The Paul Spragg Memorial Doctor Who Short Trip
The 8th May is always Big Finish's saddest day.
Three years ago today, Big Finish received the terrible news that Paul Spragg, the cheerful, much-loved person at the heart of the BF office, had died suddenly.
'It was one of the worst days of my life,' remembers Exec Producer Nick Briggs. 'And in so many ways, I believe I am still in shock at the loss. He was always full of such happiness and positivity.'
The tide of condolence emails Big Finish received in the numb days after showed just how missed he was by friends and listeners alike - and continues to be.
Paul was often in touch with new writers who'd email in, and last year we decided that an excellent way to remember him would be to give these very people a chance to work with Big Finish. Doctor Who - Forever Fallen by Joshua Wanisko was the story selected from over a thousand submissions, and the end result, read by Big Finish Executive Producer and Doctor Who actor Nicholas Briggs, can be found here as a free download.
'We were really excited when Ian Atkins came up with the idea of doing this,' says Nick. 'It's a great way of celebrating the memory of Paul and encouraging new talent, which Paul was always so keen to do.'
From today until the end of June, this Doctor Who Short Trips Opportunity is open again. The full list of conditions can be found here, and should be read by anyone planning on sending a new story to us over the coming weeks.
Doctor Who - Short Trips producer Ian Atkins comments, 'It was great seeing the enthusiasm so many people brought last year to this opportunity, and the standard was incredibly high. I'm sure it will be again. Josh's story deserved its place in the Big Finish catalogue: full of heart and asking the sort of questions that for me is hugely Doctor Who.'
Submissions should go to [email protected], formatted as per the guidelines, before 23:59 on June 30th 2017. The selected writer will be contacted before the end of July.
'I'm looking forward to reading some great new entries,' says Nick. 'Good luck to you all!'