Vivienne Crawford - October Member of the Month

The premise of a popular television commercial is “what would you do if someone paid you to do what you love?” As a member and certified producer at PhilllyCam I feel I am proof of that commercial’s message. I joined on the spot last April when I accompanied a friend to sign up for a class. Once I received information, I immediately enrolled for a class. Upon completion of that class I enrolled in another class. I continued taking classes until finally in Production Management class our instructor, Debbie Rudman, posed a question, does anyone have an idea for a program?

I shared with the class a dream I had been marinating for over 15 years. As a former history teacher, I am fascinated with historical events and personalities. It seems to me that history is replete with events and circumstances which are repetitive. History is cyclical. Consequently, I frequently imagined what it would be like to get interesting personalities together for spirited discussions. What would Eleanor Roosevelt say to Frederick Douglass, or, Josephine Baker say to Thomas Jefferson, Niccolo Machiavelli to John Foster Dulles, or a Native American say to Malcolm X and Christopher Columbus? My classmates and Debbie encouraged me to pursue the idea. I came away from that class knowing that “Conversations Across Time” was destined to become a reality. 

Suddenly, people started to appear to make the dream a reality. I ran into my dear friend former Pennsylvania State Representative Babette Josephs on a street corner and asked her to meet with me. Babette is now my co-host. In crew class I met the woman, Jennifer Burton, who would ultimately become the show producer. I observed Charles Gregory directing and knew he was the guy I wanted to direct the show. I live his eye and edgy style. Next, Tisha Portis subbed for our crew instructor and I loved her energy. Charles introduced me to Mark Abrams. When Mark asked to edit the show, I knew instinctively that he was the guy. I learned later that Mark is referred to as an editor’s editor. Walter Wimberly and Carlos Oropeza are great producers in their own right and having them on camera is simply sublime. Ray Lerro is someone who I would be afraid not to have on the floor. My classmate Delmar Gill is an all around what do you need me to do kind of person who has his own show. 

Friends started calling and asking to participate. The set was designed and constructed by two former clients. Other friends volunteered to help Delmar with craft services. My son and best friend composed the theme song another friend a sound engineer opened his studio for recording. My client, Aaron Astillero joined PhillyCam enrolled in classes and now crews for the show. Actors, makeup artists and researchers joined in to help. My friend, historian Charles Hammock, works tirelessly to fashion issues for discussion.

What ever I can say about PhillyCam I think my experience with the generosity of members and staff is the by far the organization’s most valuable asset. I am honored to be afforded the opportunity by PhillyCam to do something I love. Thank you all.