RE: Lock-n-Load Film Shoot

Back in August, I helped a friend out with a shoot for the series "Lock-n-Load" hosted by R. Lee Ermey (aka the Gunny) (for those of you who may remember, he played the drill sergeant in the movie "Full Metal Jacket"). Working with the Gunny was a trip and he's easy to work with. The premise for this episode is the use of the lance on horseback and my compadre supplied the horse and the lance. The plan was for my friend to demonstrate and if everything went OK, then the Gunny would do it.

We filmed out at Lake Piru and it was HOT and we were lucky to have shade for ourselves and the horses so it was bit more bearable. My job was to basically take care of the horses and make sure they had enough food and water. When we weren't actually shooting, I would tie the horses under the tree and keep an eye on them.

We brought two horses out to the shoot, one as the actual horse to be used and the second as a back-up. Also the second horse was meant to be there as comfort for the first, since they live together and they would steady each other. Finally, if something went wrong, the second horse would act as a homing beacon for the first- when horses are upset, they tend to seek company with their own kind and especially they're herdmates.

I'll have more later.

Hanging out on set...

My compadres and the Gunny...

Running at the quintain at full speed.


Setting up the shot- like most shoots, there's more waiting than anything else.







Out in the sun...waiting...



Rest break...