Big Finish Productions has put out a statement for how they will be responding to the coronavirus pandemic. They have made the decision to temporarily suspend in-studio recording sessions as a precaution for the health and safety of the actors, freelancers and production teams.

Big Finish Productions is a British company that produces books and audio plays based, primarily, on science fiction properties. Most notably the Doctor Who audio series. Big Finish has been making brand full-cast Doctor Who adventures since 1999.

Big Finish statement

“To all Big Finish listeners: we hope you are safe and well in light of the current situation with coronavirus (COVID-19).  Due to the recent news about the spread of the virus, Big Finish has made the decision to temporarily suspend the recording of audio dramas. “

Speaking about the precaution to pause recording sessions, Chairman of the production company, Jason Haigh-Ellery, said:

“We have always worked considerably in advance – indeed some of our series have recordings dates that are up to four years in advance of their release date.  So we are lucky enough to have many productions already ‘in the can’.  

Subsequently, pausing recordings will cause minimal disruption to this year’s releases. The majority of Big Finish’s staff are freelance and work from home and so are fully able to continue to work remotely, whether writing productions for when we re-open the studios, or editing and sound designing those productions already recorded.” 

Jason Haigh-Ellery goes on to say:

“However, the safety of our actors is of paramount importance and, given the advice by public health experts to limit the risk of transmitting the virus, we have taken the decision to suspended our recording schedule in consultation with the studios that we use on a regular basis.  We will obviously continue to review all productions on a case-by-case basis and take further expert advice where necessary.   

At the moment, it is our hope to proceed with the annual Big Finish Day gathering on 6 June 2020 at Quad, Derby. If the situation changes, we will inform those who have bought tickets as early as possible.For now, however, it’s business as usual for Big Finish.”

Need some new audio stories during this time of being indoors? Visit the Big Finish website and check out the plethora of adventures!

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