Historians on Screen – Turning Research into Broadcast Ideas

Funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC – IAA).

History is everywhere on screen. The past is visualised in historical documentaries, period dramas, films, genealogy shows and horrible histories. Historians provide expert commentary as talking heads, while working behind the scenes as TV and film consultants, contributing their expert knowledge in myriad ways. More recently, historians have started to feature on video podcasts, TikTok videos, and many other visual formats.

However, researchers often feel uncertain about how to engage with the media, or how they might apply their underpinning research to create, develop and pitch ideas. Too often, they lack a roadmap for media engagement and lack training on performing effectively on screen.

Historians on Screen is an online workshop series intended to train historians (and researchers in related disciplines) in working with screen. Across two online workshops, participants will learn how to use historical research to create, develop and pitch screen-based ideas. Talks will be given by industry experts and experienced historians. The event is aimed at participants from postgraduate (MA and PhD) level and early career researchers.

Please note: Spaces are limited. Pre-registration is essential.

Workshop 1: Turning Research into Broadcast Ideas

Historians often ask themselves: How could I turn my research into broadcast ideas? This workshop explores the processes of creating ideas and transforming historical research into viable screen production projects. Speakers include media professionals working in various historical genres, and researchers of history who have engaged in television productions. The workshop will also reflect upon how historical periods are represented on television.

Schedule

10am to 11.30am

Representatives from three major television production companies will discuss screenwriting and drama, the production process surrounding factual television programmes and the development of ideas with a view to pitching to broadcasters or funders.

11.45am to 1pm

Dr Kate Byrne (Ulster University) and Dr Frank Ferguson (Ulster University) will discuss their research into television writing and production, and their practical experience in using historical research for television consultancy work

Workshop 2: Pathways to Media Work for Historians

Date: 23 May 2025, 10am-1pm

Historians are regularly approached by media researchers, usually to consult on TV and film productions. Thorough historical research is integral to accurate and convincing screen productions, and trained historians can play an invaluable role in helping the media. This workshop sheds light on how historians might search for and secure research-related employment in the media industries.

Schedule

10am to 11.30am Employability, Research and the Media

Session one is led by Jackie Smyth and Donna Caldwell from Ulster University’s Employability and Careers service who will offer insight into how to become a researcher in media, including freelance work, while providing guidance on how to be an effective consultant when approached by media researchers.

11.45am – 1pm Pitching Session

Workshop One attendees will be invited to develop a one-page pitch document for a television show, with opportunities to receive advice and mentoring in-between the two workshops. In this session, historian and television producer, Dr Mark Benson (Ulster University) will run a feedback session on pre-prepared pitches.

Link.