I provide specialized research and consultancy in the identification, contextualization, sourcing, and restoration guidance of First World War film materials for institutions, production companies, and private researchers. My work has contributed to the discovery and preliminary verification of what may be the first known authentic frontline combat and assault sequences from the First World War, the geolocation of previously unindexed archival films, and the identification of individuals in century-old footage. I have collaborated with major cultural institutions and archives across Europe and Russia. My project is advised by Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hirschfeld (Hon. Prof., University of Stuttgart) and renowned film preservationist Robert A. Harris.
My research spans more than ten national film collections and includes established working contacts and collaborations with major European archives. While my primary expertise lies in Imperial German and Austro-Hungarian film heritage, I also have substantial experience with Tsarist-era Russian, early Soviet, Romanian, Italian, Serbian, American, Belgian, Danish, and Bulgarian First World War film materials (1914–1920). I do not provide consultancy on material from later periods.
Please note: I do not share information or research that is central or highly relevant to the proof-of-concept or final To Hell and Back Documentary.
Please note: Authentic combat footage from the First World War is exceptionally rare; only a handful of examples exist. I cannot guarantee that specific footage survives.
Working with me allows you to save significant time and resources by leveraging years of multinational research, archival contacts, and specialized expertise.
Rates: starting at €250/hour for individual clients.
Institutional consulting: starting at €350/hour.
Project-based packages are available upon request.
Archival Film Research, Identification, and Sourcing
Comprehensive research, identification, and acquisition of First World War film material for documentaries, institutions, or private researchers — including coordination of high-resolution laboratory scanning upon request.
Public-Domain & Rights Guidance
Extensive advisory on legal access, public-domain status, copyright interpretation, and usage permissions for WWI film materials.
Footage Identification & Contextualization
Expert identification of units, individuals, locations, and events in century-old film sequences, supported by multi-country archival cross-reference.
Geolocation of WWI Footage
Precise terrain and location matching of historical film scenes using period maps, topography, and modern imagery.
Historical Verification
Scholarly validation of dates, events, and authenticity of WWI film fragments.
Restoration Advisory
Guidance on restoration workflows, scanning requirements, and archival best practices (advisory only — no hands-on restoration services provided at present).
Institutional Outreach Strategy
Assistance in approaching and strategic negotiation with archives, museums, diplomats, universities, and cultural institutions for research access and collaboration.
Professional Scanning Coordination
Management and coordination of 4K scanning with partner laboratories and national archives.
1:1 Advisory Sessions
Individual consulting sessions tailored to researchers, filmmakers, collectors, and institutions working with WWI film heritage.
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