Historyonics - Richard III

BBC Bristol wanted convincing-looking C15th soldiers for Richard III, an episode of Historyonics, the none to serious prime time BBC 1 series. Historical Film Services* ensured this is exactly what they got - specialist extras used to using medieval armour and weaponry, dressed in historically accurate clothing and kit including real chain mail and plate armour - with not a thread of string mail or dubious clothing in sight. We also sourced appropriate armour (for both men and horses) for mounted sequences. This combination of skilled walk-ons and extras used to camera work, expert use of weaponry and excellent quality kit made the best possible use of resources and saved precious time on set.

With the production caught by atrociously wet weather and a punishing filming schedule on the day allocated to sequences depicting the Battle of Bosworth, Howard Giles of Historical Film Services (above) also assisted by reviewing and amending the shooting schedule in order to minimise changes of armour and other kit, thus helping to save as much time as possible.

On 7 December 2004 writer and presenter Nick Knowles received a Royal Television Award for the series, screened during the Spring.