will.illinois.edu/prairiefire/episode/pf2007-03-29 WILL, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Series Episode WILL watches Chris Camp, the Whip Guy, perform; we visit set designer Tom Hawk and learn about his trade; we meet Ray Walsh and learn about his beloved collection of tractors. Abstract Segment Agriculture/Agribusiness, Hobbies, WILL Custom Prairie Fire Subject Headings Ray Walsh by Alison Davis Wood Ray Walsh was a man who really loved tractors almost as much as his wife and 10 Children. It was a pleasure to meet Ray and hear him talk about the pieces of farming history that he was preserving. He had every right to be proud of his handiwork. After a Prairie Fire story airs you rarely hear back from the subject and sometimes you never know what they thought of the final product. So it was truly touching to hear the response from Ray’s family that this story had meant so much to them. They told me that it was a great tribute to their father and to their brother Mike. Sadly both have passed away since this story originally aired. The Walsh family says they still watch this tape at family gatherings. And I couldn’t be more honored. Abstract Alison Davis Wood Producer Segment Arts/Culture, Libraries/Museums/Cultural Centers, WILL Custom Prairie Fire Subject Headings Tom Hawk by Shane Pangburn This was the second video I’ve worked on with Tom Hawk. I don’t even bother counting the plays. Tom works so much, that it was difficult to schedule time for the story. Eventually, I just started following him. I went down to Lerna to his farm. The farm only grows lights, props, sets, and cats, not exactly in that order. Years ago, I helped Tom clean one of his workshops. It was the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life. These shoots were decidedly easier and more relaxed. It was much more like having a conversation with Tom and than interviewing him. Most of the footage was us just catching up. It made editing interesting, but nobody’s interested in the editing process. I’ll just make one note of thanks to everyone who helped find archival material, particularly Mike Katzenstein, Lynn Leithliter, and Jerry Daniels. Tom has worked for so long and so many places, it was difficult to keep track of them all. In mid-March, he designed a set for Steel Magnolias at Atwood High School. Laura Arwine directs the Atwood plays and her daughters act and help on set. I’ve been friends with the Arwine’s for years, so it was fun being there while their show took shape. I even helped out a little, mostly just lifting stuff, which is all a videographer is really good for anyway. Abstract Shane Pangburn Producer Segment Arts/Culture, Champaign, Champaign County, WILL Custom Prairie Fire Subject Headings The Whip Guy by Alison Davis Wood I first saw Chris Camp performing at the Illinois State Fair. Being the mother of three boys, I had little choice but to watch his act. My oldest son ran right over when he heard the whip crack. But I found that Chris is right, whips are really fun to watch especially when you see them being cracked by a professional. I knew I had to do a story on man that had dedicated himself to whip cracking. It is fun to imagine Chris as kid spending hours in his backyard using his Star Wars action figures as targets. I am amazed he was able to get his friends to help him practice during those early days. I am even more amazed that I volunteered to hold a few targets during our shoot at Washington Park. I had to close my eyes when he cracked a flower out of my mouth. Afterward I couldn’t believe I did it. I guess I just had complete trust in his abilities. Chris is performing May 5 at the Champaign Public Library. Visit the library’s Web site for more information. Seeing him perform is something you shouldn’t miss. Also check out his Web site to get his complete schedule. Abstract Alison Davis Wood Producer WILL-TV, University of Illinois Copyright Holder Publisher ¬© 2009 University of Illinois 2007-03-29T09:24:00-06:00 2007-03-29T09:24:00-06:00 video/mp4 http://willmedia.atlas.uiuc.edu/mpeg4/pf2007-03-29.mp4 Moving Image MPEG video MPEG-4 00:28 eng pf2007-03-29.mp4 WILL Public Media, University of Illinois 2007-03-29T09:24:00-06:00 2007-03-29T09:24:00-06:00 video/x-flv http://willmedia.atlas.uiuc.edu/flash/pf2007-03-29.flv Moving Image Flash Video Flash Media 8 00:28 eng pf2007-03-29.flv WILL Public Media, University of Illinois 2007-03-29T09:24:00-06:00 2007-03-29T09:24:00-06:00 video/vnd.rn-realvideo http://willmedia.will.uiuc.edu/ramgen/pf2007-03-29.rv Moving Image 00:28:00