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Lately I have been receiving steady emails from people wanting to know more about the Angel of Marye’s Heights project. Some of my friends and fellow historians specifically asked questions about my experience in front of the camera. You may recall that in previous posts I have discussed my thoughts as a co-producer in dealing with the marathon schedules and constant location shifting that takes place on a movie set. It is stressful to say the least and most of the time you are burning precious daylight and someone else’s money. It helps to have a good cast and crew and for this film we were certainly blessed. In fact, this documentary would have never come to fruition if not for the talented people that worked on it. I am grateful for every one of them.

It was a very pleasant surprise when Clint Ross asked me if I would be interested in appearing on camera as one of the film’s “talking heads.” Although I had extensive experience as a speaker and radio guest, it would be the first time that I stepped in front of a movie lens. After doing it, I can say without a doubt that it is an entirely different experience when you are on “the other side” of the camera. As co-producer I spent most of my time pacing around the set, talking on the phone, coordinating interviews, and making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be and doing what they were supposed to do. Clint had a great handle on things, so he only depended on my network of connections and knowledge of the area and story.

Originally the plan was to shoot my segment atop Marye’s Heights, with me sitting near the Washington Artillery’s cannon. The previous day Megan Hicks was filmed at the base of the slope, at the stone wall, and near the Kirkland Monument. Unfortunately once we started to set-up, the soundman realized that there was far too much background noise to compensate for. It is amazing what you can hear once you stop and listen. In all the years that I have walked that route while giving tours I never noticed the roar of cars, trains, wind, and other sounds that resonate atop that hill.

Quickly thinking of an alternative, I suggested that we drive over to Prospect Hill where Jackson’s troops were positioned. This was a much more secluded spot and it turned out to be one of the prettiest settings in the film. Our NPS filming permits had to be adjusted, but thanks to everyone’s cooperation, production continued on schedule and I was able to shoot my part in a little over an hour. Of course I forgot there was a railroad running through this section of the battlefield and we had to periodically stop as AMTRAK cars went roaring by.

What really amazed me was the tremendous (and sometimes tedious) care and attention that went in to setting up the shots beforehand. Our cinematographer Zach Graber placed lights, boom stands, microphones, reflecting boards, and me in a variety of positions. The end result was a stunning scene that made me look far better than I am. Viewers would be surprised to know that I am sitting on an apple box, in a bed of flowers, with all of this movie junk surrounding me.

As I was the one tasked with asking the other historians their questions, Clint took the stool and played the role of silent interviewer. It helped that he had prepared some great questions that challenged me and kept me interested. What transpired was a casual conversation in which we went back and forth discussing the Battle of Fredericksburg, Kirkland’s life and legacy, and why we choose to remember him today. I only had to start over a couple times when I lost my train of thought, or a butterfly flew in front of the camera.

Looking back it was a great, albeit nerve-racking, experience and one that I won’t soon forget. If I am ever lucky enough to be in front of the camera again, I will know what to expect and what is expected of me. Below is a rough cut of one of my segments discussing the events leading up to Kirkland’s act of humanity. Some of it is on the editing room floor, but the important parts will remain in the final version. For more information on this remarkable story and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.theangelmovie.com. And don’t miss the previous video blog from the director himself. Enjoy.

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