Thoughts on MFX Replicas

I have been asked what my issues with MFX are and why I apparently hate them so much. I'm going to give a very short and condensed version of my feelings as I see them.

First off, I have no personal issues with MFX or the man behind it, Neill Gorton. He is a very talented and skilled make-up effects artist and his work has been pivotal to the success of the new Doctor Who. For that I applaud and admire him.

My issue, to a greater part, is down to the way in which the licence to produce certain prop replicas for the BBC has been awarded. I have always maintained I have been more than happy to pay the BBC a licence fee and produce my replicas officially and have indeed approached the BBC, through various intermediaries and agents, to request a licence to produce my replicas. Each and every time I tried I was met with a flat refusal. I was told licences for the items I wanted to produce were not going to be awarded and there were no plans to reconsider in the future. Basically, a 'no'. In fact, it couldn't haven't been more of a negative even if they tried. The BBC refused to even entertain a business proposal or even look at my prototypes.

Imagine my surprise when I find that shortly after my approach, the licences for the Sonic Screwdriver, Master's Ring, Laser Screwdriver and Chameleon Arch watch were awarded to MFX and Wesco. Even after I asked pointedly if these licences were up for grabs.

Basically I felt cheated and lied to. Why were these licences awarded to others? What made them more qualified than I to produce them? I thought licence applications were considered on merit and capability. Obviously not so.

It doesn't take a genius to suspect something funny was afoot. Indeed, deals appear to have been struck 'under-the-counter' circumventing established channels. MFX, to me, appear to have won the licence purely because of their existing relationship with the show. Think about it: they are a makeup effect company with NO experience producing props or prop replicas for the show. How did a company such as this managed to wangle such a coveted licence? Simple. They had inside help with possibly the production team 'putting in a good word' for them. That is disgusting considering there were far more qualified parties after that licence.

Let me fill you in on another interesting fact. In order to qualify for a merchandise licence you have to prove that you can build the product consistently and to the right quality standards in the quantities required. This usually meant building a dozen or so prototype units for examination. Mutant Moldings once applied for a licence to build full size new series Daleks and indeed had to mold and assemble 12 full size Daleks for examination by BBC Licensing to make sure that they were good enough. They weren't and they never got the licence. Codsteaks, who built the TARDIS CD cabinet, also had to go throught the exact same process. However the interesting thing is that this VITAL and ordinarily COMPULSORY stage was conveniently circumvented by MFX when 'applying' for the Sonic Screwdriver licence. It would not surprise me if Gorton only had the two engineering prototypes of the slider sonic and the single spring loaded one. This begs the question, how the fuck did they get the licence without first demonstrating they had the capability to produce these things when everyone else has to jump through hoops?

Answers on a post card please.....