Go Behind the Scenes With "Vanilla Ice Goes Amish"
Vanilla Ice breaks out of the mold yet again — this time learning about living close to the land and about true hands-on craftsmanship in an authentic Amish community. We give you a sneak peek behind the scenes.
By:
David L Haynes
Cultural Assimilation
For his latest odyssey, and in an unexpected turn, Rob Van Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, spends time living and working on a farm near Fredericksburg, Ohio, as a guest in the nation's largest Amish community. Ice is seen here with his Amish host, John Schalabach.
Downtime
Ice gets in touch with his rootsier and acoustic side in the rural setting of the Ohio Amish country.
Behind the Scenes: Arrival Day
Behind-the-scenes photographers catch a moment of the production crew shooting Ice's arrival and first impressions in the Amish community. Several Belgian draft horses look on in bewilderment.
BEFORE
Vanilla Ice, in familiar form, arrives in Amish country and begins to take in a world that's a bit unlike the one he's accustomed to. In short order, he'll be getting something of a wardrobe makeover.
AFTER
... and so Ice takes on some of the traditional accoutrements of the Amish lifestyle. More on this later.
Arrival Day
Vanilla Ice explores the farm and the community that will be home base for a while as the camera crew documents his first day's experiences.
Arrival Day
Ice talks on camera about his first impressions and first day on the farm.
Arrival Day
Ice takes a quiet moment to contemplate the adventure that lies ahead.
Arrival Day
Ice makes a new acquaintance, a Belgian draft horse — a breed that's particularly strong and well suited for the rigors of pre-industrial-style farm work.
Arrival Day
Ice meets community member John Schalabach, who will serve as his host and guide during his stay with the Amish community.
Arrival Day
Vanilla Ice and John Schalabach
Arrival Day
Vanilla Ice and John Schalabach
Arrival Day
Ice and John begin a walking tour of the farm.
Arrival Day
John shows Ice one of the horse-drawn buggies that members of his community rely upon for transportation.
New Digs
In a land far away from L.A. or South Beach Miami, this is the home of John Schalabach — and the house that Vanilla Ice will call home during his stay with the Amish community.
New Digs
The modest and traditional home of John Schalabach
New Threads
It's forward fashion in reverse as Ice dons traditional Amish attire.
New Lid
The ensemble is not complete without the appropriate headwear.
New Look
Ice gets comfortable in his newly adopted Amish apparel.
Cultural Assimilation
Once the new ensemble is complete, photo opportunities do arise.
Cultural Assimilation
More photo ops.
Cultural Assimilation
And photo ops keep coming.
Cultural Assimilation
New friends are discovered around every corner.
Farm Breakfast
Over breakfast, Vanilla Ice discusses the day's activities with John and Rob Schalabach.
Table Talk
Table Talk
Table Talk
Morning Work
Ice meets up with his host, John Schalabach, at the barn and prepares for his first day's work on the farm.
Morning Work
Tools of the Trade
The proper equipment will be critical for today's farm chores.
Morning Work
John explains the scope of what's involved in today's tasks.
Down on the Farm
Down on the Farm
As it turns out, today's first job involves one of the less glamorous aspects of farm living: shoveling manure from the stalls in the horse barn.
Down on the Farm
The camera crew misses not one single moment of this rare opportunity in documentary filmmaking.
Power Tools
Pitchforks and wheelbarrows are one thing, but this is more like it.
New Ride
It's a long way to the L.A. Freeway, but this traditional Amish buggy has been specially modified at Woodlyn Carriage Company in Millersburg, Ohio.
Alternative Transportation
After a day's work, Ice and John Schalabach arrive back at home at the farm in Fredericksburg.
Porch Time
Ice and John share some well-deserved downtime at John's cabin home.
Porch Time
John Schalabach listens as Ice strums a few chords on an acoustic guitar. Perhaps there's a living to be made with this music thing. Stay tuned. More behind-the-scenes photography coming soon.
Back to the Vanilla Ice Goes Amish show page for more photos and video.
Back to the Vanilla Ice Goes Amish show page for more photos and video.
