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Research and Archival research

Through a combination of academic expertise and media experience we are in a unique position to help journalists, programme and filmmakers realise the full potential of their projects. Not only are we able to find the correct primary documentation to lend credibility to your argument, but we are also able to assess which sources will be most effectively conveyed in your particular medium.

One of the greatest obstacles facing researchers is being aware of the amount of material that is available to them. Archive institutions offer a wealth of information but their vast catalogues are notoriously difficult to navigate. The National Archives for example holds nearly 10 million documents, this can be a daunting prospect when you may be searching for only one or two.

Our specialist archive researchers are adept at locating the documents that our clients need quickly and efficiently and through experience are able to link their findings to other relevant material. As media researchers are rarely archivists, commissioning specialist research at the beginning of a project means a more effective use of time and money.

We offer a consultancy and research service for production companies on a variety of topics and chronological periods, specialising in medieval and early modern, military, house, local & family history. Please contact SRA directly for more details.

Most recently we have worked on:

  • Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC1, BBC2) Series 1 to 5
  • Who Do You Think You Are? Australia (SBS) 2008
  • Who Do You Think You Are? Ireland (RTE 1) 2008
  • Tracing Your Roots (BBC Radio 4) 2007-2008
  • Brit Camp (Teachers TV) 2008
  • Secrets from the Attic (ITV West) 2008
  • Extraordinary People (Five) 2008
  • The Property Show (Five) 2008
  • So You Think You’re Royal (Sky One) 2007
  • Not Forgotten (Channel 4) 2007
  • Empire’s Children (Channel 4) 2007
  • Face of Britain (Channel 4), 2007
  • 100% English (Channel 4) 2007
  • Hidden House History (The History Channel) 2006
  • History Mysteries (BBC2) 2005
  • Seven Wonders of the Industrial World (BBC2) 2003

Nick Barratt has also been the media spokesperson for many aspects of history and genealogy, and has appeared on various programmes including BBC Breakfast, This Morning, The Richard Hammond Show, The One Show, GMTV and various regional and local news programmes. He also writes extensively in the press on all aspects of history.

On-screen

We also provide on-screen advice on a range of topics. Nick Barratt and other members of the SRA team have made numerous appearances on TV as experts, including House Detectives, News at Ten, London Tonight, The Learning Curve and the History Channel's Small Piece of History and Family History Project. Info on Nick's presenting, click here.

Radio

Members of SRA have broardcast on national and commercial radio, to promote various TV series and as subject experts. Nick Barratt is a regular contributor on Five Live, BBC Radio4 and BBC7. Rates can be negotiated.

Appearance fees for consultants used on tape are subject to negotiation depending on the nature of the work involved.

Journalistic and newspaper research
All of our researchers have written articles, features and reports for national newspapers and magazines, as well as specialist pieces for genealogy journals such as Ancestors and Your Family Tree magazine. Fees vary according to the nature of the project and the researcher that you requested.

New ideas
We are also looking to put together pre-researched programmes for commission, drawing upon our wide network of contacts within the academic, archival and media worlds. Please talk to us if you would like to know more about some of these projects. Further information can be found at a related website, www.media-research.org.uk.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of SRA’s media services, including consultancy, research, or broadcast roles please contact SRA’s business manager, Sarah-Jane on 07944 046057 or via e-mail at sarahj@ stick.org.uk


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