Just a quick update with some new media links.

"Australian Actor makes bid for the role of 10th Doctor Who."
Clifford Hoeft – Promoting Independent Film
website: http://www.cliffordhoeft.com/home.html


StarNet Celebrity Gossip & News
Website: http://star-net-nexus.com/StarNet

A further opportunity to recommend "Andrew Merkelbach" as the 10th
Doctor Who!

BBC News Have Your Say link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/4396437.stm

Support greatly appreciated!

Kind Regards,
Merkelbach Films Team

If you would like to make a further contribution to this campaign,
please send feedback to "BBC Wales" with "Andrew Merkelbach" as your
preferred choice for the 10th Doctor Who. A link is provided below...

BBC Wales Feedback:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/feedback/

Note: Merkelbach Films is not responsible for content on external
sites.

Support is (as always) greatly appreciated!

A flyer for the Andrew Merkelbach as 10th Doctor Who campaign has been
added to the photo section of this group. Please feel free to spread
the image around and put it on any websites/message boards.

For those still wanting to show further support, you can also leave a
message on the BBC message board with "Andrew Merkelbach" as your
preferred choice for the 10th Doctor Who. A link is provided below…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbpointsofview/F1951566

Note: Merkelbach Films is not responsible for content on external
sites.

Interest is growing with now a large group of fandom wanting Andrew
Merkelbach to be the official 10th Doctor Who. Links to news items
and campaign websites below...


NEWS:

WENN and IMDB news services 31/03/05
http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/australias%
20tv%20time%20traveller%20wants%20to%20be%2010th%20dr%20who

Moviehole 31/03/05
http://www.moviehole.net/news/5352.html


CAMPAIGN SITES:

Doctor Who: Timeless Tales:
http://members.tripod.com/sassy_chiana/timeless-tales/


We expect both lists to grow over the coming days. Merkelbach Films
will keep you posted on any further updates.


Regards,
Merkelbach Films Team

It was confirmed last night that actor Christopher Eccleston has
decided to leave the new Doctor Who series after just one season of
adventures. If you would like to see Andrew Merkelbach as the tenth
Doctor Who, then please contact the BBC a.s.a.p. A link is provided
below…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/feedback/

Note: Merkelbach Films is not responsible for content on external
sites.

Issue 177 of 'Data Extract - The Magazine Of The Doctor Who Club Of
Australia' features an exclusive article by Andrew Merkelbach about
the creation of The Traveller. Also included is the 'Curse of the
Del Garria' review by K G Redhead.

The fanzine can be obtained by visiting the clubs official website:
http://www.doctorwhoaustralia.org/

Or/ alternatively it can be purchased from Galaxy Bookshop:
http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/


Merkelbach Films Team

New easy-to-use order forms have been uploaded in the files section.
A special non-Australia order form is now availble for overseas
members.

Andrew Merkelbach has agreed to lend his vocal talents to an out-of-
house production company in 2005. The project will be the first of
its kind (ever) and will hopefully bring even more acclaim to the
versatile actor/director.

Andrew said that he is very excited about the project and is looking
forward to working with a new and equally skilled production team.

With the additional added commitments, Andrew has decided to shelve
the recently announced "Neosis Factor".

Expect more news and announcement soon!

Happy New Year from
Merkelbach Films Team

"DEADLY WHISPERS" (2005)
Format: DV
Approx. Run. Time: TBA (feature-length, 45mins+)
Genre:  Science Fiction/Horror
Written by Keith Redhead
Produced & Directed by Andrew Merkelbach
Release Date: TBA
Starring: TBA

Synopsis:
Newspaper journalist Jacob Mortimer and Selina Manning, a spiritual
kook with limited psychic powers join forces to investigate a
strange meteor shower in a small rural community…


More details to follow in the New Year!

"Whispers" will be Merkelbach Films first feature-length motion
picture! Shooting will commence around March 2005 in (and around)
Victoria, Australia. The film will be shot on digital video.

Teaser:
-If you enjoyed "Invasion of the Bodysnatchers" or "28days later",
your going to LOVE this Australian made sci-fi/horror!

Merkelbach Films have decided to "rest" the Traveller for the time
being, in favour of some exciting new projects. This decision was
prompted by Andrew's own desire to do something different. He
explains in this mini interview.

"After 3yrs of Traveller-related ephemera I'm starting to feel
rather bored with it all now." Andrew confesses. "Don't get me wrong
the Traveller has been a wonderful part to play and it certainly
proved that I could be a rather good candidate for the title role in
a certain BBC TV series currently being revived, but all good things
must come to an end…eventually."

Merkelbach had more to say on "that" BBC TV series and his own
film "Curse of the Del Garria"...

"I've showed people that not only could I make a film vaguely
inspired by Doctor Who, but also that I could convincingly play the
lead character as well. I proved, I could make a high quality
professional-looking film on a REALLY low budget and proved I could
act – what more is there to say on the matter? Doing more Traveller
films at this stage would seem pointless really."

Merkelbach Films will release the Traveller short story "The
Mission" online in December. The Traveller back catalogue will
remain available through Merkelbach Films.

Need I remind you that the "Curse of the Del Garria" DVD would make
an absolutely smashing Christmas gift for your sci-fi/horror
obsessed loved one! Download the Merkelbach Films store (word)
document in the files section of this group for ordering details.

We can now reveal that over the past few months Merkelbach Films
have been trying to acquire the rights to use a famous Doctor Who
monster in an Australian-made independent film.

Although I have spoken personally with various people from the spin-
off world, official contact has not been made with the firm handling
the creator's estate. A reply is now doubtful.

A very reliable "inside" source told me that nobody can get the
rights to any who-related characters, because of the new series.
However I am sure this does not affect already established
productions companies such as Big Finish and Reeltime…

Instead of the proposed spin-off, Merkelbach Films will make another
installment of the acclaimed sci-fi film series, The Traveller.
Filming will commence on the new film (Whispers) in 2005. More
details expected soon…

A big thanks to David J. Howe for his help and support.

The surviving 29minutes of footage from Vortech will be released for
the first time in November on PAL VHS. A 28 image photo gallery and
x4 CGI test clips will accompany the existing material. Printed
goodies are expected to be included. More news soon…

For anyone interested in finding out more about "Vortech", we
recommend that you download the story behind Vortech file in the
Para Park Productions folder, in the files section of this group.

"Curse of the Del Garria" has been released and is now available to
buy on shiny DVD!

The Traveller: Curse of the Del Garria DVD
Taking a holiday after 3yrs of saving the universe, The Traveller
(ANDREW MERKELBACH) and his delightful companion Jenny (JOANNE ROSE)
visit the small coastal town of Caster's Bay.

It's Halloween time again and all hell is about to break loose.
Behind the scenes, an evil force is manipulating events and growing
ever stronger…

The Del Garria is coming…

Only The Traveller can save the town's residents from destroying
each other, but first he's got to help Jenny deal with her inner
most fears…

Special Features: photo gallery, blooper reel, digitally remastered
sound and picture quality.

Cast: ANDREW MERKELBACH, JOANNE ROSE, NICHOLAS CAMERON, CHRIS
TSOROTES, LAWRENCE CUMMING, SAM MELLOR, RENEE POWELL, MAUREEN LESJAK
and STEVE SIMPSON.

Production Credits: Written by Mark Robert Ritchie  Based on a story
by Keith Redhead  Produced and directed by Andrew Merkelbach ©
Merkelbach Films 2003.

Price: $24.95 AUD (price includes postage anywhere in Australia!).

To purchase your own copy please go to the files section of this
group and download Merkelbach Films Store.doc. Exclusive members-
only merchandise will also be available from time to time - we'll
let you know when the store is updated with new items.

So, what are you waiting for? Go get the Doctor Who inspired short
film everyone's talking about!

Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

It's official - cameras have started rolling on the new Doctor Who
series in Cardiff, Wales. Merkelbach Films would like to wish
Mr.Davies, Eccleston, Piper and the production team all the very
best :) Doctor Who is Back!! diddle-dee-dum
diddle-dee-dum...


Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

Clints Bits (update page for Moviehole website) announced the
upcoming DVD release of "Curse Of The Del Garria" today.

website: http://www.moviehole.net/news/3858.html

Note: Merkelbach Films is not resposible for external content.

"Curse Of The Del Garria" will be available to buy on DVD from the
1st of August. More details soon...

Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

Clints Bits (update page for Moviehole website) mentions the Panini
Comics "Curse Of The Del Garria" review here:
http://www.moviehole.net/news/3719.html

Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

Panini Comics(UK)
Source:
http://www.paninicomics.co.uk/WhatsNew.jsp#


Curse of the Del Garria Review
27/05/2004
by Ian Hewerdine

'The Curse of The Del Garria' is a short film made by Doctor Who
fan, Andrew Merkelbach. Read our review of it here...

The Curse of the Del Garria Review

Last week a parcel dropped through my door, all the way from
Australia. I think that was the first time I have received a package
from Australia. So, gosh, it was a good day already. OK, so maybe I
am easily pleased, but as I always say, that's got to be a good
thing. Anyway, I digress. Said package's Australian origins were
obvious, so there was no mystery that it would be the VHS tape from
Andrew Merkelbach who I have been in correspondence with lately.
He's been plugging his short Doctor Who-inspired film which he
directed and starred in. So this was it, ready to watch and
review...

A break in my work appears and I find a suitable location equipped
with a video player. Magnetic media is so 90's after all. At least
that's a neat enough sounding excuse for not having one. I decide
drag along another 'Who' fan who I figure might like the chance to
experience the UK premiere of 'The Curse of the Del Garria' and may
have some useful alternate points of view to offer when it comes to
writing what you're reading now.

So, settled in and with a couple of cups of tea and a plateful of
biscuits at the ready, the credits roll. I briefly wonder if I will
be behind the sofa at any point in the next 28 minutes.

Its clear from the beginning that Andrew, who has assumed the mantle
of the "Traveller" (to avoid any awkward copyright issues I assume),
is a big 'Who' fan and we should take for granted that anything
which isn't explained can be assumed to pretty much tie in with the
usual Doctor Who lore. In truth you will need to do this since the
script sets of at a trot with the main characters chatting in a
manner that assumes we're already familiar with them. After a bit,
the gist of the plot is revealed: The Traveller has been busy saving
the Universe/World/Time-Space from naughty scamps who would use
sneaky tricks to subvert the status quo to their advantage, but now
he's having a bit of a weekend break in a sleepy seaside town, circa
1996. All this is revealed in the Traveller's matter-of-fact yet
tongue-in-cheek manner, working off the age-old script technique of
the handy 'sidekick who needs things explained'. Things rapidly turn
ominous and then go reassuringly wrong as the town is gripped in the
thrall of 'obligatory malevolent baddie'.

The Curse of the Del Garria shows promising production values.
There's commendable attention to detail in the cinematography,
incidentals, sound, music and credits. Even down to the rewind-
worthy footnote, "Any similarity to persons living, dead or
fantastically reanimated is purely coincidental", which went down
well. There are even some special effects too! It's a well made
outing which has sufficient humour to let the viewer not take the
whole thing too seriously and it revels happily in its clichés.

The most notable weaknesses are in the acting and the rather clunky
script. Acting performances from the main characters are mostly
passable for daytime TV, but we're certainly not talking Royal
Shakespeare Company - some lines are a bit clipped and you don't get
the feeling you're watching a character, rather that you're watching
someone deliver lines - Willem Dafoe and Al Pacino aren't in any
danger just yet. But the low budget nature of the episode is
embraced and a bit of hamming it up and the tongue-in-cheek
qualities help the general mood. As for the script, this does
require a certain level of Doctor Who familiarity from the viewer
which shouldn't necessarily be assumed, and it ends abruptly on
something of an anti-climax. Other niggles are that some of the
dialogue isn't picked up well by the microphones - but that's a
budget limitation not a failing of the filmmakers. There are also
scenes which are shot from a couple of angles to give the impression
of there being more than one camera on set, but the break in the
flow of the acting gives that away a bit, which is a shame. There
are also a few scenes where characters with speaking parts have
their back to the camera while they deliver their lines. Mostly
these are minor issues that you can imagine being remedied if the
makers had the luxury of the ability to re-shoot scenes.

All in all it's a very 'Who' 28 minutes and the makers have worked
hard to give it a polished look and feel. In a strange way I found
myself thinking of `Lord of the Rings' director, Peter Jackson's
early splatstick effort - `Bad Taste'. Not that I have seen it in at
least 10 years and The Curse of the Del Garria doesn't compare
really in any way to Bad Taste other than being shot on a very low
budget with a lot of enthusiasm - but Andrew Merkelbach seems to
have a good idea of how to string his production together. If Peter
Jackson can go from Bad Taste to Lord of the Rings, it's not
inconceivable to see Andrew Merkelbach going on to significantly
greater things than 'Curse of the Del Garria'. As for my co-
reviewer, well he gave the boots a big thumbs up. Hmm. Maybe that
was a waste of a cup of tea.

Source:
http://www.moviehole.net/news/3595.html



Clints Bits - 30/4/04

Posted on Fri, 30-Apr-2004


Never been much of a fan of "Dr Who". Whilst my little buddies were
watching the telephone-using time traveller, I'd be more likely to
be re-enacting a WWE match from the night before with Bobba Fett and
Wicket as the opponents. Hey, I was young. Like 21 or something.
Anyway, Aussie filmmaker Andrew Merkelbach is a mammoth "Dr Who" fan
and it show's in his short films. Called "Traveller", his short
flick's centre on an astute time-travelling professor type (played
by Merkelbach himself) who, along with his pretty cohort, Jenny,
jump from portal to portal. Merkelbach sent me his latest short
film, "Curse of the Del Garria", for a looksee. Must say, though
it's not quite Lucas, Spielberg, even Bob Clark (for the uninitiated
he directed "Baby Geniuses 2" and "The Karate Dog")…it's well-done.
The guy could be on his way. For more info on Merkelbach's
productions, drop by his Yahoo! Site. Ok mate, there's your plug,
make sure I'm written in to play the villain in your next flick.
Nothing's for free these days. Ha Ha. Seriously, good on anyone who
gets out there with a limited budget, lens and has a go.

Thanks to Clint Morris.

Jonathan Blum and his wife Kate Orman have won the 2004 Aurealis
Award for Best Australian Science Fiction Novel. Congratulations to
Jon and Kate on this great achievement.

Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

Andrew Merkelbach/Merkelbach Films would like to wish all friends
and members a happy, safe Easter 2004.

Travis & Steve - We will hatfo catch up again soon :)

Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

Yes, Torquay Times newspaper featured yet another story about
"Curse" on the 09/02/04. This time the article covers the success of
the premiere. A photo is included featuring TV personalities Murry
Bingham, Nikki Buckley, yours truly and MP Michael Crutchfield.

A scan of the article is available to download in the files section
of this group. Thanks to John Stoward.

Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

The premiere night for "Curse Of The Del Garria" was a complete
success! The action all started at 7.15pm with a special cast/crew
photo session, which was soon joined by our celebrity guests, MP
Michael Crutchfield and TV personalities Nikki Buckley and her
husband Murray.

By 7.30pm the 114-seat cinema quickly became close to housing an
audience of almost 200 – don't ask me how! LoL

MP Michael Crutchfield opened the night with a special introduction
speech with a 59sec clip from our 2002 audio drama leading into the
film itself.

Overall, "Curse Of The Del Garria" was REALLY well received by
critics and the general public alike, receiving a very big round of
applause and verbal praise/appreciation.

After a 2minute intermission the previously undisclosed 1999 fan
film "Time Waits For No Man" followed, getting it's first official
Australian premiere. This also went down well and received applause
from the audience.

The night was not short of praise and I must honestly confess – it
couldn't have gone any better!

Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

The Geelong Advertiser newspaper featured a story on Andrew
Merkelbach/"Curse Of The Del Garria" today (30/01/04). The clipping
is now available to download in the files section of this group. It
includes a "colour" photo of yours truly standing with a theatrical-
sized poster of the film inside reading cinemas. Thanks to Christine
Antoniou and Tony Kerrigan.

Note: The Andrew Merkelbach/Merkelbach Films Publicity List now
includes x2 recent additions.

Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

The Torquay Times newspaper featured an article on "Curse Of The Del
Garria" today (27/01/04). The clipping is now available to download
in the files section of this group. Thanks to John Stoward :)

Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

Merkelbach Films members will no longer be able to post messages on
this website, as we have abandoned the discussion group format in
favour of a faster, more professional-looking newsletter service.

Note: if you are a moderator of this group, you will still be able to
post at your leasure.

If you would like to talk to us about anything it is recommended that
you send a short e-mail to the following address:

MerkelbachFilms@...

Please don't stress if you do not receive a reply straight away.  We
are very busy people and may be unable to answer mail on a day-to-day
basis. That said, it also depends on what you may be asking or/ what
you want to talk to us about.

Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

On the 04 of February 2004 we are having a premiere at reading cinemas
(Geelong, Victoria) for my latest film "Curse of the Del Garria".

Tickets are available for $10.00 each. Please e-mail me at:
MerkelbachFilms@... to order.

Here's some info about the film in question...

"CURSE OF THE DEL GARRIA"
Format: DVM Approx.
Run. Time: 30mins
Genre:  Supernatural/Horror
Written by Mark Robert Ritchie, Keith Redhead
Produced & Directed by Andrew Merkelbach
Edited by Jon Blum
Starring: ANDREW MERKELBACH, JOANNE ROSE, NICHOLAS CAMERON, CHRIS
TSOROTES, LAWRENCE CUMMING, SAM MELLOR, RENEE POWELL, MAUREEN LESJAK
and STEVE SIMPSON

Synopsis
Taking a holiday after 3yrs of saving the universe, The Traveller
(ANDREW MERKELBACH) and his delightful companion Jenny (JOANNE ROSE)
visit the small coastal town of Caster's Bay. It's Halloween time
again and all hell is about to break loose. Behind the scenes, an
evil force is manipulating events and growing ever stronger…

The Del Garria is coming…

Only The Traveller can save the town's residents from destroying
eachother, but first he's got to help Jenny deal with her inner most
fears…

Note: The film has been accepted into the 2004 International Sydney
Film Festival.

Looking forward to sharing this prestigious night with some of you!

Note: For those who are unable to attend, premiere photos should be
uploaded onto the site around middle Feb.

Thanks,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films

Yes that's right, "Curse" editor (and novelist) Jon Blum and his wife
Kate Orman have been nominated for the prestigious Aurealis Award for
best *Australian* sci-fi novel.

The following interview/text has been borrowed from official BBC
website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/news/drwho/2004/01/06/8719.shtml

Fallen Gods, by Jonathan Blum and Kate Orman, has been nominated for
the Aurealis Award for the best Australian Science Fiction novel.

Of the nomination, Blum says, "I was thoroughly confident from way
back that Fallen Gods would be recognised. David [Howe] and Stephen
[James Walker, of Telos Publishing] did a wonderful job in coaxing
this book out of us in the first place, and making it as good as it
possibly could be."

The winner of the award will be announced at Swancon 2004 in Perth
next April.

Go Aussies!


Kind Regards,
Andrew Merkelbach
Merkelbach Films