Terrance Wilson, who currently works as the Creative Specialist for the IPHC’s General Superintendent’s Office, was close to graduating from Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma when he realized that he needed one more class to complete his Worship Arts degree. This new class would require him to pick up a camera, and this seemingly random decision would shape his life and set him on a new course.
Terrance’s Family: Braylon (3), Terrance, Chasidy, Brynlee (1).
Wilson would learn Adobe, Photoshop, and Premier; programs that videographers and photographers use daily. In an effort to sharpen his newly formed camera skills, he began a Youtube channel, “Always Wilson,” where he highlights his own family: wife of four years Chasidy, son Braylon (3), and daughter Brynlee (1). “Always Wilson” is a family channel, with a focus on amusement parks, traveling with kiddos, and answering the question of “What is there to do in Oklahoma with children?”
It wasn’t long before Wilson began volunteering as the Worship Production Coordinator at his home church, The Bridge – Bricktown; he now serves in this position as a part-time staff member. As his camera skills grew, so did his portfolio, and soon after, he was working as the Creative Specialist for IPHC’s General Superintendent’s Office (GSO) where he is the lead videographer and photographer. Wilson was hired in late May of 2022, just before the General Conference. In these last two years, he has easily become a part of the IPHC family. Wilson shared of his time here: “I love working for the IPHC. I have had many opportunities to travel and meet new people. Everybody in the building is so nice and takes the time to get to know me as a person. We have had prayer and conversations together that will remain core memories for me. The biggest blessing was the baby shower that the IPHC threw for Chasidy and me. We received a very lovely wagon that is still used to this day! Also, Terry Fowler donated some of his sick time to me so that I could stay home with Bryn and Chas following the birth. Kind acts like that make me grateful to work for the IPHC.”
At the General Conference (GC) in 2022, the Lord showed Wilson that He wasn’t done using these new skills. It would only be a few short months after GC that Wilson would find himself at the PayCom Center in Oklahoma City, on the court during the announcement of the starting lineups for the OKC Thunder. Wilson expressed, “I never thought this would happen!” At the GC, Wilson met Jeremy Griffin; Griffin was set up at the conference as a resource to help churches start a podcast. Griffin was also one of the main sound guys for Oklahoma City’s NBA team, the Thunder. After chatting for 30-45 minutes, Griffin asked Wilson, “So, you wanna work for the Thunder?” Wilson shared that he originally thought he’d be selling popcorn or sodas on the concourse, but that wasn’t what Griffin had in mind at all. He would be a camera operator for the Thunder games!
Terrance roaming the crowd looking for Jumbo Screen Candidates.
Wilson, who played basketball throughout his school years, is a huge fan. He describes his feelings about his very first game behind the camera this way: “I cannot believe I am getting paid to watch basketball!” He shared that his favorite part of every game is when the production preparations are complete, and he has about 45 minutes before the actual game starts. He is able to go down to the front row and sit, watching as the players warm up. One particularly exciting incident took place during one of these sessions: Damian Lillard, a well-known player who was a point guard for the Portland Trailblazers at the time, sat down right next to him and said, “What’s up?” Wilson responded with, “What’s up?” And then the conversation was over. (The restrictions of Wilson’s job require that he maintain a calm, professional demeanor and not speak to the players unless spoken to.) He shared that this brief exchange was especially thrilling for him, as what other opportunity would allow him to meet such a well-known celebrity player?
To someone who is unfamiliar with camerawork, Wilson’s job may sound a little bit overwhelming or stressful, but he finds it challenging and exciting. His first priority is to be a “camera man.” This means that he may switch between multiple cameras, such as the camera that walks around amongst the crowd, the floor camera, or even a stationary camera. Secondly, he may be required to work on the replay team; in this capacity, he ensures that fouls, exciting plays, or amazing shots are replayed on the overhead jumbotron. Lastly, he may be required to work with the camera shading; Wilson described that responsibility in this way: “There may be five cameras going at one time, and I have to make sure that the color coming from each individual camera matches throughout the entire game.” Wilson shared that his camera work is done for in-house production for the most part, such as what is seen on the jumbotron or the TVsplaced around the arena. His work may also be seen in promotional videos or social media spotlights. He explained that TNT (the network who is broadcasting the playoffs) brings in their own camera people, and Bally sports, who carries regular season play, also has their own camera team.
Wilson’s family is extremely supportive of this opportunity with the Thunder. Chasidy, who is the Event Coordinator for the Oklahoma Assemblies of God Network, makes a point to attend as many games as possible, bringing along both of their children. Braylon, their three-year-old son, is a “super fan” for sure! Attending since he was only one, he has just recently started to follow the game more closely, seeming to understand a little bit more about what is going on. Wilson shared that when the crowd cheers as the Thunder scores, Braylon throws his hands up and turns to his mom or dad for a high five.
Brynlee’s First Thunder Friday with Braylon.
Braylon with Thunder Mascot, Rumble.
Braylon gets his First Thunder Jersey at age 2.
Wilson has surely turned his love for basketball into a family affair. Every Friday is “Thunder Friday” for the Wilson family, and they get decked out in their thunder gear. Even little Brynlee has a jersey and Thunder tights! Braylon’s jersey is number 20, for his birthdate, and Brynlee’s is number 21, for her birthdate; they were both born in February, two years apart. After school, they grab some ice cream, and they keep this “Thunder Friday” tradition going all year long! Not just during the basketball season.
Wilson admitted that he grew up as a Dallas Mavericks fan, but watching Braylon embrace the Thunder, seeing his excitement as they drive past the arena, and catching his joy as he sees Rumble, the Thunder mascot, he has slowly become a Thunder fan as well. For this reason, Wilson said it was particularly difficult to watch the playoff match-up of the Thunder vs. the Mavericks. He was simultaneously disappointed and elated when the Mavericks ultimately took the series and moved on.
When asked if he thought he would continue to work for the Thunder, Wilson enthusiastically agreed that he would. “As long as I live in Oklahoma, I will work for the Thunder!”
