As wonderful and perfect as the Ribe Viking Center is for hosting a documentary shoot, it wouldn’t have been much without a starring cast. So, whilst the SWR team started interviewing the crème de la crème of Viking academia, we started the search for our own collection of experts. Through our extensive networks we were able to gather a unique, diverse, and incredibly skilled group of re-enactors, each bringing their own special skillset with them to the shoot. Due to the lack of good term encompassing all their qualities we decided to make our own, namely e-enexperts. We did have some indication of what type of scenes and places where to be shot, and in close collaboration with our re-enexperts we managed to gather all the needed equipment, garb, and gear. Without spoiling to much we can already say that the true magic of this project has been their relentless and utter dedication to reviving the Viking Age to the screen.

With the location and the team in place followed a hectic period of several months ensuring that a thousand and one things were all in order. Whether it was a fully functional and authentic Viking boat, 25 ponchos to keep all the Vikings well and dry in case of rain, or dressing a full-fledged 10th century Byzantine Emperor, it’s all in a day’s work. In the meantime, we were in constant contact with the production team, as well as our re- enexperts, to ensure a continual and synergizing flow of information. The creative process which took place during these meetings turned out to be invaluable when we met “in situ” some weeks down the line, as it allowed us to get comfortable with workflow, expectations, and vision. Yet, there is only so much one can do from a distance. The time of shooting was drawing near, and Ribe was beckoning.

The day went by in a haze. People were chopped, iron was forged, monks were chained, and slaves were sold. It was your classic Viking bonanza, except that Hands on History was there to oversee the process. This was our first taste of in-action authenticity checking. We and our team were, in between running around and acting, constantly debating the wardrobe choices.

Anything from pins to fabric was subjected to a thorough think through, all whilst making sure filming continued unhindered.

By the end of day 1 we were finishing up night shots in front of Ribe’s Ansgar Church. Everyone was tired, cold, but still giving it their all. In the flickering light of firewood all faces were growing long. Then the words of release: It’s a Wrap! What a relieve, we had won the first battle (for some literally so) but not yet the war. Any production company knows the first day is one of the worst, but we managed to get to bed tired, yet satisfied.

Day 2:

On the second day we rose as fresh as we did the first. Our routine started to smoothen out, and with a cup of coffee lengthened with a healthy dose of optimism we discussed the upcoming scenes. We would be spending time at the harbor. After breakfast, some rousing words, and a healthy waffle, we met at the docks and the camera’s started rolling. On that little dock we visited Dorestad, Ribe, the East, Kattegat, and more. Thanks to the magic of perspectives and well timed wardrobe changes we managed to draw out maximum results from the shoot!

The second half of the day was dedicated to the Thing house, where Kings meet, lawsuits are settled, and obscure conversations had. Inside this dimly lit interior we saw some epic performances by our re-enexperts, who gave it their all. One of the producers turned to us, eyes gleaming with delight and said: We can’t believe you did not just take actors, but you brought real Vikings. To us that signaled that we were on track and showed us that our faith in our re-enexperts was completely justified. They very quickly showed everyone that their dedication, knowledge, and skill, far exceeds the capabilities of many who tried before. Being able to bring them together was one of our true achievements of the weekend.

Now, Vikings and feasting are like bow and arrow, house and roof, or any other fitting metaphors of that kind. Since we were 4 days in, everyone was looking forward to both perform in their best gear and garb, as well as do what they do best. Besides that, Hands on History planned to take this opportunity to get together after the cameras stopped rolling to express our gratitude and be mingle in an informal setting, celebrating Viking life. What followed exceeded everyone’s expectations. Toasts were raised, poetry was spoken, drinks were drunk, gifts given, and good times where had by all. Even the production team joined in on the Viking life, dawning eh, “interesting” costumes. It really felt like we transferred to the Viking Age proper for a while. It was a night worthy of remembrance. May the skalds sing of it for all time to come.

Day 5:

After every evening there comes a morning, and day 5 was no difference. Never mind the feast, work was yet to be done! The professionality of all those involved was thus that each Viking (part-timers and full timers) stood at the ready at 8:00 sharp for breakfast. The last day we met emperors, Ragnar Lothbrock and Carolingian Kings. The atmosphere was grand, but everyone started to feel the end drawing near. In true Hands on History style, we would go out with a cry.

You see, the fighting scenes were saved for last. Thus, like an army constantly on the eve of battle, our cast was fired up and ready to go. Two of our most experienced Vikings took control of the situation and organized an entire Viking raid in less than an hour, as well as a complex emotion driven portrayal of early medieval warfare. The resulting intense images speak for itself. After the final warrior died, the last spear was thrown, the ultimate warrior cry uttered, Daniel spoke the magic words once more: That’s a Wrap!

After the final wrap was made, everyone gazed around in slight disbelieve, it was done. In 5 days, we had traversed 300 years and all the corners of the world. Ships, rituals, battle, craft, and more, we’d seen it all. The sensation of accomplishment combined with the grieve one feels after such a feat, made the rest of the day an emotional and unforgettable experience. The production crew went over the first images, and smiled from ear to ear, the hard work would be worth it. One by one the Vikings made their way to the backstage and began the transformation to normality. They slowly but surely set off to their homes, awaiting to rise again for the next adventure. Lastly the production crew went, and that was that. What involved months of preparation and dedication seemed over in the blink of an eye.

Last on the scene was Hands on History, first in, last out. We made sure that everything was left behind as it was when we found it, waved everyone goodbye, and fixed the final details. We especially thanked the organization of the Ribe Viking Center, who’s knowledge and dedication have been invaluable. These past days had been intense, hardcore, but testimonial to the skillset of re-enexperts, Ribe, and the production crew alike. What was more, our vision of a Viking documentary done right was satisfied, and we were reminded why we do what we do. Perhaps now we can finally sit on our couch, lean back, and enjoy the Viking Age on the

TV. Or will we? After this great experience we have acquired a taste for more. In fact, why stop at the Viking Age? Does not every period deserve to be shown properly to the world? All in all, Hands on History’s work isn’t done yet, far from it. History is always in the making.

As it happened, we were approached by the renowned production company SWR media, whose Executive producer, the Emmy award winning Daniel Sharp, had a vision for a Viking documentary by the name of Vikings: The Rise and Fall. To realize their vision, they would rely on expert opinions and the latest available evidence. Therefore, when it came to the reconstruction scenes that would be appearing in the documentary, they turned to Hands on History. We admit, at first, we were somewhat apprehensive in taking part, since Viking documentaries are often sensationalist undertakings without much regard for nuanced storytelling. However, after our first meetings it became clear that SWR Media and Hands on History saw eye to eye on many things, and after some deliberation, we were on our way with one goal in mind: making one of the most authentic and genuinely spectacular Viking Age documentaries put to film. Hands on History would take up the gauntlet and facilitate the production design of the shoot, organize, and manage all the actors, as well as offering on site historical advice and consultancy.

It quickly became abundantly clear that this would be quite the undertaking. Shooting a full- fledged documentary is no small feat, and considering that this would be 6 parts, 6 hour long, full-fledged cross section of the entire Viking Age, we had our work cut out for us. First on the priority list was the location. SWR Media initially had their sights set on Norway as shooting location, but we advised them to look at another one of the Viking home bases: Denmark. Like we said, this was to be a time travel spanning the entire Viking Age, and there aren’t that many places capable of showcasing even a fraction of it. Luckily, we are well traveled Vikings ourselves, and we knew of a place which has it all. Amazing reconstructions, wonderful locations, a knowledgeable and dedicated employee group, you name it. After showing this place to SWR the decision was made and the first line of history was written: We would be going to the one and only Ribe Viking Center.

After setting all things in their proper place, making sure everyone was on board with our vision and mission, we set of too Denmark. Hands on History was first on sight, making sure that everything would be in tip top condition for the production crew to arrive. Thanks in great part to the fantastic help of the Ribe Viking Center’s organization, we managed to shuffle everything in position before the camera’s would start rolling. Three days before filming the production crew arrived, and we received them in a Viking Age which was already up and running. Whilst visiting the houses, speaking to some of the already present Vikings, and inspecting the props, all of us started to truly realize we were about to make something quite extraordinary.

Next all the re-enexperts arrived one by one. In true Hands-On fashion we shared in with their true Viking experience by sleeping inside the Viking houses of Ribe, never leaving the shooting location for more than a minute. There was an increasing sense of anticipation in the air, as everyone could feel we were on the cusp of a great adventure. We had set up a fully equipped catering program for all the shooting days, and Tuesday evening we shared our first communal meal with all the Vikings presents. There we laid out our plans and ideas one more time, and as everyone hoisted their glasses to cheer to the success of the upcoming week, we knew all the preparation would soon come to fruition. After dinner everyone retreated to their piles of sheepskin, bales of hay, and other cozy corners in the longhouses to be well rested for the first day. We would soon know who would be left standing after the Rise and Fall.

Day 1:

The Hands on History team started every morning at 6:45 sharp, meaning that we rose and rumbled at 6:00. After gathering all the required information for the call sheet in the morning (which would always be send to us the previous day around midnight) our team gathered for breakfast. We were to start that day, symbolically, where it all began (according to some): Lindisfarne. Yes, our first set of scenes was to be set in Lindisfarne, raiding some unsuspecting villagers, as well as some monks. From the moment the first camera started rolling, it was on.

Day 3:

Although we planned on spending as much time in the Ribe Viking Center as possible, we reserved one day for a different type of setting. You see, when making a documentary about Vikings, one must have at least one of their most famous attributes along for the ride, or glide. We are talking about the Viking ship of course. Although Ribe does have some vessels, they aren’t located in open water. We therefore needed to get to an outside location to get the desired shots.

We ended up gathering at the Kammerslussen nearby Ribe. This environment fitted perfectly to feature river shots, as well open sea sailing on the Waddensea. Being outside the whole day was a challenge, and the accompanying logistics worthy of a documentary of its own, but we got what we came for. We had Vikings coming onto the land in an almost Spielbergian fashion, as well as guest star appearances by Erik the Red and Leif Erikson. In the end, looking out over those same horizons as the Vikings might have done before setting of the distance shores gave the whole shoot a very special feel and vibe. We returned to our longhouses with sun kissed faces and a warm feeling inside.

Day 4:

On day 4 we had the entire crew finally assembled, and our team was operating with ever increasing efficiency. Entire markets where erected, featuring glimpses of life in the east, west, and south ranging form the 9th century to the 11th. A highlight of that day was an

intense, immersive, and somewhat upsetting war ritual that took our re-enexperts to new heights, producing some of the most exciting shots of the week. Besides the generally always stimulating present energy, a certain extra excitement was palpable throughout the day. That had to do with the fact that this evening a special set of scenes was to be shot, the feast in the Longhouse.