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THE LATEST PROGRAMME |
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Using contemporary accounts from all levels of society, from the chattering classes to humble foot-soldiers, from senators to slaves, The Roman Way explores four aspects of everyday life, two millennia ago.
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 Rebecca Nicholson, the programme producer, gives an insight into producing a history series like The Roman Way.
What is the role of the producer? Who researches the series? And what difficulties are encountered by a producer? Read below or listen to her interview
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1) What is the role of the programme producer?
The producer decides the shape of the series and the content of the programmes, researches the subject in question, finds the contributors and is responsible for the quality of the recorded interviews, selects all other programme-content - such as archives, music, readings, etc - and casts and directs actors (if used), edits all the recorded material, writes any supporting promotional matter (trails, etc) - and supports the presenter, where required.
2) Were there sufficient available ideas and information for the series?
There was a wealth of information to browse through and choose from: the BBC library gave me access to any and all books on the subject, there's no shortage of websites covering classical Rome - and the British Museum is just a few minutes' walk from Broadcasting House…
3) What is the most difficult aspect of producing a historical series like The Roman Way?
See above! The subject area covers several hundreds years of history - throughout the entire known world. Of course, a four-part radio series can't possibly cover everything - in a sense, what we're doing in THE ROMAN WAY is tip-toeing across the peaks of a vast mountain-range of knowledge - but even so, just deciding where to start, took some time.
4) What have you enjoyed most about producing The Roman Way?
Having the privilege of visiting historical sites and museums, in the company of experts in the matter. It's been a series of historical master-classes…
5) Did you g
et to travel to Rome?
Yes. It was enormous fun, and very educational - in many ways…I only know a couple of dozen words in Italian, mostly concerned with ordering coffee. On our first evening, I solemnly ordered "due grande latte" - and the waiter promptly brought over two large hot milks!
Listen here for a fuller version of Rebecca Nicholson's account of producing The Roman Way.
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