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Tempestas et Caelum Productions

About TCP Films

Every student has an idea that needs to be told--an idea that promotes the future protection of the environment and coexisting with that environment for future generations. Tempestas et Caelum Productions, which means "weather and climate" or "storm and sky," was established to give students in the Department of Geology/Geography a platform on which to communicate their fresh new ideas for the future. Tempestas et Caelum Productions was created by geographer, climatologist, and documentarian, Cameron Craig, to provide students of science, broadcast meteorology, and other fields an experience in producing documentaries. The organization is a division of the department's Integrative Learning experience at Eastern Illinois University.

In its humble beginnings in 2006, the independent film organization produced its first production, "An Illinois Winter," that required students to research and write a script about the Winter of the Deep Snow in Illinois in 1830-31. In 2007, co-owners Cameron Craig, and Kevin Jeanes began their significant eight-part documentary project, "Expedition Nature's Realm," that explores the coexistence between humanity and nature that is Earth. Craig's major project was his historical film, "Stinging Dust & Forgotten Lives: The Dust Bowl," which delves into the causes and emotional struggle of the Great Plains farmers. In 2010, after the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Craig took three students to investigate the impact of the oil spill on the residents of Dauphin Island, Alabama for the documentary, "Returning to Paradise: Voices of the Human Spirit."

Since 2009, Tempestas et Caelum Productions has widened its scope of documentary projects to allow students of various backgrounds experience in telling their story in their own way. The ultimate purpose is to provide students the opportunity to explore their geographic world through film.

Tempestas Productions believes in letting the students take the platform and critically think about their world, past and future. Without these younger thoughts, our world will never progress. Tempestas Productions at Eastern Illinois University has become very popular among students whom desire a Chance to tell their story. And their story will continue to be told in order to give those Chances.

With the non-financial support of the Department of Geology/Geography, College of Sciences, and WEIU-PBS at Eastern Illinois University, the organization continues to support the goal of providing students with a foundation that will enhance their future careers and protect the only thing worth saving...Our Home.

The Department in Action

"Full-Length Productions Seen on PBS"

"A Moment in Nature's Realm." Nature Music Videos

"Department Activities and Courses"

"Student Productions"

"Four Rivers Ag Report" a collaboration with WEIU-TV (PBS)

"Under the Four Rivers Skies" from "Four Rivers Ag Report" a collaboration with WEIU-TV (PBS)

Further Information

Be sure to visit our main site for the descriptions of our projects and teaching resources.

If you are interested in completing a documentary project for independent research in Geography, contact Cameron Craig at cdcraig@eiu.edu.

Recent Collaborations

• Department of Geology/Geography
• WEIU-TV
• CATS (Center for Academic Technology Support)