Episode 32: John Wyver, Television Historian and Film Producer
Nov 1, 2023
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Join the host as he chats with John Wyver, a historian and media producer, about his diverse experiences in the arts and television industry. From discussing the evolution of TikTok to exploring the early history of British television and the use of Scribner for writing books, this podcast covers a range of interesting topics. John also shares his insights on researching screen adaptations of the Royal Shakespeare Company and delves into the limitations of the world and recommends a book called 'Material World' by Ed Conway.
Television has undergone significant technological advancements while maintaining cultural continuity in its language and forms.
John Wyver highlights the importance of Scrivener as an essential tool for his writing process, including research gathering, planning, and structuring.
Deep dives
Evolution of Television Technology
The podcast discusses the technological advancements in television over the past century. It highlights how television has evolved from basic 30-line blurry images to the sophisticated cameras and high-quality production seen today. Despite the significant technical improvements, there are strong continuities in cultural forms and language used in television. The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing the history of television and its impact on the current industry.
The Role of Scribner in Writing Process
The guest of the podcast, John Wyver, talks about his use of the writing tool Scribner. He credits Scribner as an essential software for his writing process, including drafting, structuring, planning, and gathering research materials. Wyver explains how he organizes his research, which involves gathering PDFs, images, and notes, and refers to them on the horizontal split screen while writing. He further highlights the availability of digitized newspapers and other online resources that have transformed historical research.
Importance of Historical Documents and Research
The podcast delves into the significance of historical documents for research purposes. It mentions notable archives and libraries, such as the British Library, where extensive historical materials are accessible. The guest appreciates the ability to work with original manuscripts, such as Shakespeare's first folio, and the availability of digital archives, which have revolutionized historical research. However, he expresses concerns about the concentration of historical artifacts in private collections and emphasizes the importance of preserving and accessing these materials in public institutions.
John Wyver writes about the history of television in the United Kingdom, produces films about the arts and performance, and is a Professor of the Arts on Screen.