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BBC Four, 1 x 60 mins, 2016.

“A timely and reassuring documentary about how music can lead to political change,” The Guardian

“The best, most intelligent programme on television this week,” The Observer

“Pick of the week,” Daily Mail and The Times

In the 1970s, Jamaica came alive to the sounds of roots reggae. British rapper, poet and political commentator Akala tells the story of this golden period in the island’s musical history, a time when a small group of musicians took songs of Rastafari, revolution and hope to the international stage.

Growing up in London, Akala’s family immersed him in roots reggae from an early age so he has a very personal connection to the culture. It has informed his own songwriting, poetry and political worldview, but it’s an upbringing that he now feels he’s taken for granted. In this documentary, Akala sets out to find out more about the music that has had such an impact on his life.

Commissioned by Jan Younghusband
Co-written and presented by Akala
Co-written, produced and directed by James Hale
John Gillanders – Editor
Emma Haskins – Production Manager
James Hayes – Executive Producer

BBC One Wales and BBC Two network, 1 x 60mins, 2017.

Adventurer and writer Will Millard investigates Cardiff’s hidden history in this urban exploration of the Welsh capital. On an exhilarating and sometimes dangerous journey, Will goes in search of the lost stories that shows how Cardiff went from a tiny town to the thriving city it is today. From concealed tunnels to nuclear bunkers and from covered canals to derelict buildings, Will has unprecedented access to discover long-forgotten gems that reveal the city like you’ve never seen it before.

Co-production with Folk Films
Directed and produced by James Hale
Edited by John Gillanders
Exec-produced by Steve Robinson                      

BBC Four and BBC One Wales, 3 x 60 mins, 2018

In this three-part series, writer and adventurer Will Millard discovers the hidden history of Wales by exploring forgotten, secret and usually inaccessible locations that show the country as you’ve never seen it before.

On an intriguing, exhilarating and sometimes dangerous journey, the series offers unprecedented access to places you rarely get to see. Starting in the north and working his way south, over three episodes Will reveals natural wonders hidden beneath the landscape, abandoned buildings that tell us from where Wales has come and modern marvels of engineering that show what the country might become.

Will’s discoveries include the biggest abandoned slate mine in the world, a forgotten mansion concealed in a wood, a decommissioned nuclear power station, a Victorian invention lying at the bottom of the sea, an abandoned sea fort, a derelict mental asylum, the final resting place of early man, a lost mediaeval city and a forgotten prisoner of war camp. It could be our last chance to see some of the Welsh history that is vanishing right in front of us.

“Hidden Wales is a reminder of how good these travelogues can be when done well.” Four Stars, The Daily Mail.

Critic’s Choice, The i – What to Watch, The Times – The Choice, The Daily Mirror – Watch This, The Guardian – Best of the Week and Last Night’s TV (4 stars), The Daily Mail – What to Watch, The Daily Telegraph.

Co-production with Folk Films
Series produced and directed by James Hale 
Edited by Dylan Goch   
Exec-produced by Steve Robinson