Historian who worked on “War Horse” film speaks at Friends of Fort Malden fundraiser

Andy Robertshaw, a historian and educator, worked on the 2011 film “War Horse” and shared his experiences with a crowd at Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 Oct. 29. It was a fundraiser for the Friends of Fort Malden.

The Friends of Fort Malden hosted a fundraiser where the guest speaker worked on a film under director Steven Spielberg.

“Working on the Set of War Horse” was the presentation from historian and educator Andy Robertshaw. Robertshaw worked behind the scenes on “War Horse,” a 2011 war drama set in the time period of World War I.

Robertshaw outlined how he got involved with the film, including his first time on the set where he was told “it shows” when he acknowledged it was his first time on a movie. He pointed out he was paid 28,000 British pounds for his work on the film.

“I learned more talking about the film than making the film,” he quipped.

Originally meeting with department heads, Robertshaw said he was involved with costuming, training and demonstrations. Asked if he could teach German drills also, he travelled and learned that as well.

“I went to Germany and learned German drill,” said Robertshaw.

Robertshaw said he was pleased to be invited to join the crew on set. He was able to appear in the movie and got a line in the film, though it was later edited out.

Spielberg asked that Robertshaw be near him at points to help with aspects of the film. Robertshaw also got to be in uniform on set.

“Spielberg wanted me in front of him,” he said.

Robertshaw added he learned about leadership from Spielberg on the set. He recalled the famed director going into water and ending up being up to his waist. Instead of going to his trailer to get changed, Robertshaw recalled Spielberg shrugging it off and kept going.

“He said ‘let’s carry on,’” said Robertshaw. “He just got on with it. That’s leadership, not management. It was very interesting.”

From working with horses, including some animatronic, to being in charge of re-enactors, Robertshaw told the crowd of over 20 people Oct. 29 at Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 the film was about comradeship and also raised the plight of horses.

Mark Feltoe, president of the Friends of Fort Malden, said that group helps with summer students at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada. He said they helped hire students after receiving a Canada Summer Jobs grant. 

Feltoe was happy with the attendance at the Thursday night event and said the Friends of Fort Malden may also host other historians going forward. The group also acquired a new pensioner’s uniform recently, he added.

Historian who worked on “War Horse” film speaks at Friends of Fort Malden fundraiser

By Ron Giofu