broadcast
Beth Crookham is a Wilmington-based film producer
who loves to make people’s dreams come true — whether
as a casting or production assistant on “One Tree Hill,”
as producer of “Home Again,” (see story on p. 37) or on
her latest project, the documentary “Broadcast,” about
North Carolina-based radio pioneer Ralph Epperson.
Crookham teamed up with Reidsville, North Carolina,
native Jordan Nance to make “Broadcast” after the two
met on the set of “One Tree Hill” eight years ago.
Nance, who is 30 years old and has cerebral palsy, was
visiting the set. His trip was arranged and funded by the
Philadelphia-based Sunshine Foundation, an organization
that answers the dreams of chronically ill and physically
challenged young people. Nance has limited use of his
vocal chords, so he gravitated toward television and
radio as important pastimes to compensate for his lack
of vocal ability.
While on the set, Nance told Crookham about his
dream of making a documentary about Ralph Epperson,
the man behind WPAQ bluegrass radio in Mt. Airy,
North Carolina. Epperson, born in 1922, came from a
long line of tobacco farmers but he’d always had a thing
for radio. In 1948 he launched WPAQ, which then led
to other stations, and ultimately a family radio dynasty
that still broadcasts today.
“Here’s a story about a man who transformed his life
and everyone around him by making his dream come
true, just like Jordan was trying to do,” Crookham says.
“I told Jordan to go for it and start filming.”
Nance and his mom weren’t sure how to get his docu-mentary
started. Crookham gave them the guidance they
needed to get a camera and begin filming interviews.
Thirty interviews later, Crookham is now working in
the edit room with Nance, trying to cut an hour-long
piece that could air on PBS. Their goal is to have it
completed by this fall, which would make Nance’s
dream come true and Crookham’s mission complete.
In the meantime, the Iowa native, who has a theater
background, remains ensconced in the Wilmington film
community.
“There’s a plaque I’ve seen that sums up being in
Wilmington for me,” Crookham says. “It says, ‘I wasn’t
born southern but I got here as quick as I could.’”
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com
By D.J. Bernard
behind the scenes
HOLLYWOODeast
35
WBM
Jordan Nance, who is 30 years
old and has cerebral palsy,
was visiting the set of
“One Tree Hill.” His trip was
arranged and funded by the
Sunshine Foundation. While on
the set, he told film producer
beth Crookham about his dream:
to make a documentary about
ralph Epperson, the man behind
WPAQ bluegrass radio in Mt. Airy.
Clockwise from top right: Beth Crookham and Jordan Nance
editing “Broadcast.” Ralph Epperson, WPAQ radio founder.
WPAQ studio in Mt. Airy. WPAQ radio mic. Beth Crookham.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE EPPERSON FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JOY NANCE