When the past meets present: Creating historical stories that resonate now.
Date: Saturday, 26 April
Time: 10:10
Room: TBC
Filmed: TBC
Bonnets and breeches aren’t enough anymore. Today’s viewers want period dramas that feel as urgent and relevant as contemporary stories, while still delivering the escapism of another era.
Join our panel of writers, producers and executives as they unpack what makes historical stories connect with modern audiences. From “Bridgerton” to “The Great” to Oscar-winners like “The Favourite,” we’ll examine how successful period pieces balance historical frameworks with contemporary sensibilities without losing their authentic core.
The conversation will range from creative challenges (finding that sweet spot between accuracy and dramatic license, making period dialogue feel natural yet authentic) to practical production considerations (when the higher budget is justified, shooting period on limited resources) to market realities (what different platforms actually want from historical content right now).
Whether you’re working on a Regency romance, a Victorian thriller, or a medieval epic, you’ll gain insights into making period settings feel immediate and compelling to contemporary viewers. We’ll explore how to identify which modern themes can be meaningfully explored through historical lenses, and when it makes sense to break from tradition.
Come with your questions about bringing the past to life for present-day audiences. Our panelists will share their experiences navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of creating period drama that feels both authentic to its time and irresistible to ours.
