Making a Cavalry Film

[Christopher Zimmerman]

Our cavalry unit helped with the filming of an interactive Army training film today. The point of the film was to show how knowing the culture of the people you are dealing with is important to the success of military operations. In the film's scenario, an Army lieutenant accompanied by an Apache interpreter and six soldiers approaches two Apache Indians about the possibility of working for the Army as scouts.  The lieutenant must consider the advice of the interpreter before having a successful meeting.  The three Apaches and the lieutenant were all actors. 

We shot several scenes showing the consequences of heeding or not heeding the interpreter's advice.  Each scene was shot numerous times.  It was interesting to see how a professional film company works.  It was just like in the movies with cries of "action!" and "cut!"  Makeup people came out and put dust on our uniforms and people were constantly bringing trays of food out to us.  I didn't eat any of it, but my horse did.  We were on location for about four hours. 

The final scene was of us cavalrymen galloping up the meadow past the camera.  We shot the scene five times.  Each time we galloped up the field, the horses became increasingly excited.  I told the film crew that the fifth shot would be the last as we were on the verge of losing control. 

It was all very fun and it was very exciting to work with the Apaches.  The Apaches spoke a few lines of their own language during one of the scenes which was very cool.  Watching them gallop into the brush after the failed meeting with the lieutenant was absolutely chilling.   

Hopefully sometime in the future I can post a snippet of the film, but for the time being I can post a few stills.   Enjoy. 

 

 

[anthony martin]

This is great.It looks like everyone had a good time and I'm sure everyone here will want to see more!

[Jolene Little]

Wonderful photos!  I hope you get a chance to post more.  It reminds me of my Great,Great Grandfather who was a signer of the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855, here in Washington State!

[Stan H]

Great pictures,, awaiting the clip of the video.

 

I do have one negitave comment,,, the horses of the Apaches look way too fat,,,lol

 Indian ponies were usually smaller and much thiner, like a mustang today.

[Bob Boze Bell]

Chris, you all cut a fine figure riding up over that ridge. Very cool. Can't wait to see the clip and final.

[Christopher Zimmerman]

Thanks for the comments.  The director seemed to really like the galloping scene.  Said it was "gold."

The Indian "ponies" were rental horses and, yes, a little plump.  The director was hinting around about me providing cavalry horses to the Apaches, but our horses are branded.  I didn't think it was likely that Apaches would ride to a meeting with the cavalry on horses with a US brand on them unless they intended to start a fight. 

The actor playing the lieutenant was Brain Krause of "Charmed" fame.  Here is a photo of him (laughing on the left).  A pretty nice fella. 

[Wolfgang]

Looks like fun.  I"ve done some scenes with horses this year.  Tricky getting the horse to do what the camera requires.   ;)