Doctor Who - Seasons of War - An unofficial short film

'Seasons of War' is an unofficial short film, which features the character of the War Doctor from the BBC TV series, and has been created to help promote an anthology of specially-commissioned stories about him - all in aid of the UK charity, Caudwell Children.
For more details on the charity & project, please visit: www.justgiving.com/declan-may1
& SeasonsOfWarAnthology
You can also follow us on Twitter at: @DWSeasonsofWar
Seasons of War Film Credits:
Written & Directed by Andy Robinson
uk.linkedin.com/andyrobinsondirector
vimeo.com/andyrob
Produced by Tom Hutchings & Tom Menary
First Assistant Director - Lucy Townsend
Director of Photography - Andy Robinson
Music - Momo:Tempo
Props Design & Production - Tom Hutchings & Colin Hutchings
Editing - Andy Robinson
Visual Effects - Tom Hutchings & Benjamin Akira Tallamy
Costume Supervisor & Art Direction - Shev Al-kazraji
Wardrobe Assistant - Amelia Didds Beaver
Make up - Simon Tytherleigh
War Doctor Sketches - Carolyn Edwards
Greenscreen Studio facilities provided by Alex White
On-set Still Photographers - Tim Hutchings & Rick Stear
Production Assistants - Evie Old, Emily McElhinney, Jack Stevens, Ash Hooper
Background Artists Co-Ordinator - Lee Rawlings
Seasons of War Concept & Anthology Editor - Declan May
Seasons of War Creative Director - Simon Brett
CAST
The War Doctor - Tom Menary
The Artist Girl - Daisy Batchelor
The Artist Woman / Narrator - Becky Rich
The Corsair - Tom Hutchings
Gallifreyan Medic - Sam Pike
Wounded Warisian Soldier - Georgina Burford
Warisian Volunteer - Candice Owens
Old War Doctor (Hand shots) - Simon Tytherleigh
BACKGROUND ARTISTS (Warisian Victory Parade scene)
Molly Batchelor
Chase Payne
David Phillips
Correy Eager-Guy
Mark Lindsey Earley
Phill Scott
Dan Barratt
Jodie Newton
Hypatia Feliu
Dave Oliver
Kai Wong
Vince Hosken
Gregory Szender
Adrian Szender
Alan P Jack
Ann Maddern
Bernard Burgess
Jolyon Tuck
John Ingham
THANKS TO:
Lucy & India Robinson
Tobit Emmens
Robin Whenary
Diana Townsend
Lucy Cole
Shane Rhodes & Dalek Candi
Duke Palmer
Michele Batchelor
Exeter College
Ali Pym & Jonas Hawkins at Exeter Phoenix Digital
Keith Weedon & Poltimore House

[@WOTWThisGeneration]

Undeniably one of the best fan films I've ever seen. This should be the benchmark from which all future fan films should be made! Absolutely superb work! Well done to all those involved for creating such a brief but wonderful masterpiece!

[@acrowtrod2855]

Thank you for your positive comments - and so pleased by your response to it. Please do share the film, as it helps promote the charity we are supporting with this project. Thanks again.

[@setusmortus]

This is the perfect bridge between the episodes "Night of the Doctor" and "Rose". It's nice to have that little acknowledgment of his time but without imposing the wrong face on the Doctor and the viewers. Very effective. it should be canon.

[@acrowtrod2855]

+Stephen Ramsey To be a bridge between those two stories is high praise indeed - thank you!

[@einCAA]

the heartbeat of 4 gesture while praying before going to bed.... awesome idea :)

[@acrowtrod2855]

***** Glad you like it - nearly didn't make it in...

[@farmbrough]

This is really well-made. You have got round the problem of not showing the Doctor's face/not having John Hurt in your cast list very well. I take my hat off to Andy for his work on this (and the rest of the team of course!).

[@acrowtrod2855]

Yes, Sir John is so iconic, that we had to sidestep that whole issue - but we have Carolyn Edward's fantastic sketches as a more than capable substitute! So glad you like the film - please spread the word!

[@ride-playerbb2818]

This perfectly represents the War Doctor. He threw away his ideals, abandoned his name, but in doing so he was able to become the hope that people need during the Time War. It's like Eleven said. He was the Doctor on the day it was impossible to get it right

[@BabelColour]

Excellent work!!!!!!!!!!!

[@acrowtrod2855]

Thank you! - coming from your good self, with all the amazing films you have created, that is high praise indeed!

[@garethmorgan8326]

A Crow Trod Stuart is right, that was Beautiful .

[@FarNoGaming]

Word press considers this canon. And I can see why! :O 100/10!!!

[@acrowtrod2855]

I guess canon is the highest form of compliment - so pleased you enjoyed it.

[@FarNoGaming]

A Crow Trod I loved this! When and where can I buy the E-Book?

[@robertroy92]

ok

[@electricmastro]

This is quite the gem now, isn't it?

[@neomp5]

this film is absurdly, ridiculously well done. i love when a fan film is so well done that it feels like a genuine entry in the story.

[@CaJoel]

this short film is to to the War Doctor what Night of the Doctor is to the 8th Doctor. Obviously they both have loads of great Big Finish stories but it’s so cool to see them in their own live action short films :)

[@RGWProductions]

Truly, amazing. Just the writing, the references, the shots, that console!! Perfect for Doctor Who!

[@acrowtrod2855]

LegoDWFanInc We poured a lot of love into making that console, so I'm so pleased it got that response from you.

[@HillierSmith]

That was phenomenal!

[@acrowtrod2855]

Thank you!

[@mikebasil4832]

Doctor Who has made so many charity videos through the decades for Children in Need and Comic Relief. This fan film tribute is one of the most heartfelt. Thank you so much for posting it.

[@TheBRDalek]

Great fan film, one of the best I have ever seen

[@acrowtrod2855]

+TheBurningAndroid That's really kind - thank you!

[@DFQreacts]

Holy Skaro that was phenomenal! It even made me a little misty eyed. The acting, cinematography, writing...all just....FANTASTIC! Absolutely Fantastic! It looks like you had the same SFX budget as the BBC as well! haha

[@acrowtrod2855]

We didn't have the same SFX budget as the BBC - unfortunately. Just had to be a little more inventive! So gratifying to hear you enjoyed the film. Please do share the link with people who may not have seen the film - thank you!

[@rassilontdavros3004]

That was really something. I like the fact that we never see his face- you could've gone with editing stock footage of Hurt in, but I think this worked much better than that would have. Bravo!

[@jamesgreen9328]

this is a great short film i like how you didn't show the war doctor's face.

[@sihodges3563]

To coin a word - Fantastic! I was wondering how you'd tackle the obvious lack of Sir John in the cast and am so pleased you managed it in such a stylish and effective way. Well done to all involved.

[@daviddickinson9957]

I'm very impressed,they should make a mini series of this.

[@gumunduringigumundsson9344]

Indeed

[@gumunduringigumundsson9344]

Ten series of this and Red Dwarf and a sequel series to Eureka and Stargate Atlantis... then that year I'd.. be thankful to the TV "gods'.. I am almost catatonic atm with overwhelming disappointment.. there is nothing to watch..

[@gumunduringigumundsson9344]

Just to be clear... Game of thrones was utter crap and I'd never watch more than that first episode... was fun hearing of the highlights.. gore porn.. coming from a twisted mind.. no thanks.

[@forrestfire2021]

I would have to say that this is very powerful with it's imagery and affect of the way the war doctor never spoke a single word of dialog really adds to the tension and decay of the war doctor of the time of war I would have to say that this is my favourite fan film ever 10/10 great I give it 2 sonics up

[@acrowtrod2855]

Thank you so much!

[@leerawlings9020]

Very proud to have been part of this. Every time I watch it I tear up! The music, script, acting , locations, fx and direction are all superbly done. Incredible really, considering it cost a few pounds to make! People should check out Andy Robinson's other work. Sublime.

[@acrowtrod2855]

Lee Rawlings Bless you!

[@DomFalance]

I swear, I kept expecting the camera to pan up and reveal young John Hurt's face, it's that good.

[@acrowtrod2855]

Dom Falance Thank you - if only we had a young John Hurt to reveal! But I think holding back on the War Doctor's face works in this context.

[@Syphon]

the second "no more" sent a shiver right down my spine

[@TheLeapingBrothers]

Well bloody done - not only do I miss the interpretations of who that are so dark and endearing, but also rarely do I see tributes so well done and professional - and for a good cause! :-D Excellent stuff, keep it up! :-)

[@acrowtrod2855]

I'm so pleased you liked it - thank you.

[@willasia8172]

*Slow clap turns to standing ovation*

[@Samhainix]

This is absolutely beautiful - storywise, acting, locations, everything. Amazing work

[@acrowtrod2855]

Thank you for the brilliant comments - we have been overwhelmed by the response people have had to the film - truly gratifying.

[@jonathandoering6499]

this is the BEST fan film, because it perfectly captures everything I love about the show in 5 minutes.

[@iWhoProductionsHD]

That was absolutely beautiful! I loved the little reference to the Corsair, and the way that you portrayed the War Doctor! Truly one of the strongest, most powerful short films I've had the pleasure of watching... Congratulations.

[@acrowtrod2855]

iWhoProductionsHD It's so gratifying to get positive comments such as these from fans - it confirms we were on the right lines - thank you!

[@2pbudgetproductions556]

we need more fanfilms like this

[@ShalkaDoctor]

Brilliant! Well done. Loved it. Paul Hanley sent me.

[@CoherentAxe]

+ShalkaDoctor We're very happy with his awesome artwork. Available here for anyone who hasn't seen it: paulhanley.deviantart.com/art/The-Three-War-Doctors-607521746

[@thedvaproductions2278]

that was simply amazing, a truly brilliant short film, well done, literally sent shivers down my spine

[@matthewgleason7495]

I hadn't seen this in years and suddenly desired to watch it again. That's the mark of real quality.

[@acrowtrod2855]

Matthew Gleason So glad to hear that this is the gift that keeps giving! Please feel free to share the film with those that have not seen it yet.

[@bowtieanimation]

Superlative work -- an emotive glimpse into the wear and tear the War Doctor suffered in an excellently produced character piece :)

[@acrowtrod2855]

Thank you - that was a lovely comment. Character piece was definitely what we were aiming for. Please feel free to share the film - constructive fan feedback can be really useful.

[@SudderyStationMaster]

THIS!!!! THIS IS WHAT A FAN FILM SHOULD BE LIKE!!!

[@acrowtrod2855]

60163Tornado501 Thank you - we are most definitely fans, and our passion comes through, I hope.

[@BDB-qm4tn]

One of the best dr who fan films ever

[@RetroCarsForever]

Amazing work, well done!

[@CAPATURE]

this is so good. and thank God it's not cheesy

[@FlauFly]

I almost never comments videos, but I must here, because this was best Doctor Who fan film I ever saw. Maybe ex aequo with Doctor Puppet.

[@acrowtrod2855]

I'm glad we were able to move you to comment - thank you! And Doctor Puppet is simply brilliant!

This was great :) Congratz to the team who worked on it! Good luck with your charity

[@acrowtrod2855]

Fábio Powers Thank you - the charity has done well from this project - but you can still donate - check the links above on this page.

[@thedoctorsassistant1]

this is so fantastic with so many cool shots with amazing music that makes it so intens

[@stevetayler9518]

The Dalek-eye telescope needs to be a purchasable prop.

[@amelianashe6947]

This is a lovely little film: cohesive and compelling, seamless, and charmingly intimate with the girl's thoughts. I've been looking forward to seeing this for ages, and it didn't disappoint :). The only thing I would have liked to have seen was more of the emotional side of the Doctor, which I appreciate is difficult if you're trying to fool the viewer into thinking Tom Menary is John Hurt! Bearing that in mind, job extremely well done!

[@acrowtrod2855]

Thank you Amelia - really pleased that the film went down well with you. You make a good point about the emotional side of the War Doctor - but this is a tale told from the point of view of the girl / woman - it's her emotional journey primarily - not his. But the book, which the film promotes, will fully explore that side of the character. I also think that rather than keeping with TV canon, if I were to make another film about the War Doctor, I would not be hung up about John Hurt's portrayal, and would effectively 'reboot' with another actor. Sir John only played him once, and if you were going to commission a series, I think you could just make that decision to start from scratch.

[@amelianashe6947]

A Crow Trod I completely agree about the portrayal of the War Doctor not necessarily involving a John Hurt lookalike, and I do understand that in this case the girl was the protagonist. I still think a tad bit more of an emotional reaction from the Doctor to the girl would have made it a stronger piece, but apart from that I loved it.

[@ianmillerphotography]

Brilliant! Thanks to all involved in the production and for sharing this

[@Jonrenegade]

Magnificent work, and for such a great cause! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

[@acrowtrod2855]

Thank you - and it is a fantastic cause to raise funds for - please share the link!

[@nathanio103]

I genuinely could have just listened to this as an audio book and it would have had as great an impact! I don’t quite know how to describe how I feel, but I have a tear in my eye and my breath has been taken away....

[@acrowtrod2855]

Nathan What a beautiful comment to leave here - thank you so much. The film was a joy to make, but the best part has been to see how well it has been received by fans of the show.

[@storystorypodcast36]

This is till one of my favorite Dr Who fan films. The double heart beat...

[@emilys1676]

This is incredible! You have a talent!

[@Ferrante69]

Wonderful. Congratulations and thank you for this awesome short. It made my day.

[@acrowtrod2855]

Glad to be able to make your day!

[@yellowpete79]

Excellent work. I don't watch fan films but this is really quite good. I hope you all make other films you can enter into competitions. Very entertaining!

[@acrowtrod2855]

yellowpete79 So pleased that you enjoyed our film - please feel free to share it, as its real purpose is to promote a very worthwhile charity.

[@DrWhoOnlineAdventures]

First fan film I've seen that was truly excellent. Well done people. Nice film.

[@acrowtrod2855]

Thank you - much appreciated - please share the link!

[@daymienbunao2763]

AMAZING!!! This was beautifully done, I love it! Put together fantastically, I'm almost speechless...

[@acrowtrod2855]

Daymien Bunao Really pleased it has got such a response - thank you!

[@SamiKelsh]

This is so gosh darn beautiful. Stunning. Love it.

[@johnhutch]

The effort into this is spectacular for something so simple. A beautiful short :) Well done guys

[@ace5762]

0:52 The Corsair? Cool reference!

[@acrowtrod2855]

ace5762 Yes indeed! - not everyone sees him...

[@AdamPwwy]

That was great guys! you should make more like that! :)

[@martinwhiskin]

Looks stunning, really beautiful

[@acrowtrod2855]

Marf Salvador Thank you - so pleased you like it. The response has been overwhelming - fans have been very generous in their comments.

[@lorisarvendu]

Ha! The Corsair! Nice one.

[@cherylldawnful]

Very well done! I'm glad you didn't show his face, too ... Bravo!

[@Ben1973able]

Congrats to the cast and crew

[@OswinPond]

Brilliant !

[@jacoblim3804]

Heartbreaking. This is canon. Share it to EVERYONE! EVERYONE YOU KNOW WHO IS A DOCTOR WHO FAN!

[@funicorn9991]

This was absolutely amazing!!! Good work!!!

[@acrowtrod2855]

+Prettykitty Really positive comments like this are huge reward, so thank you.

[@The_Savvy_Satyr]

Bravo! Bravo! This was brilliant! Marvelous fan film.

[@acrowtrod2855]

+Anastacia Morgan Thank you so much!

[@robertroy92]

this is still good job this is canon for me

[@lovetolay]

blown away

[@walsallmatt]

this was beautiful, a testament to GOOD Doctor Who fan films :D Bravo folks

[@aNewJesus]

Wow. That was really really amazing.

[@RamonaSchnitger]

Very much Enjoyed. - Thank You.

[@acestarssparkling4246]

This is the most amazing fam video I have ever seen. Good job.

[@acrowtrod2855]

+Jane Long Thank you - we were aiming for the very high bar set by the series itself.

[@acestarssparkling4246]

You surpassed it.

[@robertroy92]

this is canon for me i like it good job

[@roriebrooks6878]

I just want to say all of you are truly brilliant in what you are doing. Devoting your time and talents for such a brilliant cause. Well done. I felt like the stories and the film really were brilliant and suited the war doctor perfectly. Where did you get that coat (the one from the film)

[@acrowtrod2855]

Rorie Brooks Thank you for your brilliant comments. The charity has benefited from our efforts, so that is fantastic, but like all fan projects, it comes from loving the series & the characters. The coat that the young War Doctor wears comes from a charity shop. We searched a LOT of shops before finding one that worked for our actor, Tom. The joys of no-budget filmmaking!

[@zacrich2918]

Amazing. Quite simply amazing

[@60sspider-man29]

This is absolutely fantastic! Amazing work this is better than what the BBC is doing! Great job to everyone who worked on this really.

[@thedoctor8547]

Awesome!!

[@riversong5566]

That was brilliant!

[@legojoker2815]

River Song I know right!

[@riversong5566]

Hello Nick! Long time no see!

[@legojoker2815]

Yes, Mrs Song. We should perhaps meet up again soon!

[@riversong5566]

Absolutely!

[@NVGURKIN]

It's so beautiful!!!

[@LibertyRoleplay316]

NOW THAT IS HOW YOU DO A SHORT FILM I loved it

[@acrowtrod2855]

JellyBean Films Thank you so much for this. Been overwhelmed with the positive comments for our film. We put our hearts into it.

[@Mavakor]

That was very good. I'm impressed with how you never showed his face

[@BANE2025]

very well done indeed!!!

[@winchesterbasi7699]

Es impresionante, me encanta.

[@umutcevik1139]

Awesome! It is the first fan film I ever watch from begining to the end.

[@acrowtrod2855]

Umut ÇEvik I’m so pleased we held your attention - thank you!

[@reubenroper6231]

I don't care what anyone says. This, to me, is canon.

[@forewarnedfilm]

Thank you - A huge compliment!

[@tylerfletcher4997]

"Soldier I'm going to need your gun."

[@robohappy]

This was amazing! Love it!

[@marleyelevenbury704]

Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. :)

[@WooogaTooga]

As the Ninth Doctor would say, fantastic!

[@acrowtrod2855]

+Grant Bennett Thank you so much!

[@WooogaTooga]

+A Crow Trod You're very welcome:). Watching this short inspired me to donate to the charity, so job well done!

[@RJones2000]

Oh my word, that was fantastic!

[@Symphiney]

dAISY IS SUCH AN AMAZING ACTRESS!!!!1111!!!! ID LOVE TO SEE HER IN 5 YEARS

[@Symphiney]

funeg

[@katiegribble3926]

Utterly gorgeous. x

[@deborayohanne]

OMG ! AMAZING JOB ! O-MAH-GAWD

[@itsinviscitellal]

I feel like I just read this really great story

[@car0ndelet]

This is absolutely lovely. Bravo.

[@acrowtrod2855]

carondelet It’s wonderful to know people are still discovering our little film - thank you!

[@gallifreyriseshd3359]

That was incredible! :D

[@SweetCaptain77]

nice! Pretty good work.

[@TheHutchhickersGuide]

Absolutely fantastic :)

[@VerneDG]

Great !! Magnificent !

[@vladimirmanson3389]

BADASS

[@stefflmo]

Great work!

[@GerardGray]

Great work.Amazing!

[@acrowtrod2855]

+Gerard Gray So pleased that you like the film - thank you!

[@GerardGray]

It's as good as the series as far as I'm concerned.

[@robbiebonham]

Fantastic!

[@lordpleskinator]

I used to be some kind of healer👩‍⚕️ once..⏳ but no more...⌛ NO MORE🔥