-
Assistant Producer Alice Robinson
Assistant Producer Alice Robinson talks about her experience working on Dan Snow's Norman Walks.
-
What does the role of an AP involve?
My role involves making initial contact with the academic community, the local historians and enthusiasts who can teach us more about our subject area. This research helped the producer to design the historical country walks.
-
What did you find most interesting about Norman times?
The most interesting thing I learned is that the Norman era was arguably one of the most formative periods in England's history. You have to look for the clues, and once you start seeing our culture and countryside through Norman eyes, you appreciate the impressive extent of the Norman legacy - from place names, to architecture, language, agriculture and iron-working.
-
What was your favourite place?
My favourite place was Garway Hill in episode two: The Welsh Marches. The isolated and challenging terrain of the Welsh border feels like it still belongs to an historic era. The panoramic view from Garway evokes images of Normans and Welsh kings struggling to master the people who inhabited this land.
-
What was the worst moment of filming?
The worst moment of filming was when the crew got caught in a deluge right at the conclusion of the shoot. When you work outdoors there's nowhere to hide from April showers! But nothing fazed the producer or Dan Snow!
-
Did you and the crew do all the walks?
The producer, crew, Dan Snow and I did all the walks. Taking an immersive approach as a crew was essential to help us get inside the minds of The Conqueror and King Harold.
-
What was your favourite moment in this production?
My favourite moment in the production was making contact with an American in Ohio who has been researching the Norman family tree for many years. He shares a surname with some of the earliest Normans in England. It is amazing to think that 1000 years after the invasion, the Norman legacy transcends barriers like the Atlantic Ocean!
-
Norman Season
This series was part of the Norman Season on BBC Two and BBC Four, a collection of programmes highlighting the effect that the Normans have had on our civilisation.
-
BBC Hands on History
Find out how you can go on your own Norman adventure with Hands on History - helping to bring history to life.
Start your Norman adventure -
BBC TV Blog: In search of hidden history
Series producer Owen Rodd sets out the challenges faced organising Dan's six Norman walks, as well as the pleasures had in taking them.
Read Owen's blog post at the BBC TV blog
