From July 12-16, students from Walla Walla University, Southern Adventist University, Oakwood University, and La Sierra University gathered in Los Angeles, California, United States, to produce 20+ episodes of Imagine Faith, the first official intercollegiate production of its kind within the Adventist university system.
Participants said what began as production became a shared experience of collaboration, creativity, and faith.
The series was produced in partnership with Hope Studios, a purpose-driven creative studio dedicated to crafting meaningful, faith-rooted stories that entertain, inspire, and uplift. Kevin Christenson, head of Hope Studios, and Rico Hill, executive producer, led the Producer Unit in partnership with Walla Walla University.
From podcast to screen
Imagine Faith brings conversations about faith, success, and navigating modern life through a biblical lens into a visual format. The show is hosted by three-time GRAMMY® award-winning musician Kevin Olusola, best known for his work with Pentatonix, and Donovan Dee Donnell, an ICF-certified life coach and author.
Through the podcast, the two hosts bring very different life experiences to the table but arrive at the same conclusion: faith and values don’t have to be compromised in pursuit of one’s dreams. The series is designed to help viewers sharpen their sense of purpose and lean on faith as a foundation for success, offering practical tools for growth through partnership with God.
A collaborative production model
Twelve students across the four universities made up the production crew, with responsibilities divided by school, allowing students to gain hands-on experience at every stage of the process.
The Producer Unit was made up of Hope Studio staff and Walla Walla University students. Oakwood University students oversaw camera, stage production, and technical direction. Southern Adventist University handled marketing and social media. La Sierra University led set design, construction, and post-production.
Kirk Nugent, known for his work with Breath of Life Ministry, directed the production. A dedicated marketing day helped build the show's brand presence, and a special project day led by Southern Adventist University students allowed the team to capture behind-the-scenes photos, including hosts' headshots, set photos, and social media content for promotional use.
A set defined by mission, not production
Crew members from the four universities had never worked together at this scale. Project leaders said the collaboration demonstrated the students' strong learning mindset, their willingness to look for ways to improve, and their consistent delivery of solid work in their areas of responsibility.
The hosts left an impression, too. Students said they valued their time with Olusola and Donnell, and the on-camera conversations about issues that matter to young adults left the crew with a lasting impression about faith in the real world.
Not everyone on set came from an Adventist background. One crew member said that despite long, demanding days, she went home each evening feeling “energized” by the environment. Kor Element, co-founder of Imagine Faith Talk, reflecting on his first extended experience with the Adventist community, said he was struck by the spirit of creativity and faith he encountered, summing it up with a simple question: “How do I sign up?”
Kevin Christenson pointed to the show's timeliness. "What makes this show so timely is that you have two guys with such opposite life experiences: Kevin (Olusola), who has had the straight and narrow journey, and Donovan with the Prodigal Son path, discussing topics that young adults are navigating today."
Christenson also noted that several professors who visited the set voiced support for the project, observing that the topics covered are exactly what their students are already discussing and that biblically grounded material addressing those issues isn't easy to find.
“From development through production, Imagine Faith was marked by a remarkable sense of providence,” said Rico Hill, head of development for Hope Studios. “Like any ambitious production, we encountered our share of challenges, but time and again we experienced doors opening, obstacles giving way, and the right people coming together at the right time. We believe God faithfully guided the process from beginning to end, enabling us to create content that reflects excellence, authenticity, and ultimately brings honor to Him.”
Ministry beyond the credits
For Matthew Webster, a producer from Walla Walla University, the production's impact went well beyond what will eventually air. "A lot of people think the ministry of the project starts when the credits roll; it doesn't. It starts in pre-production, when you're assembling your crew. It continues to set, interacting with those who normally aren't mission-minded on a project. The credits are a continuation of the mission that has already started."
"A God thing, not just a good thing"
Looking back on the five-day shoot, the crew described the experience as a "God thing" rather than simply a "good thing," a framing that traces back to the podcast's origins. The team was encouraged early on to "pray on it." Many of those involved with the show feel it came together at an appointed time for its message to be shared.
Project leaders voiced deep gratitude to the students throughout the week, praising their professionalism and the quality of their work.
Looking ahead
The week closed with a prayer of gratitude for the project, technology, and students and crew who made it possible. As the four universities and Hope Studios move into post-production, the team stated they are looking ahead to this season's release and the possibility of future collaboration.
The original article was published on the Hope Channel International news site.
