Doctor Who masterclass held at University of Bolton

University of Bolton students were “blown away” by visiting professor Neil Gorton’s skills in creating all kinds of fantastic and frightening creatures for the popular science fiction series.

One of his latest creations was Doctor Who alien The Meep, while Neill has also worked on blockbuster films like Saving Private Ryan and The Wolfman.

He 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.

Davros was one of several special creations (Image: University of Bolton)

“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 an award-winning company that creates prosthetic makeup, animatronics, speciality costumes, models and props for films, television programmes and other projects.

Supported by designers, artists and technicians, the in-house team at Millennium FX have created work for all kinds of projects.

A Frankenstein's monster model (Image: University of Bolton)

These have included major blockbusters like Expend4bles and Red Sonja, and acclaimed television productions such as Watchmen and Being Human,

The company has also worked on 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.

Neill showed students his incredible skills (Image: University of Bolton)

Neill, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Deane Road based university in 2017, demonstrated what the company can do as part of his masterclass with the Bolton students.

He showed the importance of anatomical studies by ageing faces in clay, which he turned into a goblin for students on the University’s Model Making, Make-Up Effects and SFX programmes.

Senior lecturer in special effects for film and TV Richard McEvoy-Crompton saw some of Millennium FX’s creations for the new series of Doctor Who on a visit last year.

Senior lecturer in special effects for film and TV Richard McEvoy-Crompton (Image: University of Bolton)

He 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.”

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Viewers will have seen some of the creations for themselves when the newest series of Doctor Who started airing on Saturday May 11.

Richard 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.”