BBC Bitesize History Video Production Case Study
We worked with the BBC to deliver educational video production for BBC Bitesize History, creating a series of engaging films designed to support students across the UK.
Project Overview
- Client: BBC
- Project: Bitesize History
- Service: Video production
- Audience: National 5/Higher Students
- Sector: Education
The Brief
In 2023, BBC Bitesize commissioned us to create a series of 29 short documentary films to support pupils studying history in Scotland.
The brief was to produce engaging, curriculum-aligned content for the National 4/5 and Higher syllabus, making complex historical topics clear, accessible and memorable for students.
The films needed to balance historical accuracy with strong storytelling, ensuring they could hold the attention of a young audience while maintaining educational rigour.
Our process involved extensive research, scriptwriting, voice-over recording, animation, and collaboration with educational consultant Lindsay Rea. The resulting films cover a broad range of historical topics, including:
Our Approach
Our approach began with extensive research. Working closely with educational consultant Lindsay Rea, we identified the key topics and shaped them into concise, engaging scripts tailored to the curriculum.
We then sourced archive footage and imagery to illustrate each period, with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy. Every asset was carefully selected to ensure it reflected the correct time and place, with all necessary rights and licences secured.
With scripts and visuals in place, we moved into production. Voiceovers were recorded with Danielle Fiamanya and Susheel Kumar, before bringing the films to life through animation.
The visual style combined archive material with contemporary elements, creating a distinctive “Then and Now” approach—gritty, modern and engaging, while still rooted in the historical periods being explored. This aesthetic carried through the animation and music, giving the series a consistent and recognisable tone.
The topics covered included:
- USA, 1918–1968
- Britain and Ireland, 1900–1985
- Migration and empire, 1830–1939
- Atlantic Slave Trade, 1770–1807
- Changing Britain, 1760–1914
- Free at Last? Civil Rights in the USA, 1918-1968
- Making of Modern Britain, 1880 – 1951
- Britain and Ireland
The Outcome
Each film blends archive material, stock footage, live-action elements, animation and motion graphics to create a dynamic and visually cohesive series. On-screen text and animated graphics highlight key terms and concepts, ensuring the films are both engaging and effective as a revision resource.
The visuals are combined with a contemporary soundtrack and relatable Scottish voiceover, creating a tone that resonates with the target audience while remaining clear and accessible.
The films are now live on BBC Bitesize, supporting students across Scotland with their history studies and revision. Their success has led to further collaboration, with the BBC commissioning an additional 30 films to expand the series.
This project reflects our approach to educational video production: combining strong storytelling, thoughtful design and broadcast-quality production to create content that informs and engages.
Series Credits
Voice over: Danielle Fiamanya, Susheel Kumar
Educational Consultant: Lindsay Rea
Animation: Matt Burwood