 " Blink " was directed by Hettie MacDonald , making her the first female director of a Doctor Who episode since the Sixth Doctor serial The Mark of the Rani . Russell T Davies , the series ' executive producer , later noted that , due to MacDonald 's work , the episode included some of " the most beautiful [ visuals ] we 've ever had " . British actress Carey Mulligan was chosen to play Sally Sparrow ; Mulligan was reportedly ecstatic to have been cast in the series . She was initially concerned with the fact that Tennant would have little screen time , but after the episode aired was very pleased with the final result . 
