Helena Cooling: Authenticity in Historical Film and Television

Authenticity and accuracy within historical film and television, is a key component for the areas of Set, Props and Costume. When working on a historically correct film or television programme it is important to use items that either are or look historically authentic. In addition, when a major historical event is depicted it is vital that all elements staged are accurate and authentic to this particular event. What is more, aspects that are not can throw the story and essence completely off balance

Made in Dagenham (2010)

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

Films or television that depicts a historical event with some level of accuracy will always find an audience. Audiences like to learn but don’t want to have to make an effort to learn the history, therefore exciting movies and television programmes that are ‘real’, allow for the audience to not only feel like they’ve learnt something, but will also have a new found appreciation for not only history but historical film and television. What is more, if a film or television programme/series is criticised for its history being inaccurate, it is likely that the audience will feel insulted if the history isn’t real enough. In addition, historical film and TV must be exciting, look visually great and portray a sense of what the time period was actually like.