National Geographic Filming: Teutoberg Forest Battle

[Matthew Amt]

Avete!

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

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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
[email protected]

[richsc]

I heard from the producer, and they have delayed the filming until later in the fall. I'll keep you posted, although if you contacted her, she at least has your email.

[petrinus]

it figures id be in afghanistan for this if you know anything planned for 2007 let me know, i'll be in garrison by then and maybe my 1sg will let me go, still a big maybe but i have a better chance being stateside, thanx

[arklore70]

It would be nice if they could even respond to us in a nice bulk E-Mail. I wrote her, as did a few others I know, and never got any response.

Fall is definitely better, especially with the record high temperatures we have been having this year.

Cheers!!
Mike

[WillMH]

Matt,
What's the update on this, was the project filmed?
has it been postponed further?

KEG might be interested in coming down, we can come as Germans or Romans there would be ten of us maxium depending on travel expenses and renumeration.


Wil