Yes, we offer technical consultation for TV, Film, Photography and Comics!
Archery, like any other sport or martial art, has specific techniques that the layman may not recognize or understand. Many production companies, directors, actors and stunt persons are unaware of the details of archery, so they are also unaware of the proper safety protocols necessary for safely using archery equipment on camera.
As nationally certified instructors with over 20 years’ experience, we know what good archery looks like, how to quickly train a performer to handle equipment confidently and safely, and how to make the archery look good on camera.
As one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, the number of people who recognize effective archery form is increasing daily. But even if that were not the case, the audience can still see when an athlete looks strong and in control. As an illustration, a viewer may not be able to tell when somebody is an untrained dancer, but they can definitely recognize a good one. The audience can recognize a good performance, even if they can’t explain what makes it good. They also can subconsciously tell when an archer’s poor form should result in a missed shot, and will not be impressed by the incredible CGI arrow they see hitting the target. You want your action hero to look powerful, not awkward.
Beyond that, the confidence that comes with understanding of the shot cycle carries over into the rest of the archer’s performance. The actor knows when they are faking it. That knowledge affects their performance, even if they don’t think so. Conversely, when an actor understands the purpose of their movements, understands how their posture and position affects the arrow’s flight, when they feel like they know what they’re doing, that confidence also shows through.
Most importantly, when the actors and stunt crew know and understand the sport, the result is a safer set for everyone.
Here are some samples of our work:
Super Hero Fight Club
Jim was the archery technician supervising on-set bow safety and shooting techniques for the cast and stunt-persons on the CW’s Super Hero Fight Club promo. He set up, maintained and repaired equipment, made sure actors were properly outfitted with the practical and stunt versions of bows as needed, and trained stuntmen in effective shooting form.
Gym Class Science
Jim provided archery instruction, safety and some shooting for Dreamworks TV’s YouTube program, Gym Class Science. He advised on target construction, supervised the testing and handling of archery equipment (including fire-arrows), and instructed series hosts Jonah and Tessa in bow-handling. Competitive youth archer Thomas Kiely performed on-camera shooting.
Tomb Raider: “When YouTubers Try to Be Lara Croft”
Jim was the on-set archery instructor for this promotional video for Tomb Raider. He provided equipment, taught the participants, supervised archery scenes, advised host Magnus Lygdback for his archery instruction speech, and performed the “arrow striking the logo” shot.
This independent film originally included a subplot about the lead character’s love of archery, including a scene where Shane teaches Layla how to use a bow. Most of that part of the story was cut, but there is still one scene of Shane practicing in the final film. Jim provided equipment, advised on archery details in the script, and trained the actors for their scenes.
Comics
Justice League of America #11
Artist Gene Ha contacted Jim asking technical assistance in creating this comic book cover.
Batman, Incorporated, v2 #4
Artist Chris Burnham asked Jim for advice on several pages of this comic for a battle sequence involving multiple archers.