National Geographic Filming Teutoberg Forest Battle, 9 AD

[Matthew Amt]

Avete!

Not sure I'm in the right section, here, so mods should feel free to move this.

The National Geographic Society is going to be filming a documentary on the Teutoberg Forest battle of 9 AD, and I promised to help spread the word. The tentative location is in Maryland, about a half-hour south of the DC Beltway. They want Romans and Germans, obviously! Contact information is below.

Romans should of course aim towards 9 AD with their kit, though I don't know how picky the directors will be. Optimal gear would be curve-sided shield, lorica hamata, Coolus or Montefortino helmet (or Gallic A), and Mainz, Fulham, or hispaniensis style gladius. The Kalkriese style of lorica segmentata did exist, so probably a few Corbridges would not be out of place. Brass Italic or Gallic helmets may be acceptable, too.

I know there aren't many first-century Germans around, but presumably any respectable Celts would be welcome. I'll try to post some pictures this weekend of the general clothing and gear to aim for (consult your Ospreys, Warry, Connolly, etc.). Long or short trousers and a plain rectangular tunic with long sleeves are the basics, but even short trousers and a cloak will do! Remember, the Germans won this one, so this may be your only chance to kick some Roman gluteus.

Authentic weather for this battle would be hard rain, so if it's dry I suppose there could be hoses. Expect mud and some abuse. I'm not sure what's being considered for combat scenes, but I'm planning to take a more "beatable" shield than my usual one! Give your steel a heavy coat of oil or Vaseline, and wear your grubbiest tunic. They don't want a spit-and-polish look!

I am NOT in charge of this! Just passing the word along (though I'll undoubtedly be discussing gear and such with my own Romans and other locals!). The National Geographic contact is Heidi Christenson, and her message is below. Get in touch with her directly if this interests you.

Thanks very much,

Matthew/Quintus, Legio XX

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/

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We are producing a documentary on the time period 1 AD. One of the scenes we are recreating is the battle in the Teutorburg Forest as part of the Roman-Germanic wars. We are looking for Roman and German reenactors with historically accurate gear and uniforms. The tentative taping date is August 12 in Cedarville State Forest in Maryland.

Cedarville State Forest
10201 Bee Oak Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
(301) 888-1410
Contact: Bob Cantin

If you could please assist us in locating and hiring reenactors, that would be greatly appreciated.

Please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Thank you.

Heidi Christenson
Producer
National Geographic Television & Film
1145 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
t | 202.857.7535
c | 202.413.2523
HChriste@ngs.org

[James B.]

Right in the middle of Pennsic. I would be there otherwise.

[Niall Mór]

If only I didn't live in California...

[brunoG]

The italian television network already featured two runs of a very inteersting documentary shot at the actual place, with some local german reenactors as roman troops manning a roman fort reconstructed elsewhere in germany.

The scenes of the bodies of the captured and tortured romans let rotting for ten years in the woods, with skeletons strewn swaths of forest, was really gruesome.

Men were nailed alive to trunks, tongues and eyeballs were gouged while they were alive.

The Germans really wanted the invaders out.

[Tascius]

Middle of Pennsic...., It might be a good idea to find out how much of an impact Pennsic would have on this taping. I would also go but by that time I will be encamped at Pennsic. Owen is usually at Pennsic as is Gallio and others. Lots of your Kelt types there also...
Tascius

[Matthew Amt]

Edit: NEWSFLASH! The filming has been delayed until "sometime in the fall". So you Pennsic guys are in the clear! I'll post details as I get them.

Valete,

Matthew