Upper Boat Studios

Upper Boat Studios is a television studio complex operated by BBC Wales and based in Upper Boat, a village on the outskirts of Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf in Wales. The studios were officially opened on 27 July 2006 by Welsh Enterprise Minister Andrew Davies,[1] for the purpose of producing Doctor Who and its spin-offs. The onsite canteen is called the 'Blue Box Cafe', referring to both its outside appearance and as a reference to the TARDIS.[2]

Contents

Productions

Productions based at Upper Boat Studios

Title Genre # of Episodes Produced from Notes
Doctor Who Science fiction drama 60 2006–present
Doctor Who Confidential Making-of documentary 62 2006–present
  • Moved from Unit Q2 in Newport (2004–2006)
  • Moving to Roath Lock in 2012[3]
The Sarah Jane Adventures Science fiction children's drama 53 2006–2010
  • Entire series produced at Upper Boat Studios
Torchwood Science fiction drama 31 2006–2008
Torchwood Declassified Making-of documentary 27 2006–2008
Totally Doctor Who Children's magazine programme 12 2007
  • Moved from BBC Wales (2006)
Sherlock[4] Crime drama 4 2009–present
Sarah Jane's Alien Files Children's compilation programme 6 2010
  • Entire series produced at Upper Boat Studios

Productions partially-filmed at Upper Boat Studios

Title Genre # of Episodes Produced from Notes
Upstairs, Downstairs Costume drama 3 2010–present
  • Kitchen and servant's hall sets[4]

References

  1. ^ "BBC Studios". Doctor Who Locations Guide. http://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/bbcupperboatstudios. Retrieved 20 October 2009. 
  2. ^ "Arthurian Legend". Doctor Who Confidential. BBC Three. 15 May 2010.
  3. ^ a b "Work starts on BBC Wales drama village in Cardiff Bay". BBC News. 2010-06-24. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10402789. Retrieved 2011-05-11. 
  4. ^ a b "Upstairs, Downstairs: The Return of a Classic". The Stage. 2010-12-03. http://www.thestage.co.uk/features/feature.php/30501/upstairs-downstairs-the-return-of-a-classic. Retrieved 2011-05-11.