page_title: The Night of the Doctor
section_title: Production
hierarchical_section_title: The Night of the Doctor / Production
caption_attribution_description: Doctor Who Experience Doctor Who Experience
context_page_description: "The Night of the Doctor" is a mini-episode of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who. It was made available on BBC iPlayer and YouTube on 14 November 2013, as part of the BBC One lead-up to the show's 50th anniversary special. It was written by Steven Moffat and starred Paul McGann as the Doctor.
  The episode is set during the Time War and shows the previously unseen last moments of the Eighth Doctor and his artificially controlled regeneration into the War Doctor. It is McGann's second onscreen appearance as the Doctor, following his debut in the 1996 TV movie.
context_section_description: The idea for "The Night of the Doctor" came following the creation of the previously unknown incarnation of the Doctor played by John Hurt in "The Name of the Doctor". Steven Moffat decided that he wanted to see how this Doctor came into being, with the best story idea being a direct regeneration from the Eighth Doctor, which would have the added benefit of showing the end of the Eighth Doctor, which Moffat had always wanted to see. Having contacted Paul McGann, who indicated his willingness to participate, Moffat then constructed the mini-episode to serve as an additional surprise for the fans, as well as serving as an introductory piece to "The Day of the Doctor".
  "The Night of the Doctor" was recorded at Roath Lock on 7–8 May 2013; the first day of filming consisted of all scenes taking place on the planet Karn, while the second day consisted of scenes in Cass' spaceship. Rather than a return to the costume from the TV movie or using the new image that Big Finish had introduced, Moffat decided on a variation of the TV movie outfit designed by Howard Burden. The new outfit referenced the previous one, retaining the long green coat and grey waistcoat, but making it appear more of an "adventurer's" rather than "gentleman's" outfit. At the same time, pictures of McGann in costume were taken on the Eleventh Doctor's TARDIS console room set.
  An archival photograph of John Hurt as Rodion Raskolnikov in the 1976 BBC adaptation of Crime and Punishment was used to represent the reflection of the young War Doctor.
caption: The Eighth Doctor's costume in this episode, on display at the Doctor Who Experience.
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