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SCA Documentary
Buker and Crawford were introduced to the S.C.A. by the Hinescroft Hellhounds of the Kingdom of Atlantia. The Hellhounds are mostly located in Greensboro, NC. They are mainly concerned with heavy fighting, which they do on a regular basis. They also sew medieval garb, make weapons, armor and furniture, and a couple of them have been known to brew their own beer and mead.
The filmmakers have followed the Hellhounds quite extensively over the past months. They began with weekly fighter practices which led up to an in-house round robin tournament. With this tourney, the Hellhounds ranked their fighters for purposes of fighting at larger events. They went on to a large War Practice of the Atlantian Army, and then to the tenth annual Gulf War. Gulf War is a large "war" in southern Mississippi between the kingdoms of Ansteorra and Trimaris. It usually has about 4,000 participants. People come from all over the world and side with one of the two kingdoms in a whole slew of events including castle, field, and ravine battles, rapier field battles, tavern brawls, tournaments, a live chess match, equestrian events, greyhound coursing, archery and throwing weapons. Each side receives "war points" for the events and the kingdom with the most wins the war. It's all in good fun, however, and no one really loses. In addition to all this, there are merchants and craftsmen, bards and musicians, and belly dancers. One must not forget the belly dancers. After Gulf War, the filmmakers traveled with the Hounds around the southeast, to various events, such as a public demo of the S.C.A, a tournament of novices, Return toTroy (a group tournament with fantastic props) and the Crown Tournament, where the winner becomes king.
At this point, the filmmakers found themselves deeper and deeper within the society. They were preparing for the great Pennsic War, the largest event in the S.C.A., when they decided to build a Helmet Cam and fight in some of the battles. The project was then joined by Tristan Chaika and Will Singletary, fellow members of American Distractions. Buker and Chaika donned armor, trained with the Hellhounds, and went to Blue Mountain, where they authorized to fight with sword and shield in the Society. Armed with a Helmet Cam and lots of attitude, Buker, Chaika, and Singletary traveled to Pennsylvania to the thirtieth annual Pennsic War, along with over 12,000 other people from around the world. There they shot and fought in battles consisting of roughly 2,000 fighters each. They met and interviewed craftsmen, musicians, and jesters. And they saw some of the loudest and lewdest parties you can imagine. In short, the war was a huge success. With the combined eye of Chaika, the ear of Singletary, and Buker serving as resident piņata, they got great footage and were also able to get the entire project blessed by a 15th century Italian priest.
Shooting is still under way, so updates will come as they occur. The documentary's release is set for next summer. Special thanks must go to all the Hellhounds, who have been very generous and patient with us. We'll see you at practice. Also, to the Buker and Chaika families, who have provided considerable emotional and monetary support. Thanks to Christian for some great fighting tips. Many thanks also to Lady Lijsbeth, who was incredible at Gulf War. We couldn't have done that without you. Thanks to Sir Axel, wherever you are, for your stories. Tristan would like to thank Akbar for getting him authorized. Special last-minute thanks go to By the Sword, Inc., Marc D'Aubigny for your work on the Helmet Cam. Thanks to Baroness Artemisia Grimaldi and associates for all your help at Pennsic. We also thank Giles the Green and Dameth of Ebenwolf, just for being cool. Thanks also to Duke Paul, without whom much of the Society would not exist. We would also like to thank all those who we have interviewed, drank with, shot, or bludgeoned. You are too numerous to mention, but you are all great and generous people. |
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