by Karen Gilleland © 2015
I just returned from Port Isaac and the exciting experience of being an “extra” in an episode of “Doc Martin.” I came away with lots of photos and insights into what goes into the filming of this amazing show.
Watching the production, I’d describe the scene as “controlled chaos.” So much happens at one time, not to mention dealing with quick changing weather — sunny and warm one minute; cold, windy and rainy the next. Umbrellas, parkas, hats and gloves were always at hand.
In Part 1, I’ve selected photos showing activities that take place before filming begins. Stay tuned for updates and photos of Martin Clunes, Carolyn Catz and the rest of the cast.
Thanks to Linda Villelli, Joseph Barnett, Viola Brown, John & Pam Russell for supplying photographs for this series of posts.
Click on photo to enlarge image. Use back arrow, top of screen left, to return to page.
(To see additional stories about the trip, go to Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, or the front page at karengilleland.wordpress.com)
Debbie Burdon, talking with me, takes charge of all the extras (hundreds throughout the production). She is tireless, running up and down the hills constantly. I am extremely grateful to Debbie, who was so gracious and solicitous toward me the entire week.
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Simon Hayter, sound recordist for all seven series.
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Construction and props, building and changing camera fixtures require lots of people and take lots of time. Each scene is shot from various angles. The director watches on a display and can ask for additional takes if he sees something he’d like changed.
Nigel Cole, man with white paper in his hands, is director for this episode. The man in the white hat is assistant director and calls out the instructions to the rest of the crew and cast.
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Nigel Cole, left, checking a shot.
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You can see Martin talking with crew member toward the right of photo.
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This apparatus is used to hoist the camera for a long view.
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Warren Tribe, standby rigger, was one of my favorite people.
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The crew lays camera railings for a tight shot just below the surgery.
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Other crew controlled the crowds (always politely), were responsible for getting the right lens to the cameraman, and handled myriad other assignments. Here are random shots of these folks and equipment.
Incredible! Thank you for sharing your Port Wenn experience!!! I loved looking at all the photos and seeing so many “behind the scenes” shots! Would love to hear more about your trip / adventure anytime you feel like sharing!!!
Thanks for your note. I’ll be posting more about the trip and our adventures in the coming days.
When is season 7 coming out on DVD love doc martin I have all DVDs except this season
“Doc Martin” generally airs in the UK in September. I couldn’t find out when it would be shown in the United States.
At last….sigh. Welcome back, Karen and thank you for the photos! How lucky for us to get a glimpse of all the exciting things you have experienced and observed while playing an ‘extra’ in an episode of Doc Martin. Thank you. I will look for the next installments of photos and most especially for FanFiction #28 with sheer anticipation.
Thanks Tina. I’ll post more photos in the next few days. It will be a few weeks before I have a chance to write #28. Sorry about that.
Very interesting! Thanks for the pictures!!!
What an exciting time for you. Looking forward to the release of Series7
You forgot to mention that we had fun, didn’t we? You got it right, technically crew ….70 hands on people. Actors. …5 or 6 and so patient redoing a scene over until it was the way they wanted it to be. I would go again.
Thanks so much for sharing the pics and letting us enjoy your trip vicariously. I am a new doc martin fan and cant wait for season 7. I know it will air in UK first but is there any avenue that we in the states will be able to watch the series 7 without waiting for the dvd?
Hi Roxie, it appears no one knows at this point when the show will air in America. Series 6 streamed on Acorn TV beginning October 7, which was quite a bit sooner than when it aired on PBS.
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