What would you be looking for in a documentary about reenactors?

[WarDance]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Nick, and I am creating a character-driven documentary about Civil War reenactors and living historians. The film is titled The Reenactors and we will be casting and entering the lives of 5-6 Civil War reenactors in order to learn about why they reenact, and the diverse realm of people who participate in living history. Our selected cast will be attending the 1st Manassas in July.

I have close friends who reenact, so I want to make sure I'm clear that I'm not looking to make a film about the extremes of the hobby.

My question to the folks at CWreenactors is what do you think about this type of documentary? Is it something that would interest you? What would you like to see in a documentary like this?

Some reenactors oppose the idea. Some are jumping at the chance to be in the film. Some people who don't reenact don't understand it. Some think they do.

You can learn a little about us on our blog thereenactors.tumblr.com or our website www.wardancepictures.com.

Thanks for your input!

-Nick Scofield, War Dance Pictures

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Any reenactor/living historian is going to always have "The Unfinished Civil War" from the History Channel in the forefront of their mind when approached about this topic. Many of us have done film work before, either as extras or as principal players in films, documentaries, commercials, and event videos, and the experiences run the spectrum. From my experience, I've been lied to, underpaid, not paid, underwhelmed, and overworked, and haven't had one decent experience in a Civil War realm (had good experiences in other periods). Mine is probably not typical, as I know several pards who constantly work on projects and love it. My advice to you is don't make promises you can't or won't keep, don't say you're not working for the History Channel if you are, and remember that some reenactors are more serious in this business of history than others. I like the fact that you plan to use a variety to follow, just don't use the extremists - the ones that don't know the war is over (on either side). To get back to your original question of what we'd like to see, at least for me I'd like to see rational, sane people who are historians first, who show equal signs of educating and performing. I'd like to see more people who treat reenacting as a further advancement of the academic world and not a chance to play "cowboys and Indians" with real guns and blanks. I'd like to see reenactors shown as what they are - a microcosm of society, with doctors, lawyers, ditch diggers, day laborers, teachers, fire fighters, police officers, unemployed, underemployed, high school dropouts and PhD's. I'd like to see how one goes about the research of an accurate impression and why thats important to what we do. What I don't want to see is one reference to urination and brass button patina.

[WarDance]

Ross,

Thank you for your input! I'd like to here more, but I would also like to discuss the film with you all a little more as well.

One of the biggest obstacles we've had to overcome in making this film is "The Unfinished Civil War." Most serious Civil War living historians we have talked with have mentioned this film as a serious blow to their relationship with the media. As a result, we are making sure to do our research thoroughly and will be participating in some smaller events this spring to really get involved in the community.

One last thing - I believe your line "I'd like to see reenactors shown as what they are - a microcosm of society" sums up the thesis of our film better than I possible could. As we are casting, we have recruited and discovered people from all walks of society. I sincerely hope to make the film you have outlined above.

Thank you and I hope to hear from some other folks!

Best,
Nick

[Justin Runyon]

Answer...For it not to happen.

Sorry, it's nothing personal and I'm sure you have the best of intentions, but we've traveled this road before and it's never worked out for us.

JER

[Spinster]

Yep. What Ross said. And More. He's a nicer feller than I am.

My first AND second thoughts are "Run Away, Run Away"

I'm not interested in having my image and experience used and misued for someone else's agenda, however articulate, well-meaning, or noble. What starts out as an educational documentary quickly has clauses in the releases that become stock footage for everything including the latest zombie movie.

About the only thing I'll make an exception for is a dedicated shoot for a historic site.

[hanktrent]

Our selected cast will be attending the 1st Manassas in July.

What I'd like to see is some indication that you've deliberately chosen an event which tends to attract mainstream-to-farb reenactors, or that tends to bring out mainstream-to-farb tendencies in reenactors who otherwise might try to be more accurate if an event expected them to be. And I'm not talking about the Rob Hodge kind of hardkewl "accuracy," either.

But, honestly, if you're looking for representation of broad segments of the hobby, you'll probably find the best examples at 1st Manassas.

It's why I never tell people I'm a reenactor if I can avoid it.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[OVI]

To add to what Hank said..

Rule of reenactor thumb #1 The larger the reenactment/event...the lower the authenticity.

Kent Dorr - Spring? in Ohio.
"Devils Own Mess"

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

It boils down to the fact that those who would be the best people to use are mostly unwilling/unable to help due to what has occured in the past. That only leaves the cringe-worthy who always seem to be willing and able. Just like watching the broadcast news on TV - Channel 8 never interviews the man on the street with a Harvard MBA who is knowledgable and articulate, they get the woman in the housecoat in front of the trailer with a PBR and smoke in her hands....

[billwatson2]

I suggest reading his blog on his Web site. He's enthusiastic, idealistic, and full of energy.

Meanwhile, Nick, you have a private message. No, folks, I'm not volunteering. As Ross and Miz Terre said, some of us have simply had a pot-licker full, to quote that buffoon we all had to listen to on the TNT Andersonville set. Nobody knew what he meant, including him, but it made it into the movie....

[hanktrent]

I suggest reading his blog on his Web site. He's enthusiastic, idealistic, and full of energy.

I did, and that's the scariest part. Until one develops some cynicism and ability to sort out the various factions and motivations, it's all just peachy keen cool, since the comparison is between modern life and reenactments, rather than between one reenactment and another. I mean, the Manassas blue-gray ball will give a thrilling sense of history come to life, just as much as any other activity at any other event, right?

The blog pretty much states they're trying to do a film version of Confederates in the Attic.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com