Hello and welcome to Episode 157 with Neil Laird, a TV producer, novelist, documentary maker, and avid traveller. Neil Laird is LGBTQIA+ and a multiple Emmy-nominated director of historical films for Discovery, BBC, PBS, History Channel, National Geographic, and many other networks.
For 25 years, he has produced over 1000 hours of "non-fiction" films about the ancient world whilst travelling to over 70 countries. His films feature crumbling Egyptian tombs, lost Mayan cities, and mysterious shipwrecks at the bottom of the sea. Today, we will discuss Neil’s ‘eye-opening’ backpacking trip, what it is like to make TV documentaries worldwide, and why he has changed course to write novels.
We discuss Neil's extensive travel experiences, the realities of working in the travel and media industry, and the evolution of travel over the years. Neil shares his insights on the challenges of documenting travel stories, the importance of local voices, and his transition from television to writing novels. The conversation also touches on the impact of streaming services on the industry, navigating travel as a gay producer, and the joys and fears of travelling to places like Egypt.
Takeaways
Travelling for work can be less enjoyable than leisure travel.
Experiences in countries can change drastically over the years.
Documenting travel stories requires a different approach than traditional storytelling.
Local voices are crucial in sharing authentic travel experiences.
Transitioning from TV to writing novels can be a fulfilling creative outlet.
The television industry is evolving due to streaming services and changing viewer preferences.
Travelling as a gay producer comes with its own set of challenges.
It's important to support local economies when travelling to sensitive regions.
Neil Laird
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Credits
Host/Producer/Creator/Writer/Composer/Editor - James Hammond
Podcast Art Design - Swamp Soup Company - Harry Utton
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