Ephemera: Archaeology on Television

Synopsis: Somewhere between video installation and talking head documentary, this is a video mirror between the past and the future, displayed on the tactile surface of an ancient megalith. The images were achieved using a digital projector to physically display the filmed interviews on to the building fabric of West Kennet long barrow. In this projected dimension, three key archaeology/media figures discuss archaeology’s portrayal on UK television: Mike Pitts, editor of British Archaeology magazine; Francis Pryor, President of the Council for British Archaeology; and Julian Richards, TV and radio broadcaster. Archaeology has become very popular on UK television, prompting questions about the proper relationship between the profession and the medium.

Produced as dissertation screenwork for the MA in Archaeology for Screen Media at the University of Bristol.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 2005
Year of production: 2004
Subjects: Archaeology; Media studies
Keywords: media representation; Archaeology

Name: Archaeology Channel, The
Contact: Richard Pettigrew (president and director)
Web: http://www.archaeologychannel.org External site opens in new window
Notes: The Archaeology Channel is one of the initiatives of the US-based Archaeological Legacy Institute. The marketplace section of the Channel’s website sells a range of DVDs on archaeological topics. The site also streams documentaries in their entirety, free of charge. American archaeology is strongly represented but the extensive collection also covers worldwide content. Audio commentaries and interviews with archaeologists are also available free online .

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