When we watch our favorite period films and documentaries we notice that in addition to outstanding performances, the backdrop has texture and detail that extends from the historic locations to the well cast extra players in period wardrobe. When this background is good we don't usually notice it, we just accept it, but when it is inaccurate, inappropriate, anachronistic and lacking in texture and detail, it stands out like a sore thumb. Nothing breaks the historic spell like clueless extras dressed in black sneakers, cut off double knit polyester trousers with baseball sox, modern eyewear, wristwatches or period items from a completely different period in history.

The use of historic reenactors, hobbyists who recreate historic periods in the minutest detail, is an economical way to help establish that detailed and textured background. Quality reenactors bring well fitting and researched wardrobe, accoutrements and practiced period skills. Compare the cost in both money and time of hiring extras off the street, doing all the research, renting wardrobe, hiring extra wardrobe assistants, doing fittings, renting props, training and rehearsing those extras. If firearms and weapons are involved, think about the safety issues of a group of armed untrained extras.

The reenacting community is a wonderful resource for period research, wardrobe, locations, craftsmen, props and even set pieces. Reenactors have also been used to teach period skills to principal performers and non-reenactor extras as well as acting as consultants to set and costume designers. You would be amazed at what some of these hobbyists research collect and construct. They network with authors, professors, PhD's and collectors. They learn and practice period skills such as blacksmithing, shoemaking, gunsmithing, military manuals, musical instruments, leatherworking, woodworking, and more; they often construct all the period tools for the task. From the Middle Ages to WW II, whether your project is a film, corporate video, TV episodic, documentary or commercial, think about the benefits of using the resource that is historic reenacting.

For Middlemarch Film's BEN FRANKLIN for PBS, the producers we convinced to use 18th century sailor and soldier reenactors for a day of shooting on the Sloop Providence out on Narragansett Bay. The reenactors looked great in their wardrobe, had the skills to follow the captain's sailing orders, and had the licenses and experience to fire the ships cannon safely. They also brought additional wardrobe and props to portray changes of season as well as portraying both French and English officers and soldiers. The soundman was rolling all the time as the reenactors sang period songs while they worked.

The independent film BY THE SEA (bytheseafilm.com) that recently won best feature film at the Hope and Dreams festival in NJ, used baseball reenactors for several crucial dream sequences set in 1904. The Providence Grays provided their own turn of the century uniforms, equipment and baseball skills as well as providing the period uniform for principal actor Chris Rivaro as the team's pitcher, Blue.

If there is a battle scene involved, then most major films in recent years have turned to reenactors to work both as extras and as trainers for non-reenactor extras. It would be hard to imagine such projects as GETTYSBURG, LAST OF THE MOHECANS and THE PATRIOT without them. Reenactors are a resource for modern day films as well. Clint Eastwood's MYSTIC RIVER used a reenacting group for a modern day parade scene in order to add a little New England flavor to the scene. Several years ago, Leonard Nemoy's THE GOOD MOTHER also made use of reenactors for his Quincy Market scenes.

Like all things in life, reenacting groups range in quality, knowledge and skill. Make your life easier and hire an experienced reenactor coordinator or casting company that is experienced in finding and working with quality reenactors. Bring your coordinator or casting director into the production as soon as possible to give them the time they need to find and book those quality reenactors.

Your coordinator will know how to talk to these hobbyists. Reenactors have day jobs that pay very well (Often much more than an extra's paycheck). They need to have enough advance warning to schedule time off from work. They do not have the same motivation as actors; they are turned on by a quality historical project. To get them and keep them you must promise them a worthwhile project, treat them well, feed them well, and pay them what they are worth. They might ask for more than the usual non-union background performer, but remember that they are saving you money by supplying their own wardrobe, props and set pieces, as well as saving you rehearsal and shooting time. You will save money in the long run and end up with a much better, more textured finished piece. So, when you need it yesterday, consider the resource of historical reenactors.

Photograph: The author (in the Newport Film Festival cap) and several sailor/soldier reenactors hit the high seas on the historic sloop Providence during filming of Middlemarch Film's BEN FRANKLIN for PBS.