Cinthya MolinaUnited StatesAug 27, 2026, 5:05 PM
What happens when four Adventist universities from four different states send film, media, and communication students to work side by side on something never done before?
From July 12-16, 2026, that question was answered. Students from Walla Walla University, Southern Adventist University, Oakwood University, and La Sierra University gathered in Los Angeles to produce 20+ episodes of Imagine Faith, the first official intercollegiate production of its kind within the Adventist university system.
What began as production became something more: 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.
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, alongside transformational speaker, ICF-certified life coach, and author Donovan Dee Donnell.
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 helps viewers sharpen their sense of purpose and lean on faith as a foundation for success, offering practical tools for growth through partnership with God.
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:
Producer Unit: Hope Studios and Walla Walla University
Camera, Stage Production, and Technical Direction: Oakwood University
Marketing and Social Media: Southern Adventist University
Set Design, Construction, and Post-Production: La Sierra University
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.
Set days began early and ran long, but the atmosphere stayed positive throughout the week. Crew members from the four universities had never worked together at this scale before, and the collaboration demonstrated that the students brought a strong learning mindset, looked for ways to improve, and consistently delivered solid work in their areas of responsibility.
The hosts left an impression, too. Students 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.”
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."
Looking back on the five-day shoot, the crew has described the experience as a "God thing" rather than simply a "good thing," a framing that traces back to the podcast's origins, when the team was encouraged early on to "pray on it." Many involved feel the show 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, which didn't go unnoticed by visitors on set with significant industry experience.
The week closed with a prayer of gratitude for the project, the technology, and the students and crew who made it possible. With more than 20 episodes completed, Imagine Faith stands as both a milestone in intercollegiate Adventist filmmaking and proof that a production set can become a mission field in its own right. As the four universities and Hope Studios move into post-production, the team looks ahead not only to this season's release but to the possibility of future collaboration.
