Paul Christensen and his wife Donna recently found themselves working in their home town of Dallas, Texas, a rare opportunity since the majority of their
projects are in all corners of the US and overseas. The project was a break-through fitness DVD for New York based music and video label Razor & Tie featuring well known exercise maven Donna Richardson Joyner and shot at MPS Studios, Dallas. Paul Christensen and their award winning team were recruited for the project, titled Sweating in the Spirit 2, to design a look and musical feel never
before seen in the health and fitness industry. The result was a dazzling concert stage set awash with vibrant color and movement featuring Donna and her dancers backed by a live performance band of critically acclaimed studio players. In addition, the sessions featured live concert appearances by some of Gospel Music’s best known artists, Byron Cage, Martha Munizzi and Rizen.
For over 16 years, Donna Richardson has been helping thousands of normal people achieve their dream of health and fitness. Donna has released 
numerous projects and done thousands of appearances and programs including co–host of the ESPN Fitness Pros Show, her highly successful Platinum Buns of Steel video, as well as the recent number one selling fitness DVD, Sweating in the Spirit. No doubt the cutting edge follow up DVD, Sweating in the Spirit 2, will turn heads and be a great motivator to thousands interested in mind, body and spirit.
The project was Executive Produced by Cliff Chenfeld, Craig Balsam and Donna Richardson. Aaron Brotherton and Ryan Ingrasin served as Supervising Producers for Razor & Tie. Carra Scott served as Supervising Producer for Donna R
ichardson. Paul Christensen and his wife Donna served as Television and Live Event Producers bringing in the award winning Omega team of shooters, including Director Carey Goin. Ruthel Flunder, Jan Sargent and Chris Bryson assisted with talent and logistics. Rounding out Omega’s talented crew were Jonathon Bentley on Hand Held Camera, Andrew Dean on Steadicam, Don Warren on Jimmy Jib, assisted by Eric Warren and Steve Cobb and Jim Conrad on Fixed Cameras. Logan Gilpin provided all of the behind the scenes and intervie
w footage. The stage was transformed into a spectacular wash of color and sculpted set design by Lighting Director James Edwards and Programmer John Johnson, assisted by lighting technician Jim Hansen. Gemini Stage and Lighting, Dallas, provided the conventional and intelligent lighting for the project, including the revolutionary combination of LED curtains and state of the art DL–2 moving projectors. A big hats off to Gemini and their talented staff including Jason Cain, without whom the revolutionary look and feel of the stage would not have been possible.
In addition to the stunning stage look achieved by the Omega team, the project owes its revolutionary success to the quality of music and
the live concert style provided by Musical Director, Derrick Horne of Yokebreaker Productions. Horne was instrumental in recruiting the best players for the project, as well as composing all of the music necessary for the high energy sessions. Horne’s creative input and attention to detail resulted in high energy performances of tight rhythm tracks so necessary to the fitness genre. The band also provided a solid backing for the guest artists, assuring successful renditions o
f hit songs from Byron Cage, Martha Munizzi and Rizen. Not only was the stage look a break-though for the fitness industry, but all the music for the project was performed live in concert by some of the best known players in the business, Derrick Horne on keyboards, guitar and vocals, Cornelius Mims on Bass, Marvin McQuitty on Drums, Shannon Frazier on Guitar and Chalmers Alford on Keyboards and Hammond Organ. Background vocals were ably provided by Myron Butler, Candy West and Peaches West.
Tricam Video Productions, Inc., Ft. Worth, provided remote television facilities, with the assistance of owner Craige Bandy , who also served as Engineer in Charge (EIC). John Johns, In-Sync, Inc., Dallas, provided video engineering expertise and shaded the cameras to capture the vibrant look of the stage. Remote recording facilities were provided by
Forrest Production Services, Tulsa. Forrest’s owner and chief engineer, Tim Kennard, provided the recording expertise for the DVD sound track, ably assisted by Quinton Davis. Gemini Sound, Dallas, served as sound reinforcement vendor, with the able assistance of Gemini’s owner Tim Cain. Jason Litt provided Monitor Engineer duties. Dallas based Sound Productions served as backline vendor utilizing the services of Phil Condon. Thanks to Greg Blackburn and Dallas Stage Scenery for the stage platforms and dance floor. Rounding out the Omega crew were Ben and Colin Edge, stage assistants. Any successful venture runs on a happy crew. As a result, we were fortunate to have Terry Crenshaw, TLC Creative Works, providing our craft services and catering. Needless to say our crew was well motivated due to her efforts.
The project was shot on Stage M at MPS Studios in Dallas, one of the few remaining sound stages between the coasts, large enough to accommodate the elaborate stage and set. Owners Mark and Brad Beasley and their fine organization have long been a successful fixture on the Texas film scene. MPS’s Jeff McWhorter and Meredith Stephens assisted with coordinating the event as did David Klotz who provided invaluable assistance as Stage Manager. The final DVD was edited and authored at Post Digital , Nashville by Post Digital’s owner Perry Trest assisted by Kenny Mims. The soundtrack was mixed and mastered by Derrick Horne and Kevin Bomar in Houston at Yokebreaker Studios and Southcoast Recorders.
Our thanks go out to all the fine folks at Razor & Tie including Aaron Brotherton, Vasco Bridges and Sally Bunnell . We would also like to thank Donna Richardson Joyner for her vision and trust in us for such a revolutionary concept. A big thank you also to Donna’s staff and associates, including Lisa Fuller, Carra Scott, Charles Little and Whitney Kyles.
