Logistics
This is the first thing to consider, an ancient army would move slowly and would often construct what it needed on-site out of local materials.
However the world has changed and for the sake of swiftness and efficiency, modern transportation methods are needed to deliver larger components such as boats and catapults to our displays.
Therefore large vehicle access to the site in question is of vital importance. Low gateways, load bearing bridges and rough/soft ground are all things to consider before we accept a booking that may involve our larger props.
Many of our members travel a fair distance to an event, it is also vital that if the event is spread over more than one day on a remote site (or if an early start is required) then camping/accommodation arrangements and discussions on first aid facilities have to be made.
Our members would also need access to fresh water and if the site allows it- firewood.
Later Roman
We can provide exciting combat and archery displays and a living history encampment, our focus is on the spectacle of combat and the educational value of a living history encampment.
We have a range of craftspeople and demonstrators in our living history area that include: carpenters, blacksmiths, shield painters, leatherworkers and weavers, we are selective about who we take on, and as a result all of our demonstrators are outgoing and happy to answer the public’s questions.
The cost, this depends on the size of the event and the location, we can provide a one person presentation or an entire British and Saxon warband.
Curraghs:
Our two curraghs (14ft long, hide covered boats) are for hire separately. They come with two crews and a living history stall on which information on maritime history and archaeology are displayed. A boat race can be arranged, sadly we cannot offer trips to members of the public.
The cost, this depends on the location.
Gladiatorial spectacle
The logistical considerations are similar to our later Roman operation as many props have to be employed, however our shows only work as an entire spectacle and cannot be pared down.
Gladiatorial games are less re-enactment and more like a travelling theatre, our minimum charge is £2,000 for a day’s show (2 arena shows per day) or £3,000 for a weekend event.
The location can increase the cost, as most of our members are based in South Britain, events in the far North or West Britain will cost more.
We also have ongoing living history displays throughout the day. (We have also worked abroad on several occasions).
Warning!
Our gladiatorial displays employ effects that can be extremely graphic and upsetting to those of a sensitive disposition.
In all cases we’d need as much notice as possible, (most shows are booked up to a year in advance). We will not consider staying overnight at venues that have an ongoing security problem or innadequate security measures.
Filmwork
Most of these above points apply, but our members are hired at a realistic rate, per person, per day.
We do not want to hear “There isn’t much of a budget!” If you are a production company that is serious about your work, then you have worked this aspect out in advance…and we are happy to talk to you. But if remuneration is an afterthought, then the broadcasted results of whoever the production company gets to work for them will often look like an afterthought in our opinion.
This may seem like frank response, but we pride ourselves on giving a professional, flexible and creative service to film and television production units and nobody (especially in the film industry) likes wasted time.
Insurance
We have £5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance, this is only valid if we have a clearly defined double-roped barrier (15ft apart) between our combat activity and the audience at all times. Because fire and sharp implements are used in our living history area – this has to have a rope barrier around it too (although activities need only be 6ft from the public).