Emmy-winning Filmmaker and TNU Alumnus to Join Trevecca Film & Television Faculty

Trevecca Nazarene University’s Department of Communication Studies has welcomed award-winning filmmaker and alumnus Adam Drake back to campus as a part-time instructor of film and television. Drake brings many years of experience as a producer, director and first assistant director as well as other on-set roles. 

Outside his teaching role, Drake will continue to work as the first assistant director for the hit TV series The Chosen, which became the largest crowd-funded show of all time during its first three seasons.

“I’m living the dream,” Drake said. “I remember the days at Trevecca dreaming of working in the film industry and here I am! I arrived on campus as a student not having a clue what I wanted to do with my life, but left knowing exactly what I was called to do and with a huge passion for it. I pray that I can help mentor students to find that same passion.”

Career guidance and mentorship for students and recent graduates will be part of Drake’s responsibilities at Trevecca. He will teach courses focusing on various aspects of the industry including film and television production, on-set operations, cinematography and more. 

“This business is based so heavily on networking and staying connected with others in the industry,” Drake said. “So my role in the field opens up opportunities for students to network and make connections.”

Drake will also spearhead industry workshops for students, graduates and industry professionals in and around the Nashville area.  

“I am thrilled to have Adam join our faculty, and this is an exciting and unique opportunity for our film and television students,” Trevecca Associate Professor of Film and Television Seth Conley said. “His knowledge of the film industry, love for Trevecca and heart for mentorship will be true assets to our students and graduates, and I love that he won’t have to set aside his passion for filmmaking to enter the classroom. There will be days where he’ll walk off the set of a project and teach our students that same evening, bringing experiences and knowledge fresh from set.”

Drake has worked on nearly 40 feature films, including Indivisible (produced by Calvary Pictures); Overcomer and Lifemark (produced by Alex & Stephen Kendrick); and Family Camp (produced by Skit Guys). He recently wrapped a film starring Mel Gibson called Boys of Summer. He has worked on commercials and music videos with artists like Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Cole Swindell and Hayley Williams, and he won a regional Emmy Award for a commercial promoting the City of Gatlinburg.

A 2008 graduate of Trevecca, Drake lives in Cookeville, Tenn., with his wife Amanda and their five children. More about Drake’s career can be found on his website at www.drakeinator.com or his IMDB page at  imdb.com/name/nm3762901.

The Chosen can be viewed for free at watch.thechosen.tv. Lionsgate recently obtained worldwide distribution rights for the series.