Paul Christensen and their award winning Omega Productions crew were recently in Grand 
Rapids, Michigan shooting Verity-Zomba Music Group artist Marvin Sapp for a live CD and DVD release, Thirsty. The concert was held at one of the most successful fellowships in the Grand Rapids area, Resurrection Life Church. Sapp is one of the most versatile, dynamic voices in gospel music – a story teller of a songwriter – as versed in worship
as he is in preaching – a fiery, compassionate, Spirit -filled preacher.
After an opening recap of the venerable artist’s luminous career, the concert got under way as song after song flowed from Sapp and the talented group of musicians headed by Record Producer Aaron Lindsey. The stage bristled with energy and vibrant color as the artist
led the audience on an evening of worship and praise.
The project, destined to be a well received CD and DVD, was Executive Produced by Marvin and MaLinda Sapp. Jackie Patillo , V.P. of A&R and Artist Development for Zomba Gospel served as Producer. The live CD was produced by Aaron Lindsey. Paul Christensen served as Television and 
Live Event Producer. Joe Tucker, Executive Producer for Resurrection Life Church Directed, while Res Life’s Director of Media, Tim Ostrom served as Production Manager. Ruthel Flunder assisted with talent and logistics. Rounding out Omega’s talented crew were Jerry Theis on Hand Held Camera, assisted by Doug Remtema, Brett Bowers on Steadicam, 
Scott Dahlquist on Jimmy Jib and Steve Cobb and Melodie Ostrom on Fixed Cameras. Ed Sluiter was Barber Boom Operator, assisted by John Cisco. Doug Remtema provided all of the behind the scenes footage. Travis Neuman and Doug Remtema served as Lighting Grips.
The stage was transformed into a spectacular wash of color and sculpted set design by Lighting Director Kelly Goodin. Resurrection Life Church provided the conventional lighting, 
while computerized lighting facilities were provided byJohn S. Hyatt & Associates, Inc., Grand Rapids. Resurrection Life Church also provided the television facilities. Norm Chapin shaded the cameras to capture the vibrant look of the stage. Remote recording facilities were provided by Resurrection Life Church. Danny Duncan,
Nashville, recorded the project, assisted by Israel Ruiz. Sound reinforcement was also provided by Resurrection Life Church, with the able assistance of Res Life’s Director of Audio, Cliff Rosenberg. Michael Williams provided the concert mix at the Front of House position. Travis Neuman served as Monitor Engineer.
Our thanks go out to all the fine folks at Resurrection Life Church for their hard work in hosting this project. A big thank you
also goes out to Ken Reynolds, Senior Worship Pastor, and his assistant Lori Rosenberg, for their assistance and encouragement. In addition, we would like to recognize the contributions made by Tim Ostrom, Joe Tucker, Kelly Goodin and all the media staff at Res Life, who worked so hard to make this project a success.
More information on Verity artists is available at www.verityrecords.com. You can learn more about the ministry of Resurrection Life Church by going to www.reslife.org.
Besides a 2008 Grammy® Nomination in the “Best Traditional Gospel Album“ category , the project also recently received a 2008 Stellar Award Nomination in the “Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year“ category, as well as a Dove Award Nomination in the “ Male Vocalist of the Year“ category. In July 2008, the project was also certified as Gold Record Status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA®). In addition, a song from the soundtrack, “Never Would Have Made It,” has become the longest running No. 1 single on radio across all genres in the history of Billboard analysis.
You can watch “Never Would Have Made It” (Live) (from Thirsty): www.youtube.com/watch?v=A81_RR8_EFA
