Ken Burns

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5 out of 5

Historian & Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker

Travels From Travels From:
Walpole, NH, USA
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Ken Burns Biography

Ken Burns, a prolific and influential figure in the realm of documentary filmmaking, has dedicated nearly five decades to crafting compelling narratives that delve into the tapestry of American history. Born on July 29, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, Burns embarked on his cinematic journey with the Academy Award-nominated "Brooklyn Bridge" in 1981, laying the foundation for a remarkable career that would redefine the genre.

Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and evocative storytelling, Burns has been called America's biographer. He has directed and produced a plethora of acclaimed historical documentaries that resonate deeply with audiences on subjects ranging from baseball to the Jackie Robinson to the Vietnam War. His magnum opus, "The Civil War," stands as a testament to his mastery, earning accolades and admiration from critics and viewers alike. A December 2002 poll by Real Screen Magazine hailed it as the second most influential documentary of all time, cementing Burns' status alongside legendary filmmaker Robert Flaherty.

Throughout his career, Burns has not only chronicled pivotal moments in American history but has also reshaped the landscape of documentary filmmaking. His innovative approach transcends mere narration, offering audiences a profound insight into the complexities of the past and its enduring relevance to the present. Burns' documentaries have earned two Academy Award nominations and have won several Emmy Awards, among other honors.

Critics and historians alike attest to the unparalleled influence of Burns' work, with the late Stephen Ambrose remarking that more Americans glean their understanding of history from Burns' films than any other source. Through his lens, Burns has not only chronicled the chronicles of the nation but has also fundamentally altered the way we perceive and engage with our collective heritage. In his latest work on Leonardo da Vinci, Burns' first non-American subject, the filmmaker peels back myths around one of the world’s greatest artists.

As he continues to captivate audiences with his poignant narratives and timeless storytelling, Burns remains a towering figure in the world of documentary filmmaking, leaving an indelible mark on the medium and shaping our understanding of the past for generations to come.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/05/2024.

Ken Burns Speaking Topics

  • Sharing the American Experience (The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz)

    Ken Burns reminds the audience of the timeless lessons of history, and the enduring greatness and importance of the United States in the course of human events. Incorporating The Civil War, Baseball and Jazz, Burns engages and celebrates what we share in common.

  • A Treasure House of Nature’s Superlatives (The National Parks: America’s Best Idea)

    Burns discusses the great gift of our national parks. Here both “the immensity and the intimacy of time” merge, as we appreciate what the parks have added to our collective and individual spirit. (Begins with 13-minute clip • intro to the film.)

  • The Rising Road (The Roosevelts: An Intimate History)

    A detailed and intimate look at three hugely influential, but deeply flawed and wounded people, who are Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt—their lives, but also their times. (Clip(s) optional.)

  • A History of the World (The Vietnam War)

    Burns tries to make sense of the most important and most consequential event in American History since World War II. Here competing viewpoints and perspectives are balanced to give us a chance to finally come to terms with this important conflict. (Clip(s) optional.)

  • Old Ghosts and Ancient Tones (Country Music)

    This powerful, moving speech digs deep into the history and meaning of country music. It’s all here: its greatest stars and the words and music that touch on universal human experiences. (Clip(s) optional.)

Ken Burns Videos

  • Ken Burns, Tom Brokaw Talk About 'Mayo Clinic' Documentary
    Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and NBC's Tom Brokaw drop by to discuss Burns' newest documentary, “The Mayo Clinic: Faith, ...
  • Ken Burns Teaches Documentary Filmmaking | Official Trailer
    Learn more about Ken Burns Teaches Documentary Filmmaking: www. masterclass.com/kb In Ken Burns's MasterClass, the documentary ...

Ken Burns Books

  • The Dust Bowl: An Illustrated History
    The Dust Bowl: An Illustrated History
  • The National Parks: America's Best Idea
    The National Parks: America's Best Idea
  • The War: An Intimate History, 1941-1945
    The War: An Intimate History, 1941-1945
  • Baseball: An Illustrated History, including The Tenth Inning
    Baseball: An Illustrated History, including The Tenth Inning
  • Jazz: A History of America's Music
    Jazz: A History of America's Music
  • Mark Twain: An Illustrated Biography
    Mark Twain: An Illustrated Biography

Speaker Lists Featuring Ken Burns

FAQs on booking Ken Burns

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  • What topics does Ken Burns speak about?

  • Where does Ken Burns travel from?

    Ken Burns generally travels from Walpole, NH, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Ken Burns is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Sharing the American Experience (The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz), A Treasure House of Nature’s Superlatives (The National Parks: America’s Best Idea), The Rising Road (The Roosevelts: An Intimate History), A History of the World (The Vietnam War) and Old Ghosts and Ancient Tones (Country Music). The estimated speaking fee range to book Ken Burns for your event is $50,000 - $100,000. Ken Burns generally travels from Walpole, NH, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Daymond John, Kal Penn, Jon Meacham, Van Jones and Peter Diamandis. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ken Burns for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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