As presenter, researcher, content developer and script writer/editor, my freelance historical consultancy work keeps me enthusiastic and engaged in the discipline of history by helping to bring fascinating new stories to the wider public sphere. I have worked for major broadcasters such as BBC, Channel 5 and ITV as well as independent start ups. My interest in factual documentaries, historical dramas, non-fiction writing, podcast interviews and new digital media platforms stems from a belief in the importance of quality content to make the past come to life for all types of audiences.
TV documentaries
Secrets of the Ancient Builders: the Acropolis – secrets of the ancient citadel (RMC Decouverte)
Interviewed on history and context of the monuments built on the Athenian acropolis, including their construction techniques and materials. Watch trailer
Eight Days that Made Rome (Channel 5)
Series Development Researcher for the full eight episode season. Mix of scripted pieces to camera and voiceovers along with interviews, site visits and dramatised historical re-enactments. Watch trailer
Genius of the Ancient World: Socrates (BBC Four)
Production Assistant, script editor and on location advisor in Athens for museum and site visits. Watch trailer
Secrets from the Sky (ITV)
Script editor/researcher for this series using aerial footage to explore historical sites from a new perspective. Watch trailer
BBC Bitesize
Educational consultant for Spectrecom/Maia Films pitching new BBC Bitesize video clips and revision resources for schools.
Writing scripts for new Greek mythology animations.
Radio
The Ideas That Make Us (BBC Radio 4)
Script editor/researcher for this series on the history of the most influential philosophical ideas in the story of civilisation. Listen to available episodes
Ancient Ways (BBC Radio 4)
Script editor/researcher for series exploring famous roads in the ancient world and how they influenced historical events Listen to available episodes
Audiobooks
Audible
Consultant on historical and foreign vocabulary pronunciation for release of Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities. See acknowledgement in publishing blog
Museum audio guides
Aura: Museum genius
Content developer for a new app changing visitor experiences in museums around the world. Completed entries on over 500 objects in the British Museum. Writing and recording themed routes through museums and listed as an expert guide in all promotional/sales material.
Podcasts
Women in Oxford’s History
Interviewed on my research into early 20th century archaeologist, explorer, diplomat and spy Gertrude Bell. Listen to episode
Working Over Time (Littlefire)
Interviewed on ‘The Politics of Art’, discussing the ways in which Greco-Roman sculptors used artwork to give specific messages in public spaces, just like statues do today. Listen to episode
Podcast of a Lady on Fire
Interviewed on historical topics connected to the 2019 film Portrait of a Lady on Fire. In three episodes, discussion ranged across the historical context of women’s experiences in the 18th century, the use of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, and the history of convents. Listen to episode
LAB History Time!
Recorded and sound edited my own podcast during the unexpected school lockdowns of 2020. Classics, History and Politics topics for my classes age 11-18 to listen to as well as presenting interviews on a range of topics. The podcast was highlighted in the national Aldridge academies newsletter as an example of ‘outstanding innovation’ during the pandemic and has now been listened to in 50+ countries! I have received several requests from other platforms to create similar online teaching content. Listen to episode
Let’s work on something together!
Laura Aitken-Burt 