Research consultancy

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Provide historical research expertise, analysis and advice for creative, educational, heritage and media projects.

Historical research can support far more than books and reports. Film productions, television programs, documentaries, podcasts, exhibitions, museums, heritage projects and educational resources often require historical research, source identification, fact checking, contextual analysis and historical interpretation. Michael provides research consultancy services to organisations, producers, publishers, museums, heritage organisations and other clients seeking expert historical research support. Michael applies the same research rigour, analytical skills and evidence-based approach that underpin all historical research projects, whether supporting the development of a documentary, identifying historical sources for an exhibition, reviewing the historical accuracy of a script or assisting with archival research.

Consultancy areas

Michael undertakes research relating to:

Film productions
Television productions
Documentary productions
Podcasts
Exhibitions and museums
Heritage projects
Books and publications
Educational resources
Historical interpretation projects
Historical fact checking
Archival research
Oral history projects

Typical research sources

Research may include the following sources depending on the nature of the project:

Historical newspapers
Government records
Military service records
Family history records
Birth, death and marriage records
Oral history interviews
Photographs and audiovisual materials
Museum and archive collections
Personal papers and correspondence
Court records
Maps and plans
Published histories and secondary sources

Research questions and deliverables

Every historical research project begins with a question. The nature of the question influences the scope of the research and the final deliverable, for example:

The final deliverable will depend on the research question, availability of historical evidence and client objectives.

Case studies

The following case studies illustrate how historical research can help answer specific questions and produce deliverables tailored to client needs.

Why engage a research consultant?

Research consultancy can:

Strengthen the historical accuracy of projects.
Identify valuable historical sources and evidence.
Support film, television, documentary and exhibition development.
Provide historical context and interpretation.
Reduce research time and effort.
Improve the quality and credibility of project outcomes.
Ensure historical content is supported by evidence.

Ready to discuss your project?

Complete the Contact Form to discuss your research consultancy requirements.

Consultancy areas

A documentary producer is developing a film examining the history of regional commercial television in Australia. The production team wishes to identify relevant historical sources, key developments, significant organisations and potential interview subjects to support the project.

Their fundamental research question is "What historical evidence and sources are available to support the development of this documentary?"

The producer receives a Research Consultancy Source Guide. This includes an overview of relevant archival collections, historical publications, documentary sources, photographs, audiovisual materials, key historical themes and potential interview subjects that may assist with the development of the production.

A regional museum is developing an exhibition exploring the history of a local industry that played a significant role in the economic development of the district. The museum wishes to identify important themes, events, organisations and individuals that should be represented within the exhibition.

The museum's fundamental research question is "What stories, themes and historical evidence should be included in this exhibition?"

The museum receives a Research Consultancy Report. This includes recommendations regarding key historical themes, significant events, source material, photographs, artefacts, interpretive opportunities and supporting historical evidence that may assist with exhibition design and content development.

A production company is developing a television drama set in regional Australia during the 1960s. The producers wish to ensure the setting, events, language, technology and broader historical context accurately reflect the period.

Their fundamental research question is "How can we ensure this production accurately reflects the historical period in which it is set?"

The production company receives a Historical Accuracy Review. This includes historical fact-checking, contextual analysis, source recommendations and advice regarding historical accuracy, helping the production team create an authentic representation of the period.

Typical research sources

Research questions and deliverables

Case studies

Why engage a research consultant?