When Lucas Hibdon ’21 heard his project announced as the winner of a Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award, he wasn’t listening for the project title. He was listening for familiar clues — his studio name, his director’s name, anything that would signal his work had won.
Instead, he heard Find Your Light.
“I genuinely thought we lost,” Lucas laughs. “Then the room erupted, and I physically jumped. It felt like something out of a movie.”
The moment was especially meaningful because it marked his first official Emmy win after two previous projects submissions. “This is the one that actually stays mine,” he says. “That alone made it surreal.”
For Lucas, now a video editor and the lead audio engineer at Spirit Juice Studios in Chicago, the recognition represents far more than a trophy.
“I’ve always felt like a ‘picked-last’ kind of guy,” he reflects. “I’ve loved what I do, but I never expected to be the one noticed for it.”
The Emmy-winning project was part of an eight-video commercial campaign created for The Catholic University of America. Directed by Cody Hilliard, a longtime collaborator and friend, the series highlighted academic programs, student life and the cultural energy of Washington, D.C. Rather than feeling corporate, the campaign leaned into a cinematic, story-driven approach.
“A lot of campaigns in our category were beautifully shot but very transactional,” Lucas explains. “Ours felt more like a film. It was personal. It invited you to feel something.”
While multiple editors worked on the project, his role centered on sound — an often-unseen but essential layer of storytelling. As Spirit Juice’s only audio engineer, every environmental sound, effect and audio transition passed through his hands.
“If you hear footsteps, chalk on a board, or city noise — that’s me,” he says. “Audio is where emotion lives. It’s what makes a story feel real.”
That passion for storytelling began long before Lucas stepped into an editing bay. A serious car accident during high school had forced him to reconsider the direction of his life — evaluating passions, dreams and prayerfully considering his calling. When he arrived at Olivet Nazarene University as a communications major, he was still figuring out who he was and what he wanted to do.
“I realized I couldn’t just coast into something,” he says. “I needed to figure out what I actually loved.”
At the time, what started as a love for content creation in the form of YouTube videos became the prospect for his future career and calling. Specifically, Lucas recalls a course in documentary production with Professor Mark Bishop, which gave him a glimpse of his future career.
“That class was the closest thing to what I do now,” he says. “Building a team, shooting on location, editing under pressure — it was real.”
As he reflects over his time on campus Lucas recalls how faculty mentorship played a key role in shaping both his skills and confidence.
“Professor Bishop gave me creative curiosity. Dr. Heather McLaughlin gave me joy in the process. Dr. Jay Martinson taught me that failure is part of excellence,” he shares.
Equally formative were the relationships he built outside the classroom. Surrounded by friends studying theology from different denominational backgrounds, Lucas found space to ask deeper questions about faith and identity.
“Those conversations shaped me into a more independent and grounded person,” he says.
Alongside film, Lucas discovered a love for music production, a passion that eventually transformed into professional opportunity. After graduation, mentorship from producer Micah Aris helped him refine his skills and believe in his creative voice.
“He was the first person who really saw potential in me,” Lucas says. “He was honest, encouraging and invested in my growth.”
That encouragement carried him through early career setbacks, including a failed studio venture and a difficult transition into full-time creative work.
“There were moments where I doubted everything,” he admits. “But, my community, the people working beside me, kept me moving forward.”
That same persistence eventually led to Spirit Juice Studios, new creative collaborations, and ultimately, an Emmy Award.
Today, Lucas continues to balance film, audio engineering and music — including work with other creatives helping to showcase their work; work on an upcoming documentary set for theatrical release; and a long-awaited music album that has been years in the making.
“I keep saying yes,” he laughs. “It’s overwhelming, but it’s exciting. I’m curious to see where this next season leads.”
When asked what advice he would give current Olivet students or young creatives, his answer is simple and hard-earned: “Make connections. Celebrate other people. Don’t wait for perfection. Learn to love what you create — even if it can get better.”
“Perhaps most of all: don’t underestimate the quiet, steady ways God guides timing, opportunity and growth.”
“This Emmy gives me hope,” Lucas adds. “If a kid who once ran a failed business and doubted himself can win one, then absolutely, there’s room for your story too.”
To learn more about the Department of Communication at Olivet Nazarene University, visit olivet.edu/communication
