I’ve maintained that the Wild Chicago stories I produced and hosted from 1989 to 1992 now serve as a valuable, historical peek into the world of a different city more than 30 years ago. Today, I ponder if the same can be said about pieces I produced a mere 10 to 12 years ago.
Just an innocent mention of Trump Tower in this one grabs my attention. This was before DJT ran for President, assumed the role, and all that happened since. Back then, the word Trump, for many, merely signified a new building downtown, on the River, where the old Sun-Times Building used to stand.
This was also a few years before I required brain surgery. That’s another story, I imagine. But still, any opportunity to look back - as video offers - gives us a chance to learn something, or at least to notice what may have changed. For me, it was a joy to shoot downtown by the River. I had no idea how cool the Riverwalk was. It was a new thing. This video was one of a series I did in cooperation with the Lake View Chamber of Commerce, so most were shot in the Lake View neighborhood. But working with a photographer whose beat was anywhere and everywhere was a welcome breath of fresh air. Literally. Shooting outdoors adds so much visual appeal to any project, if you can swing it.
I love this piece a lot too for its energy. It moves. The music is terrific in how it propels the action. Add to that the lively personalities of Whitney and Bob and Angie, and the “Ben-Cam” style of being the shooter, director and host simultaneously, and you’ve got a fun to watch piece. And — anything related to people getting married will pull attention. How many great wedding scenes do you remember from favorite movies you’ve seen? Often movies open or close with weddings. It’s potent material.
And true to the Wild Chicago style, this piece bursts “out of nowhere.” No planning, no second takes, no worries — it just goes with the flow. I elected to keep in the final cut much of the “moving” video — what you see when I move from one person to the next to ask another question — to contribute to the aliveness of what you’re seeing. Most TV you see is the result of major efforts to avoid showing you the same. That’s changing, it can be argued. Still, the mainstream media and its producers strive for “steady” stuff. This has always set Wild Chicago apart from the “Six-o-clock News.” (In 1989, when the show premiered, we heard plenty of comments applauding the video verite look, which pleased us. Others complained that show made them feel “seasick.”)
Here’s a sobering thought on Time. It’s possible that Whitney and Bob were toddlers when Wild Chicago first hit the air. But that didn’t prevent them from recognizing something fun was going on here, and that they were invited to join the dance. That dynamic, I’m pleased to say, is was true in 2013 as it was decades prior. How could it not be when the camera guy is running around asking quirky questions in a pith helmet and safari suit? One moment stand out. Angie, the photographer, asks the couple if they’re ready for a wardrobe change (no doubt discussed with them prior to the photoshoot.) Yes, says Whitney in the red pants. Bob assents.
And then he adds, “It’s all leather.”
Chicago 10 years ago