Short Programmes

60 second Adventure in Astronomy

Ever wondered where the Universe came from? Or more importantly, where it's headed? Voiced by David Mitchell, this series of 60 second animations examines different scientific concepts from the big bang to relativity, from black holes to dark matter. The series also explores the possibility of life beyond Earth and considers why David Bowie is still none the wiser about life on Mars.
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60 second Adventure in Economics

Why would it be a bad thing if everyone started saving? Why do exchange rates keep on changing? With the Eurozone in crisis and high unemployment, economic uncertainty affects our everyday lives. This animated series cuts through the jargon to reveal the influences behind what we earn, what we spend and what happens on the stock market.
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60 second Adventure in Thought

Can a cat be both alive and dead? Can a computer think? Can a tortoise outrun a hero? Voiced by comedian David Mitchell, these fast-paced animations explain six famous thought experiments. Includes the Grandfather Paradox, which questions whether you can go back in time and kill your own grandfather. If you kill him, you won't be born, so who killed your grandfather?
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7 Wonders of the Microbe World

From Black Death to Cholera, microbes have been responsible for some of the world's most devastating diseases. Yet they have also provided us with genetic engineering, the vision of life on Mars, life-saving antibiotics and food preservation - plus the wonderful taste of beer! Using expert commentary, animation and stylised visuals, this short films introduce microbiology, examining the impact microbes have had on humans from Egyptian times to the present day.
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History Shorts

Six short animated films take an irreverent look at famousSix short animated films explore famous historical legends and figures. Was Cleopatra really as beautiful as the myths say? How is the Dalai Lama chosen? What is the significance of Stonehenge and Glastonbury as sacred places? The series also follows current news stories relating to history and art, such as the controversy about the Benin Bronzes; what actually are they? A rich mix of animation and archive illuminate these fascinating topics. 
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History of English in 10 minutes

Where did the phrase 'a wolf in sheep's clothing' come from? And when did scientists finally get round to naming sexual body parts? Voiced by comic/presenter Clive Anderson, this romp squeezes 1,600 years of history into 10 one-minute bites. It uncovers the sources of words and phrases from Shakespeare and the King James Bible to America and the internet.
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