My Doctor Who VFX Showreel

I may not have uploaded a video for six years, but I promise it’s not because I’m lazy! Turns out you’ve probably seen my work, just maybe didn’t know it was me...
Nearly all of these shots were created by me working solo from home, with the help of the occasional kitbashed 3D model. Programs I used include After Effects, Maya, and Photoshop - with my most common AE plug-ins being Particular, Element 3D, and Optical Flares.
Enjoy!

[@Chazbc]

The realization that the person who made the Doctor Who "Fan 50th Anniversary Special Trailer" is now responsible for some of the best VFX shots in Doctor Who history is absolutely delightful. Fantastic!

[@LaurenceReeves]

Best?? Some of these were the reason the series was laughed at! Though I will say, I did like the regeneration.

[@sabrel4975]

@@LaurenceReeves bit rude to say that on the artist’s video. Also, these are actually all really impressive. Some of these environments are practically indistinguishable from reality

[@LaurenceReeves]

@@sabrel4975 I mean.. it’s the worst vortex and title screen in history. And if we’re being really specific, the part where Swarm is released and his face explodes into these crystals is really bad, it was obvious it was CGI.

[@sabrel4975]

@@LaurenceReeves of course it’s cgi, that would be impossible to do practically.

[@LaurenceReeves]

@@sabrel4975 I didn’t mean that.. that’s quite obvious..

[@doc_lofer]

There are a lot "No way that was all CGI" moments in this, thank you for giving us the most visual stunning Doctor Who ever

[@ThePurpleCheesecakeZebra]

there was allot of "why was that cgi" moments aswell. like at 2:50 where they cgi in a wall

[@JivanPal]

@@ThePurpleCheesecakeZebra Because doing set design and creation virtually is cheaper than doing it for real. That structure would have to be at least 20 feet tall to get that shot without CGI.

[@MahNamJeff]

@@JivanPal they’re talking about the hallway behind him

[@JivanPal]

@@MahNamJeff Same deal, that hallway goes back pretty far, you'd need space, materials, and labour for that.

[@MahNamJeff]

@@JivanPal they just had to make two rooms before adding on more with cgi.

[@VerityShush]

I don't know how much freedom you had with the specifics of the effect and how much was notes and direction or whathaveyou, but I absolutely adore the interpretation of the regeneration effect this era: the way it almost seems to crack under the skin, seems to burn and pit the subcutaneous veins and arteries both before and during the eruption, the reintroduction of more colours beyond the yellows and oranges and golds, the regeneration effects were glorious this era and they gave the process the air of combined ethereal beauty and visceral unease that it's always deserved, always been framed as being a painful yet beautiful process and the subtle extra touches made this era for the subcutaneous effects really did that justice.

[@fastertrackcreative]

The regeneration effects for previous nuwho Doctors were OK but tended to look a bit 2D compared to what is used now.

[@minorearthmajorsky1476]

@@fastertrackcreative personally I didn’t like the “flame” effect used on the timeless child, when she falls off a cliff, but it’s clear John improved for 13’s regeneration as he brought in the smoke effects which work well and the shot itself was gorgeous and perhaps the best looking regeneration ever

[@friendlyotaku9525]

I noticed that! It was really cool!

[@perplexedon9834]

Thirteen's run had a lot of problems but VFX was never an issue. It's so clear you care and have a heart for the show and your work and art direction was so stunning!

[@HolfordXYZ]

I am SO f'ing glad that the team at BBC hired you. It's a true testament to the quality and passion of work you created, and I'm so happy it got recognized by the decision-makers at the Beeb!

[@Cless_Aurion]

So true! A shame the writing didn't come close to make justice to these great vfx :/

[@Squantle]

0:55 Wow, I didn’t realise that was a digital environment. That’s the sign of a talented VFX artist.

[@hbuss12]

Probably one of the most impressive vfx shots I've seen on probably the worst episode ever

[@NewdInFl]

Well of course. Only Star Wars was shot on location . . . . . . .

[@michaelhawkins7389]

@@NewdInFl lol "shot on location" oh you are being sarcastic haha

[@alphamineron]

@@michaelhawkins7389 Andor, it was primarily shot on location. That’s what they are talking about

[@beepthemeep12]

3:09 and 3:17 were the shots for me

[@venomfan3412]

The way you reimagined the visuals of regeneration energy was absolutely incredible. Lava, electricity, particles, the tints of blue and green in the orange, it’s beautiful. Not sure if this is the end of your tenure on the show, but I really hope somehow you get to stay on! Your work is incredible and it’s so cool to have seen you go from a fan making the greatest fake trailer for the 50th to creating some of the best VFX work on television. Fantastic job!

[@bandersnatch9469]

They said in Twitter that the Centenary Special is his last story

[@Capnbritish]

How am I just now learning that the guy who pretty much fueled the WhoLock fandom ten years ago is responsible for some of my literal favourite shots of all time in Doccy Who? Mental. You did amazing, Jodie's regen sequence is the absolute best one we've ever had imo

[@NatrollJM]

didin't he create it?

[@Capnbritish]

@@NatrollJM It was around before his edit, but the edit gave it a shit load more fuel

[@stuff31]

John Smith is a hero for showing us all the effects making process of a massive TV show like this.

I feel like a proud mom... I've been there since the beginning, watching you working for the BBC makes me feel so proud of you !!!!

[@knightr0685]

Weirdo

[@jaredaronoff7391]

Most if not all of my favourite VFX moments from the Whittaker era are in here and I didn't even realize. Moments like Thirteen's regeneration, the TARDIS materializing underwater from Sea Devils, or the Daleks attacking the TARDIS from Revolution that I had gone back to replay many times just because they looked so good, not even knowing they were made by a fan. I really hope that "2017-2022" does not imply that you will not be a part of future seasons because your love for this show really does come through in your work.

[@mylopintorizvi4349]

He did a dw mag interview earlier this year and he said that Rachel Talalay was the one who got him on board. Given that she's directing the 60th anniverary it is reasonable to presume that this isn't the last we'll see of him.

[@jaredaronoff7391]

@@mylopintorizvi4349 Yes yes! If there’s anyone I trust with the future of this show it’s Rachel Talalay! That is unless the Disney+ deal includes outsourcing the special effects to the Marvel team…

[@mylopintorizvi4349]

@@jaredaronoff7391 Disney aren't going to care who does the visual effects. It'll probably go to some british vfx company like DNEG (who also did the vfx for whittakers era) or Framestore (who did the 2010 titles and the save the day trailer). My bet is that it'll go to DNEG as they have a good portfolio on sci-fi projects given that they did interstellar, blade runner 2049 and dune.

[@TimeMasterOG]

@@jaredaronoff7391 Disney wont be doing it.. They are just broadcasting it internationally, Bad Wolf Productions probably gets to bring in whoever they want for the CG as long as the cg is within budget

[@mylopintorizvi4349]

Its important to remember that Doctor Who is a BBC property. With RTD2 they will recieve additional funding from Disney.

[@jamesshaw6284]

you literally are responsible for some of the most beautiful shots in all of Doctor Who's history. I really hope you will be working for Russell T Davies for the 60th specials and series 14 and beyond. Like Jodie's regeneration was really spectacular, it looked so beautiful. You are fucking amazing man, keep up the great work, can't wait to see more of your work on Doctor Who into the future. Love ya!

[@tardiselliottrailers]

Always wonderful to see a fan get to work on the official thing and deliver the best effects the shows ever had. Bravo

[@ninkynonk5007]

You will go down in visual effects history as the fan who revolutionised an institution with VFX. You are amazing and I still cannot believe how much you have done for the show.

[@thegabrielhyde]

All of this is stunning, but Thirteen's regeneration was incredibly breathtaking to watch. Beautiful work.

[@pootle5096]

Except the Doctor NEVER regenerates his clothes. So I hope you were instructed to do that and i wasn't a cock up.....

[@MegaChris456]

I personally think that you made the biggest improvement we have ever saw in Doctor Who. The VFX shots were insanely good, you finally gave Doctor Who the effects it deserves. The previous seasons had a lot of great VFX, but the improvement is extremely noticeable when you get to this season. I remember describing it as movie like at the time, made me hyped for what could be possible. I would hope that Bad Wolf Studios keep you around, you have some serious talent. Really inspiring work. VFX is my dream job and Doctor Who is my favorite show, can't imagine how awesome that feels to be creating VFX that will be seen 100+ years into the future.

[@SukruKaydak]

I knew that regeneration scene was your work. I just knew it just by looking at it. Thank you for making Doctor Who look so beautiful.

[@flyingtardisOfficial]

oh, my, god, was always wondering how the sfx got so much better as a whole, this makes so much sense in hindsight congrats on the gig my dude, and thankyou for your excellent work, heres hoping russell keeps you on

[@enigmatruecrime]

I remember thinking when I looked at these special effects on the show that they reminded me of you. Really amazing to see how successful you've become! You must be really proud.

[@Carole_Jane]

Agreed !! ♥️🔮♥️

[@ellastevens7894]

I have no idea who you are but I remember watching John Smith as a 14 year old & being blown away by the things you created. I am so happy that you were able to work on Doctor Who. Your work is incredible!! Best of luck with the future xx

[@ellastevens7894]

@Acid Bong I thought it was cool!

[@jackrogers5308]

I had no idea you had been working on the visuals for the past six years! No wonder the VFX for this era looked so amazing with you behind the wheel! Top work John! I hope you are kept on for the next era of the show!

[@melon_baron]

Bro dropped the best Doctor Who VFX and thought we wouldn't notice.

[@connormcrae2907]

This is a total fan moment of realising how far one of us can climb into the show's DNA. Your talent and work is astounding and one of the best parts of this era, and it has been a privilege to watch your opening titles and your VFX shots for the past 5 years. 😍

[@jamesbunn94]

Absolutely no wonder the effects were so good through Jodie's tenure! The Beebs did a good job hiring this talent!

[@jennx68]

Every few months I think about this video, and watch it again. Such a gorgeous collection of VFX. We Doctor Who fans were so lucky to have someone of your talent working on the show - not just in technical skill, but in amazing creative artistry. I think Thirteen's regeneration is the most beautiful-looking shot in all of Doctor Who, and it will take a lot to surpass it.

[@pixology8622]

As much as the writing of Jodie’s run disappointed me, I never denied that her episodes were always very cinematic and beautiful. Great work man. I hope you continue.

[@laurencelong]

That final regeneration into David Tennant was really fantastic and beautiful. Well done. It really looked completely stunning

[@HerohammerStudios]

Too bad the entire concept was botched from the beginning. Regenerating clothes. FFS...

[@laurencelong]

@@HerohammerStudios If the entire inside of TARDIS can regenerate, why not some clothes? :)

[@ImSchrodingerCat]

@HerohammerStudios do you want Tennant our be in a more feminine outfit? Also the First doctors clothes also regenerated back then

[@Vixon592]

This guy is exactly what doctor who needed, I remember watching his 50th anniversary trailer on my blackberry back in 2013, and thinking, this guy really needs to work on the show. So lucky to have him, I’m starting to wonder what DNEG actually gets paid for, you can really tell when they’ve done the effects compared to this guy **cough cough bullet train sequence** Well Done Ben, Keep it up!🙏🏼

[@friendlyotaku9525]

The bullet train sequence was awesome tbf but yeah, there's quite a few different companies that work on the VFX and I think all have done a great job but we have been very lucky to have John Smith to do VFX alongside them!

[@Heroic_Brine]

So that's where the new show got so many incredible effects from, doesn't surprise me in the least.

[@iz723]

The visuals are insane, the amount of talent on display is incredible.

[@JumpManProductions]

You have done a splendid job through out this era. Your work has continued to impress me. I really hope you’ll continue to work for Doctor Who and continue to deliver more epic visuals! It must have been a huge honour to work for the longest science fiction show in Earth!

[@thejuanlam]

This is incredible, it's been amazing to see you go from making fan content to being someone who makes the magic happen in Doctor Who

[@TheFlamingMarshmallow]

I saw this in my recommendeds and I immediately was like Oh! Isn't John Smith that 50th anniversary trailer guy? That's incredible that you got to work on the show man, I remember 13 year old me thinking they should've totally hired you haha. Beautiful work!

[@snmdair]

One person working on this from home is pretty amazing, not from a hardware point of view since PCs these days are so powerful, but from an attention to detail point of view this was amazing work. All the lighting, reflections, specular lighting, and translucent lighting during the regeneration scenes, none of it took my eye or brain out of the moment.

[@theneondragon004]

Holy cow...I had no idea. It's funny, I remember commenting somewhere that the BBC should've hired you. The biggest of congratulations, dude. You did incredible work for the show.

[@RileyWritey]

They better keep you around in the new era, these effects are stunning

[@marcos-ll2yr]

no, he's out from the Russel T Davies era 2 because Bad Wolf will do the VFX, they do the visuals of Dark Materials, so will be another team.

[@RileyWritey]

@@marcos-ll2yr At least the effects will still be good. I feel like this guy had a unique style though, so it'll be missed.

[@littlematee3876]

Come back here, straight after the David’s return to the show, where you also responsible for the new intro!!!! It looks so coollll

[@writerjdelarosa]

It is so cool to see you having gone from KZbin videos to doing amazing special effects for Doctor Who. Your dematerialisation shot is genius and I long to see it in the show. And you created the most beautiful regeneration shot we've seen!

[@panathentic]

From a fan at the 50th to a worker by the 60th. Fucking incredible. Always wondered where you went, and now, I fucking get it. All the best too you. You've been a great inspiration to me!

[@carlinjack1]

Every single shot from the past few years that was astounding - was on this reel. Had no idea it was someone who'd risen from doctor who fantube to doctor who greatness. The show gains many things in 2023, but it has lost a abyssal volume of talent here.

[@veggiet2009]

It makes me so glad that you got a job on the show! I have to say that the fluid sims for the intro and the time vortex has been my favourite effects of the series of all time!

[@unorthodoxbox]

I knew you were involved in the title sequence but never knew you were this involved. You really made this era of Who look amazing.

[@JamesFrench96]

Your work on this show these past few years have been astounding, and a real testament to your talents as a VFX artist. Keep up the incredible work!

[@tylerheumann5267]

I’ve been watching your videos since I was a small child while my mother was sick with cancer. Your videos gave me hope and happiness. Words cannot describe just how proud I am of how far you have come since then. Amazing work, please continue keep my childhood alive.

[@IronSoldier]

Hope this doesn't mean it was the end of your journey too... Amazing seeing this after wondering where you ended up for so many years!

[@CinematicCaptures]

Amazing work, it's so awesome to see how far you've come! This has been some of the best Doctor Who has ever looked!

[@reborndiajack9612]

You’re amazing

[@AidenTheKing99]

Much as I disliked 13, I always gave her props for a beautiful regeneration shot. Now I know why 😅

[@FreeBoredom]

YES, the Legend has returned! I'm so glad you ended up posting a showreel and I can't overstate this enough, your work is incredible! It must be a joy to work on Doctor Who. How does it feel to have left such a significant mark on the greatest franchise of all time (so far)? Also, what are the odds that you would post today?! Not even a few hours ago did I finally get around to finishing my first 3D composition AND it includes a Tardis of all things! Very timey wimey indeed...

[@RyanMorrisonMusic]

The CGI in the Jodie era was by far the best the show has ever seen, particularly in Flux and the centenary special, some of the scenes from Flux shocked me, I don't think a BBC show has ever had such high scale, realistic and beautiful CGI, the animations from the Jodie era are smooth as butter and really gave the show something it was lacking... massive thank you and congratulations

[@lijevideos6690]

It has been INCREDIBLE to watch your evolution from extremely talented fan of the show to actually helping to craft it. You are responsible for some of Doctor Who's most beautiful shots ever. Well done.

[@dynamodagger33]

Outstanding work, I remember seeing your Sherlock / Dr Who video and thinking how clever the techniques were that brought it to life. The fact that the BBC hired you shows how talented you are.

[@lightkikib3355]

Sincerely, thank you for being behind the most gorgeous regeneration shot of the entire show !!!!

[@noidontlikeyou1]

So this is where you've been!?, YOUR WORK HAS BECOME AMAZING!!!!!!!

[@MattFrequencies]

The realisation that some of the best VFX in Doctor Who history was made by one person at home just like how I work gives me so much inspiration, thank you

[@TheDelosDinh]

I love the title sequence of this era. Despite everything bad about the era, the vfx was amazing.

[@daniel.t.h.]

Your work has made this THE visually best looking eras of Doctor Who! Thank you so much for your hard work!

[@simondimock]

This is unbelievable! So many of these effects blew me away when I watched the show, especially the time vortex shot from Twice Upon a Time and the collapsing TARDIS. It's so inspiring to learn that they were your work! How much freedom did you get in the design? Your effects have been my favorite part of the show recently, and I didn't even know it was you! Congrats, I hope you get to work like this again!

[@Quavil0]

I hope you get to continue working on the show, your VFX work is amazing!

[@Eddiebleakley]

The BBC made the best decision hiring you to do these. ever since your fan made 50th trailer, your work has been iconic in the fanbase.

[@pinoyjona]

Looking at the older videos of people saying “BBC should hire him and do the VFX” makes me wonder if they ever found out they actually did. Bet they be gushing so hard. 😊

[@ajrobson]

You’ve made some of the most beautiful scenes in the shows history! The underwater scene is so amazing, I hope you get to continue in the new era!

[@DadJokeCinema]

I adored the 13th Doctor's intro sequence. That effect not only felt right for the theme, and was modern while also being respectful, it also fit with the music pulses perfectly. Well done!

[@SunnyVids]

No way! I knew you worked on S10, and a few times during S11-S13, I recognized your work on some VFX and wondered if it was actually you. I see them all in this reel! So wonderful that BBC hired you.

[@mikiwibu]

The VFX shots In Revolution of the Daleks, them swarming around and storming in the TARDIS are genuinely some of my favorite shots in the whole series, not to mention many more of these. Sincerely, on behalf of the community. Thank you.

[@LuggyBro]

That shot of the 1st doctor’s Tardis flying through the time vortex and the daleks hovering at night next to the tardis whilst speaking to the doctor are my two favourite visuals in the show. Incredible 🙏🙏

[@genericmilk]

I’m so happy your work came full circle with the BBC hiring you mate. Killer work as always

[@stevejdabbs]

Wow! There's a lot to unpack here - firstly the fact that some of these shots are VFX at all - they're seamless. Secondly that so much of it was made by one person. That's insane! Great work - I hope RTD ensures you stay with the show!!

[@Horltum]

Everyone, none of the critics of the writing, or acting, or the design, have never been able to fault this era on how good the finished product looks. I salute you, sir.

[@flyhyland]

You have a very signature look to your effects. I’d call it ‘hyper-realistic’, if that makes sense. Very distinct and always recognisable which is really impressive. Congratulations on all your work and nice to see you back!

[@Tekkerue]

Your effects are incredible, you really made it look like David Tennant was back! 🙃

[@asianhorror]

I just have to say that as a fan since the 1980s, my absolute favourite visual effects have been in Jodie's run so I'm delighted to see this video and simply say thank you for such beautiful work

[@DavidToons]

I remember watching your fan made VFX years ago, it's insanely inspiring to see that you've gone on to work for the official show, and this demo reel is outstanding!

[@Squicx]

Words cannot express how proud I am of you for making it this far from fan to fan BUT WORKING ON THE SHOW. Been there since your "Vortex" short film and stayed ever since. The creative direction you take through ur VFX is beautiful and I'm glad you were chosen to be the one making the world of Doctor Who really come alive. The moment I heard you were hired, I wanted to see that intro so bad and you ABSOLUTELY DELIVERED!! I hope u stay on for future seasons!

[@Odrikah]

I was literally just on another Doctor Who video (been on a kick ever since the latest episode), and saw that someone said they think that the thing the Jodie era will be remembered for the most was the visual effects work. Knowing that you contributed so much to that department really is a profound achievement. The stuff you've done has, for a lot of people, encapsulated a whole era of Who. I hope you continue to work on the show. The hard work you put in really shows, and the final product is all the better for it.

[@Nalimias]

Honestly same energy as David Tennant becoming the Doctor in the first place. This show has a track record of hiring its own greatest fans and I'm all for it!

[@steelbarber]

I just want to thank you for everything you've done Ben. I remember watching your older videos like so many of us and I was always amazed by your work. What you did for Doctor Who is beyond what's expected and I doubt anything can top what you've done. I sincerely hope your Doctor Who journey doesn't end here, but most of all I hope you continue to do what makes you happy. Never underestimate your work, anyone should be lucky to have you.

[@Barnabybright]

Absolutely exceptional work that elevated the show to cinematic scale. Amazing!

[@ireallydidntwanttomakeanac575]

I don't think there are enough words that I can say to mention how thankful I am, and how all Doctor Who fans are, for your incredible work during Twice Upon A Time all through to The Power of the Doctor. That title sequence alone will forever be one of my favourites. Thank you so much for providing us with some of the best visuals of the show!

[@ScarecrowProps]

Absolutely incredible, thank you for everything you’ve done, it’s been so beautiful to watch you grow over the years!

[@ClaraLaherty]

ggs! Thanks for all your work on the show over the years, it's really made it better

[@KingKhanAbz]

I'M SO FREAKING PROUD OF YOU. THANK YOU FOR MAKING WHO MORE VISUALLY APPEALING ♥

[@RobboRobbo]

No way your the actual owner of all these VFX shots in the real show! I just thought you were a doctor who fan who created concept stuff but after watching this video I understand now that you are the actual person behind all the real VFX behind Doctor who itself! Wow, mind blown 🤯, I absolutely loved 13’s regen scene, beautiful, loved the sunset/sunrise orange background while she regenerated into David! Fantastic work! Well done! 😁

[@hichaelmartline]

Thank you so much for the countless hours of work & love you poured into the show! 13s era has some of the best visuals in all of Who.

[@DalekCaanOfSkaro]

Really big congratulations. Its good to see you back. I remember watching your Wholock videos when they released or your visuals for the time vortex, and seeing where you are now is simply BRILLIANT.

[@eugene719]

How far you've come after all these years. The day I first saw your Tardis materialisation video it was my wish to see this level of cgi in Doctor Who

[@AnthonyHirsch]

THE LEGEND IS BACK THE MOMENT WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR

[@90sArchive]

I stumbled upon your channel earlier today before you uploaded this and what a pleasant surprise to find out you were responsible for these stunning effects. Thank you so much for the amazing work you've done for the show.

[@pival801]

Your work was the best part of the show for the last 5 years.

[@Aquald]

This is a pure talent, so glad that BBC hired you Remember the days before that

FUCK YES you're the best I knew you were working there but jeeze you're such a genius !!!! every VFX I've loved was by you !!!!!! thank you for everything

[@cosmicfloof]

Amazing! I still remember your Wholock video like it was yesterday

[@rexlloyd7320]

Thank you for providing my favourite effects of this era. I’ve been looking for a name to thank all this time. You’ve given me one. Thank you from all of my heart.

[@zinoxechill]

I knew the VFX was lookin a little crazy, this explains the genius

[@nickt2699]

I only knew you did work for Twice Upon a Time. Always admired the cgi, but I had no idea you did all of this. F*cking amazing. Clearly you've given the show so much love. Thank you

[@emodate]

You are absolutely the best thing that’s come out of Doctor Who! I’m glad you got to be part of the VFX team! The title is the best one to date! And the regeneration was killer! I hope you get to do more in the future!

[@triem23]

Thrilling to see a fan who did some of the best fan shorts ever also did some of the best VFX for the show! 👍😁

[@naga7655]

I love doctor who and I loved yor channel when I saw for the first time so it was amazing seeing you getting to do some of these amazing VFX, thank you even if it wasn't an amazing season for me the work was amazing, really a beautiful form of art, even having amazing moments on this season

[@FrostyScarf]

Imagine getting to work on the last VFX shot for Nu-Who..

[@TheGrizzlyWizard]

You've done an amazing job over the last few years and can't wait to see what you do next. Your work is by far the most beautiful in Doctor Who

[@dumbspaghetti_]

I haven't seen you in years, it's nice to see all the progress you've been making. Your work has always been so impressive thank you for posting.