Big Finish Productions

Big Finish Productions
Public domain · source
Name	Big Finish Productions
Industry	Audio drama
Founded	0 1996
Founders	Jason Haigh-Ellery
Location	London, United Kingdom
Key people	Jason Haigh-Ellery, Nicholas Briggs
Products	Audio plays, audiobooks
Website	https://www.bigfinish.com

Big Finish Productions is a British production company specializing in the creation of licensed audio dramas, primarily based on popular television series. Founded in 1996 by Jason Haigh-Ellery, the company has become a leading force in the audio fiction market, renowned for its high-quality productions featuring original cast members from beloved franchises. Its most famous and extensive line is based on the long-running BBC series Doctor Who, but its catalogue spans numerous other science fiction and fantasy properties. The company operates from its headquarters in London, producing content that has garnered a dedicated global fanbase and critical acclaim.

History

The company was founded in 1996 by Jason Haigh-Ellery, initially focusing on stage productions before pivoting to audio drama. A pivotal moment came in 1999 when it secured the license to produce audio plays based on the then-dormant television series Doctor Who, beginning with The Sirens of Time featuring Peter Davison, Colin Baker, and Sylvester McCoy. This partnership with the BBC established its core business and reputation. Throughout the 2000s, it expanded its range significantly, launching lines for other cult series such as Blake's 7, The Tomorrow People, and The Prisoner. Key personnel like Nicholas Briggs, who serves as executive producer and frequent voice director, have been instrumental in its creative direction. The company has navigated the evolving media landscape, adapting its distribution from physical CDs to digital downloads and streaming, while continually acquiring new licenses.

Productions

The cornerstone of its output is the vast Doctor Who range, which includes full-cast audio plays starring original television Doctors like Tom Baker, Paul McGann, and David Tennant, as well as spin-off series such as The Companion Chronicles, Jago & Litefoot, and The War Doctor. Beyond this, it produces a diverse array of science fiction and fantasy audio dramas. Notable ranges include adaptations of Dan Abnett's The Avengers audios, series based on Dark Shadows, and original productions like The Confessions of Dorian Gray. It also produces audiobook ranges and has ventured into adapting classic literature, such as the works of H. G. Wells and Oscar Wilde. The company is known for its high production values, orchestral scores, and securing performances from renowned actors like Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, and Michelle Gomez.

Critical reception and impact

The company's work has received widespread critical praise, particularly for its faithfulness to source material and the quality of its writing and performances. Its Doctor Who audios have been credited with keeping the franchise alive and expanding its mythology during the period between the 1996 television movie and the 2005 revival by Russell T Davies. Publications like Doctor Who Magazine and SFX have regularly lauded its releases, with specific series such as The Chimes of Midnight and Spare Parts often cited as high points in Doctor Who storytelling. The company has received several awards, including accolades from the Audie Awards and the BBC Audio Drama Awards. Its impact extends to influencing the expanded universe of its licensed properties and setting a high industry standard for audio drama production.

Business model and distribution

The company operates primarily on a direct-to-consumer model, selling physical CDs and digital downloads directly from its website, with select titles available through general retail and digital platforms like Spotify and Audible. It frequently utilizes pre-order campaigns and subscription offers for its main ranges to fund production. A significant aspect of its strategy involves limited edition releases and special box sets. The shift from purely physical media to embracing digital distribution has been key to its longevity and accessibility. It also engages in crowdfunding for specific, larger-scale projects, allowing it to produce ambitious full-cast dramas with extensive casts and original music.

Collaborations and partnerships

Its most significant and enduring partnership is with BBC Studios, which licenses properties including Doctor Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and Torchwood. It has also collaborated with other rights holders, such as ITV for series like The Prisoner and Space: 1999, and 20th Television for titles related to The X-Files. The company has worked with numerous publishing houses, including Penguin Random House for audiobooks. Collaborations with individual creators are common, such as with writer Alan Barnes and composer Howard Carter. It has also partnered with other audio production entities and occasionally collaborates with the Royal National Institute of Blind People to produce descriptive audio.