Bbc Archive

Dr Hannah Fry and a virtual host present a new way of making television, as the BBC research and development department uses artificial intelligence to delve into the treasures of the BBC Archive. Computers trawl through more than quarter of a million shows using a variety of machine learning techniques, then let loose to create short programmes-within-a-programme in the style of BBC Four.

'Motor Racing at the BBC: That Petrol Emotion' is a five-part series which tells the compelling story of the early days of Formula 1 – from the 1950s through to the 1970s – courtesy of images from the BBC archives.

The BBC’s Third Programme aired four radio broadcasts between January 1964 and September 1965, collectively known as Inventions for Radio. They were ground-breaking in both form and content, conceived by playwright Barry Bermange and consisting of the voices of the general public answering questions on four themes, one for each programme: dreams, the existence of God, life after death and ageing. At a time when it was unheard of to give a media platform to anyone perceived as being of low socio-economic status, the broadcasts generated many complaints for the “rough” voices of its participants. Delia Derbyshire was assigned by the Radiophonic Workshop to edit and add electronic music/ effects. The collaborative result is dreamlike and mesmerizing, an audial window to another era. For many years Derbyshire was not credited for her contribution, nor were the broadcasts available commercially, although they still managed to acquire something of a cult following.

Series looking at how the BBC has revealed and interpreted monumental moments in our history. Using the BBC archive, the programmes examine changes in research covered in documentary television.

Stabbings, shootings, genocide, torture, abduction, robbery, serial killing and mass suicide are just a few of the horrific crimes explored in Great Crimes and Trials. True stories carefully researched and reconstructed with actual archive footage. Cases which have become almost legendary in the annals of crime and detection.

Jazz Horns Gold blows its own trumpet (and saxophone and nose flute) with a cool array of BBC archive from the jazz vaults. Legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz and Rahsaan Roland Kirk play boldly alongside new stars who emerged in the 80s like Wynton Marsalis and the young jazz disciples of the 21st century such as Joshua Redman and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Not forgetting the Brits including Acker Bilk, John Dankworth, Courtney Pine and John Surman and the late, lamented Andy Hamilton. Archive sources include Jazz 625, the Late Show, Later with Jools Holland and Crackerjack.

In 1989 an entire way of life ended for millions behind the Iron Curtain. Combining 1st hand testimony with extensive archive footage, this 3 part series recreates and examines the world that disappeared twenty years ago - the lost world of communism. See unique archive and personal testimony from those who lived behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany, Czechoslovakia and Romania. The personal stories of dissident leaders, artists, athletes, entertainers, members of the communist elite, secret police and 'ordinary' citizens evoke the moods, and experiences across 4 decades of a now lost world of communism.

Historian Dominic Sandbrook takes us back to the strange years of the Cold War.

A dramatic, archive based documentary series from the BBC. Amazing footage, stories and personal accounts of Tsunamis, Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Avalanches, Floods and Volcanoes.

Love it or hate it, the pop decade that brought us, variously, Wham!, Bananarama, Annie Lennox, Morrissey, Michael Jackson, S'Express and, er, Joe Dolce certainly had variety. Award-winning author Dylan Jones is in the driving seat for this authoritative four-part look back. No stone (rose) remains unturned, as he revisits the New Romantics, hip-hop, indie jingle, synth-pop and club culture. Not to mention Culture Club…