cast and crew. Hashtags like #DoctorWho and #Whovian are commonly used to join conversations and share content related to the show.

Podcasts: There are numerous podcasts devoted to "Doctor Who," offering analysis, reviews, interviews, and fan theories. Examples include "Doctor Who: The Official Podcast," "Radio Free Skaro," and "Verity!" These podcasts cater to different aspects of the show and provide a platform for fans to delve deeper into their favourite episodes and characters.

Industries:

1. In 1963, the television industry was quite different from what it is today. Here are some key aspects of the television industry in that era:

Limited Channels:

In many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, television broadcasting was still in its early stages, and the number of available channels was limited. In the UK, for example, there were only two main channels: BBC Television and ITV (Independent Television), which launched in 1955. BBC Television had two channels, BBC One and BBC Two, but BBC Two didn't start broadcasting until April 1964, after the launch of doctor who.

Black and White Television: Colour television was still in its infancy in the early 1960's, and the vast majority of television sets were black and white. Colour broadcasting began to become more common later in the decade, but it wasn't until the 1970's that colour television became widespread.

Live Broadcasting: Many television programs were broadcast live or recorded live-to-tape, as the technology for pre-recorded programming was still relatively primitive. This meant that mistakes or technical glitches were more common, adding an element of spontaneity to live broadcasts.

2. "An Unearthly Child" reflects the level of technology in the TV industry in 1963 in several ways:

Production Quality:

The production quality of "An Unearthly Child" is indicative of the technology available at the time. The episode was filmed in black and white, which was standard for television in the early 1960's. The sets, costumes, and special effects are relatively simple compared to modern standards, reflecting the limitations of the technology available for television production at the time.

Studio-Based Filming:

Much of "An Unearthly Child" was filmed in studio sets rather than on location, which was common for television productions of the era. Studio-based filming allowed for greater control over lighting, sound, and other technical aspects of production, but it also meant that sets often had a somewhat artificial appearance compared to real-world locations.

Limited Special Effects:

The special effects used in "An Unearthly Child" are minimal compared to modern standards. For example, the depiction of the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) is achieved through simple visual effects and camera tricks, such as the use of a police box prop and a camera fade effect. These effects were innovative for their time but appear rudimentary by today's standards.

3. "Doctor Who" is an important franchise for the BBC for several reasons:

Cultural Significance:

"Doctor Who" is one of the BBC's most iconic and enduring television series, with a rich history spanning over half a century. It has become deeply ingrained in British popular culture and has gained a dedicated fan base both in the UK and around the world. The show's distinctive blend of science fiction, adventure, and wit has made it a beloved and recognisable brand that is synonymous with British television.

International Success:

"Doctor Who" has achieved significant success internationally, with a global fan base and a strong presence in markets around the world. The show's distinctive British charm, imaginative storytelling, and iconic characters have helped it resonate with audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds. Its international success not only generates revenue for the BBC through merchandise sales, licensing deals, and distribution rights but also enhances the BBC's reputation as a leading producer of quality television content.

4. Torch wood:

Created by Russell T Davies, "Torch wood" is a spin-off series that focuses on the exploits of the Torch wood Institute, a covert organisation tasked with defending Earth against extraterrestrial threats. The series follows Captain Jack Harkness, a former companion of the Doctor, and his team as they investigate alien phenomena and protect humanity. "Torch wood" aired from 2006 to 2011 and received critical acclaim for its mature themes and complex characters.

The Sarah Jane Adventures:

Created by Russell T Davies, "The Sarah Jane Adventures" is a children's television series that follows the adventures of Sarah Jane Smith, a former companion of the Doctor, and her group of young friends as they investigate alien encounters and save the world from various threats. The series aired from 2007 to 2011 and was praised for its family-friendly storytelling and positive messages.

Novels and Comics: "Doctor Who" has also expanded into the realm of literature and comic books, with numerous novels, graphic novels, and comic series based on the series. These publications feature original stories, as well as adaptations of episodes from the television series, and often explore different aspects of the "Doctor Who" universe.

5. The Doctor Who franchise has a plethora of merchandise available for several reasons:

Longevity and Popularity: Doctor Who has been on the air since 1963, making it one of the longest-running and most beloved science fiction television series in history. Its enduring popularity has created a large and dedicated fan base, eager to collect merchandise related to their favourite show.

Diverse and Iconic Characters: Doctor Who features a rich and diverse array of characters, aliens, monsters, and gadgets, each with its own unique appeal. From the Doctor's iconic sonic screwdriver to the menacing Dalek's and Cyber men, there are countless elements from the show that lend themselves well to merchandise.

Creative Storytelling and World-Building: The show's imaginative storytelling and expansive universe provide ample opportunities for merchandise tie-ins. Whether it's clothing, toys, home decor, or collectable's , there's something for every fan to enjoy and add to their collection.