Police Casting Ensures Authenticity in 'Baantjer' Series, Preventing Helicopter Use Due to Conflict of Interest

For the new Baantjer series, a scene unfolds with six men in gray suits emerging from dark SUVs, lights flashing. They equip themselves with replica bulletproof vests, tasers, night-vision helmets, shields, and assault weapons. Their vests and backs clearly display: 'Dienst Speciale Interventies' (Special Interventions Unit).

This elite unit, typically deployed for serious crime and terrorist attacks, prepares for a raid on the Rozengracht in Zaandam. The director calls for a pause, asking the actors to reload their replicas and act a bit faster. He questions the realism with Marco Eradus, the founder of Politie Casting.

Eradus, who runs the one-man company since 2021, supplies extras with backgrounds in police, defense, customs, or the Royal Marechaussee. He himself has a career in defense and counter-terrorism, and over 25 years in the police force, currently leading a specialized unit. He works on up to five film productions simultaneously.

His involvement began with the production of "Baantjer: The Beginning" in 2019, where he was asked to consult on the authenticity of riot police scenes. Eradus, who found inaccurate portrayals on TV frustrating, dedicates at least three hours to train extras without prior law enforcement experience, such as a pizza maker or office worker, for their roles. He demonstrates the correct stance for a riot police officer, emphasizing how to hold a shield and baton to prevent it from flipping and to protect against thrown objects.

Eradus stresses the importance of small details, noting that viewers familiar with police work can spot inaccuracies. He believes that proper training ensures actors handle weapons realistically, preventing scenes from looking "clumsy."

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Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.