Doctor Who monster maker treats University of Bolton Centre for Film FX students to sculpting masterclass

The man behind some of the scariest enemies to grace the screens of modern Doctor Who delivered a sculpting masterclass to students at the University of Bolton.

Visiting Professor Neill Gorton demonstrated the importance of anatomical studies by ageing faces in clay and then turned it into a goblin creature for students on the University’s Model Making, Make-Up Effects and SFX programmes.

Neill, who created the cute but evil alien, The Meep, in a recent episode of the popular sci-fi TV show, also talked about his career, which has included work on blockbuster films including Saving Private Ryan and the Wolfman and TV shows such as The Witcher and Foundation.

Richard McEvoy-Crompton, Senior Lecturer in Special Effects for Film and TV at the University of Bolton, said: “It was fantastic to see Neill demonstrate his skills to our students.

“They were blown away by what they saw and gained invaluable insight into, not only, Neill’s distinguished career in film and TV, but also his practice; learning skills they can apply in a career in Film FX. He also took time to talk to students and look at their portfolios. It was an incredible day.”

Richard visited Millennium FX’s workshops in Aylesbury last year and some of his time involved on some of the creations for the new series of Doctor Who, which begins on 11 May.

Starring Ncuti Gatwa as the eponymous Time Lord and former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson, the show has former showrunner Russell T Davies back at the helm.

He said: “The work that Neill and his team at Millennium FX are producing is absolutely beautiful, it is on a whole other level and people will be amazed when they see it on their screens.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of the team for a while and a real treat to see so many of our graduates whilst I was working there.

“The talent and industry at Millennium FX is out of this world and it is fantastic that the University has a Visiting Professor of Neill’s standing to come and give lectures to our students and encourage and guide them as he does.”

Neill, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University in 2017, said: “My visits to Bolton are always a great opportunity to talent spot.

“Over the years I've been associated with the courses I've seen many, many graduates come through to work in the industry. I currently have several Bolton alumni holding key roles at Millennium FX. Bolton is great at providing the solid foundations needed for them to build a career.”

Millennium FX is a multi-award-winning company creating prosthetic makeup, animatronics, speciality costumes, models and props for film, television, commercials, theme parks, theatre, and corporate projects.

Together with their in-house team, and supported by designers, artists, and technicians, Millennium FX have created work for studio blockbusters such as Expend4bles and Red Sonja, and acclaimed television productions such as Watchmen and Being Human, as well as theatre productions like Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies and Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s The Phantom of the Opera touring production.

The company has also created costumes, characters, and animatronics for rides, exhibitions, and touring attractions worldwide.