Award-winning filmmaker Drew Thomas joins CCM’s faculty
Thomas’ professional credits include work on hits like ‘Sesame Street’ and ‘Abbott Elementary’
UC College-Conservatory of Music Interim Dean Jonathan Kregor has announced the addition of Drew Thomas, MFA, to the college’s faculty of distinguished performing and media arts experts, researchers and educators. A director, cinematographer and filmmaker with decades of industry experience, Thomas begins his new role in CCM's Media Production Division as Assistant Professor of Film and Television Production on Aug. 15, 2024.
New CCM faculty member Drew Thomas. Photo/provided
Thomas cites a matinee screening of the film Raiders of the Lost Ark as the catalyst for his career path. That film led Thomas to the epiphany: “If I was to have an Indiana-Jonesian life of adventure, I would need to create it.” In turn, Thomas went on to create multiple award-winning student films while earning first a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Motion Picture Production and English from the University of Miami School of Communications and then a Master of Fine Arts degree from the prestigious American Film institute (AFI).
In his 25 years as an entertainment professional, Thomas has directed three award-winning feature films, along with dozens of episodes of television and screening content, music videos, documentaries, branded content and more.
As a cinematographer, Thomas has tallied dozens of credits as diverse as Sesame Street, Coachella, Street Outlaws and Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow.
As a camera operator, Thomas has worked on hits like The Office, The Masked Singer, The Muppets, Renaissance: A film by Beyonce and every season of Abbott Elementary. For his work on Abbott, Thomas was twice awarded special recognition from the AFI.
During the 2023 entertainment industry labor strikes, Thomas and his wife relocated their family to Wyoming, OH. “Now a father well into middle age, I am honored to continue work as a professional storyteller, especially in service to organizations that benefit our community,” Thomas says.
Thomas is a proud member of the Director's Guild and the International Cinematographers Guild.
“CCM’s Media Production Division prides itself on its ability to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in TV, film, new media and a variety of other related fields. Thomas’ notable success in many of these areas, his wealth of valuable industry experience and his commitment to educating the next generation of media professionals make him an ideal addition to CCM’s distinguished faculty,” says Kregor. “I want to recognize the exemplary work of our search committee, which was chaired by Kevin Burke and included Melissa Godoy, Moni (Jasmine) Guo, Donald Hancock, Hagit Limor and John Owens.”
Next Lives Here
At the University of Cincinnati, we realize the impact our teaching, research, artistry and service can have on our community and the world. So, we don’t wait for change to happen. We break boundaries, boldly imagine and create what’s Next. To us, today’s possibilities spark tomorrow’s reality. That’s why we are leading urban public universities into a new era of innovation and impact, and that's how we are defining Next for the performing and media arts.
We're about engaging people and ideas - and transforming the world.
We are UC. Welcome to what's Next.
Featured image at top: New CCM faculty member Drew Thomas operates a camera on the set of the hit TV program Abbott Elementary. Photo/provided
Additional Contacts
Rebecca Butts | Assistant Public Information Officer
buttsrl@ucmail.uc.edu | 513-556-2675
Related Stories
Hillel Holds Memorial for Daniel Pearl
March 5, 2002
The wailing of the noon civil defense sirens March 6 began a somber UC service in memory of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.
University Pavilion: On The Move
November 14, 2002
University Pavilion, the second anchor of MainStreet to open for business this fall, is now filling up with workers across student service offices. The move started Nov. 4 into the $32 million, six-story building designed by Leers Weinzapfel Associates and GBBN Architects. Construction started on the building in January 2001.
Discover New Delights at CCM's 'Moveable Feast'
January 7, 2003
Sample old favorites and discover what's new at CCM in an evening of drama, opera, musical theater, chamber and orchestral music, and more.
'Marriage of Figaro' To Open Opera Season
January 23, 2003
Guest Director Paula Williams leads CCM opera students in this timeless tale, opening Feb. 13.
'The Wild Party' On Stage Feb. 27-March 9
January 27, 2003
CCM presents Andrew Lippa's racy musical, set in the roarin' '20s.
CCM To Perform Dvorak's 'Stabat Mater'
January 27, 2003
CCM faculty members will be featured soloists in this rarely performed work.
Documentary Gives Voice to Architects
February 4, 2003
University of Cincinnati professors have designed a documentary that describes the professional life of architects. Next, they'll record the views of those involved in Zaha Hadid's Contemporary Arts Center.
Opera Studio Offers Free Double Bill
February 13, 2003
CCM graduate student Chía Patiño's "Dreamwalker" featured in March 7-8 studios.
Willkommen to Campus, AWL Middle Schoolers
February 13, 2003
The German Studies department is reaching out to students at a nearby public school.
CCM Performance Features 80-Voice Chorus
February 13, 2003
Winter choral concert features classical, jazz and popular compositions.