Rick Eldridge

Jul 19

5 min read ⭑

“Every time I’ve tried to make things happen, they usually don’t. … But when it comes naturally—or in some cases, supernaturally—I’m just taking dictation. Those are the songs, stories, and projects that seem to feel right and that turn into something that works and becomes a passion.”

After over 35 years in the entertainment industry as a musician, producer, director, and entrepreneur, Rick Eldridge knows a thing or two about what it takes to create excellent films and songs. But instead of letting that be his goal in and of itself, he aims to point people to Jesus through stories of redemption. By combining his passions for God and filmmaking, he’s been able to create movies, shows, and documentaries like The Ultimate Gift, Hermie and Friends, Four Blood Moons, The Mulligan, and his latest, Never Give Up. Come and be entertained as Rick shares with us the hobbies that help him rest, how the Holy Spirit invigorates his work as a producer, and why his hot tub is the perfect place to encounter God.

QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT

There’s much more to food than palate and preference. How does a go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind the web bio?

My go-to restaurant is Eagle’s Villa Pizza, which is famous for its pizza. It’s been a family business for over 50 years and an icon in the area. I happened to marry into it when I married Krista Keesee 45 years ago this September. Yes, I am a bit biased, but I’ve never had pizza better than Eagle’s Villa Pizza—and couldn’t have married a better person than my wife, Krista.

QUESTION #2: REVEAL

We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So what are yours? What so-called “nonspiritual” activities do you love and help you find spiritual renewal?

My devotional and meditative routine begins as the sun comes up every day when I make my way to the coffee pot, then to the hot tub—usually still in my underwear, but it’s a very private outdoor patio. Listening to the birds wake up around me, in the quiet of the water, I wait awhile in silence before I turn on the jets of the hot tub, which drown out the sounds of nature. I have a couple of go-to devotionals I read on my phone every morning, but I have to be careful not to drop my phone into the water. (Don’t worry—that hasn’t happened yet!)

QUESTION #3: CONFESS

Every superhero has a weakness. Every human, too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite and how do you hide it?

I am an OCD nut about many things. If I see a picture a bit crooked, I must fix it. It doesn’t matter if it’s hanging in a restaurant, your house, or wherever. The same goes for a few other things that just don’t line up like they should. Everything should have its place, and when it doesn’t, I’m compelled to fix it. It’s what producers do—we fix things and make sure they’re always organized and happening at the right time and place.

QUESTION #4: FIRE UP

Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your obsession? And why should it be ours?

I love telling stories. When I was younger, I started my career as a musician, singer, and songwriter and told stories that were about three minutes long called songs. Nowadays, I tell stories that are about two hours long called movies. I work on stories that focus on redemption, that are inspirational and motivational, and that celebrate the human spirit and the spiritual.

QUESTION #5: BOOST

Cashiers, CEOs, contractors, or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?

Every time I’ve tried to make things happen, they usually don’t. It’s like running into a brick wall. But when it comes naturally—or in some cases, supernaturally—I’m just taking dictation. Those are the songs, stories, and projects that seem to feel right and that turn into something that works and becomes a passion.

QUESTION #6: inspire

Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied actions that open our hearts to the presence of God. So spill it, which spiritual practice is workin’ best for you right now?

Other than my personal hot tub time, my most impactful times of spiritual connection are with others. Church is a big part of our weekly routine. When I’m not there, I miss the worship, music, fellowship, and connection.

I also spend time with my guys out on the golf course or share an occasional cigar with my buddies. Those are both time commitments that demand interaction. I love that.

QUESTION #7: FOCUS

Our email subscribers get free ebooks featuring our favorite resources—lots of things that have truly impacted our faith lives. But you know about some really great stuff, too. What are three resources that have impacted you?

The most influential book I’ve ever read other than the Bible is Bob Buford’s Halftime: Moving From Success to Significance. I love his focus on making a difference, moving from success to significance, and finishing well.

Music has always been a big part of my life, and listening to worship music in the car or around the office keeps me focused and feeling good. For King & Country and We the Kingdom are a couple of my favorite artists.

We all have things we cling to to survive (or thrive) in tough times. Name one resource you’ve found indispensable in this current season—and tell us what it’s done for you.

The promises in God’s Word are sometimes the only thing we can hang onto in difficult and trying times. I also have a few trusted friends who always give me comfort and encouragement and often help me find my compass or true north when needed.

QUESTION #8: dream

God is continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?

I’ve never done a Western film, but I’m writing one now. I hope to create a very unique, new, and different look at the cowboy/Western story with this project. Also, I’m feeling the need to write more music and explore one of my earlier passions. My wife is encouraging me to do this, too. I’m not sure what all that means yet—we’ll see.

Earlier in this interview, Rick opened up about his compulsion to fix things. As a producer, this works in his favor since he has to notice and solve issues to make his films as strong as possible. But as he also pointed out, there’s a backside to this strength in that it can be hard to relax if something is out of place—even in someone else’s home.

Can you relate? Has your desire to fix things ever hindered you from enjoying the moment? Have you ever tried to solve someone’s problem when they simply wanted you to listen? Have you ever felt distant from God because you struggled to “fix” your own sin issues?

Don’t get us wrong. God will often show us what’s wrong so that we can take steps toward dealing with it. But let’s not forget that, first and foremost, he calls us to get honest with him about our problems, bring them to him in prayer, and listen to his voice. After all, God isn’t scared of our messes, and he knows exactly what we need.

Rick Eldridge is the CEO and producer of ReelWorks Studios, a multifaceted film and video production company with offices in Charlotte and Orlando. Rick has over 35 years of experience in the entertainment business as a musician, producer, director, and entrepreneur. A few of his projects include The Ultimate Gift, Running the Sahara, Never Give Up, and more. He has been involved in every facet of creative development and production management in the entertainment industry, and his résumé includes some of the most respected names in the industry—Universal, Disney, Sony, Fox, Hallmark, and ESPN.

Justin Camp