Despite a 'big pause' until 2027 to allow for the next run to be filmed, Doctor Who will not end with the current series, as has been rumoured
  • haverholm@kbin.earth
    2·
    2 months ago

    Oh no, what will the doomsayers on YouTube, Twitter and Reddit do, now that the show remains uncanceled? 😂 What I meant to say is, great news!

    The (admittedly tabloid) report explains one thing about the fabled Disney money that I’d wondered about:

    It is also claimed that if Disney departs, it might not have as big an impact as feared by some fans. This is because a “huge chunk” of the extra budget - up to £10 million per episode - is spent on the technical task of improving the picture quality to a level which wouldn’t be necessary if it reverted back to being a BBC standalone series.

    The BBC broadcasts its high-definition shows in 2K picture quality, but Disney needs a 4K image for its streaming service and the additional effects work costs a significant amount.

    They spent up to £80M per season to render it in 4K? I understand the desire to preserve the show in the best possible resolution, but that price tag seems excessive under the circumstances.

    Edit: I’m now pretty sure The mirror’s estimate of 4K conversion cost is much too high (maybe the mentioned sum covers a season, not an episode), and so my own calculus needs to be scaled down as well.

    • ohulancutash@feddit.ukEnglish
      3·
      2 months ago

      The budget is £55m per season. DW is one of the biggest earners for BBC Studios, and they’re going to want to output in 4K anyway for future exploitation.

      • haverholm@kbin.earth
        1·
        2 months ago

        I’m inclined to agree on all counts, but I also think we’re working with a less complete view of circumstances than you assert. By all accounts the BBC is not in a great financial situation, so the difference between 2K and 4K might matter.

        Edit: I’m now pretty sure The mirror’s estimate of 4K conversion cost is much too high (maybe the mentioned sum covers a season, not an episode), and so my own calculus needs to be scaled down as well.