Faculty
Timothy Hagan
Timothy Hagan is full-time faculty at Olympic College. He is the Founder of the OC Film School and Chair of the Digital Filmmaking Department where he teaches acting, directing, and film studies.
Prior to joining Olympic College, Timothy worked as an actor, director, writer. After graduating and while working at the Yale Repertory Theatre, Universal Studios placed him under an exclusive contract and moved him to Los Angeles where he appeared in television and film in many guest star and chief supporting roles during the ‘70s and ‘80s. While a professional actor, Timothy was fortunate enough to work in repertory theatre, film, episodic television, daytime dramas, movies of the week and commercials. After gaining membership in The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, he was accepted into the Academy's prestigious Director's Group. While in the Director's Group, he was mentored by veteran Hollywood director, George Tyne. Timothy wrote and directed several short film projects on the Warner Brothers Studios' lot. He has directed film and theatre in both Los Angeles and New York, and worked in Hollywood as a screenwriter. He also previously taught at several public colleges and private conservatories. Timothy holds a MFA from the Yale School of Drama.
Aaron Drane
Aaron Drane is full-time digital filmmaking faculty at Olympic College where he teaches producing and screenwriting to students.
Prior to joining Olympic College, Aaron taught at Mount Saint Mary’s University for 18 years. He began his career as a screenwriter, selling three feature-length screenplays in different genres to 20th Century-Fox, including John Davis, Arnold Kopelson and Fox 2000. He also optioned a screenplay to Tamara Asseyev and adapted the book “Hostage to the Devil” for Joe Dante when he was at NBC Universal. Aaron has produced several feature films and web series independently and for large studios such as Sony/Comcast/Lionsgate. He holds a BA degree in communications from Washington State University, a MA in clinical psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles, and a MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA.
Craig Downing
Craig Downing serves as an instructor at Olympic College, Seattle University and Cornish College of the Arts where he teaches professional film production practices. Craig's work focus on teaching the industry and professional skills to equip new filmmakers to produce professional quality content and to work on local film production projects.
Prior to joining Olympic College, Craig worked for Saga Film where he served for three years as the film production coordinator. In that role, Craig managed all the production gear for international full feature films, television production and agency commercials. Craig began his career in education as a classroom instructor. He holds a master's degree in education from the University of North Texas and a will hold an MFA in film production from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Amy Hesketh
Amy Hesketh is full-time faculty at Olympic College where she teaches film production and post-production to students.
Prior to joining Olympic College, Amy founded a film production company in Bolivia, where she produced and/or directed over 11 feature films. In 2015, after 10 years of living and working in Bolivia, the government of Bolivia honored Amy with the prestigious award of “Valuable Contributions to Bolivian Culture” for pioneering the New Wave of Bolivian cinema. She holds a BA in Fine Arts from Goddard College and a MFA in Film from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Rachel Thoe-Schechter
Rachel Thoe-Schechter serves as Adjunct Professor of Producing at Olympic College where she teaches film producing to undergraduate students. Her work focuses on film finance, budgeting, marketing, distribution and exhibition.
Prior to joining Olympic College, Rachel worked for independent podcast and web producers where she voiced characters, researched festival strategies, marketed through social media and co-produced recording sessions. She began her career in small business operation and human services. She holds a BA from The Evergreen State College and an MFA in Film Producing from Brooklyn College.
Marq Evans
Marq serves as Adjunct Professor at Olympic College where he teaches Digital Filmmaking 1, Digital Filmmaking 2, and the newly established Documentary Certificate program.
Prior to joining Olympic College, Marq was an award-winning independent filmmaker. His most recent documentary, CLAYDREAM, premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival to critical acclaim. His debut feature film, THE GLAMOUR & THE SQUALOR, won top prize at film festivals around the world before being acquired by Red Bull Media House. He is represented by XYZ Talent Management. In addition to film, Marq has produced commercials for clients including the Smithsonian Institute, U.S. Navy, the government of Haiti and Clinton Global Initiative. Marq holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Washington State University.
Tom Peterson
Tom Peterson is the Manager of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Filmmaking Program at Olympic College.
Prior to joining Olympic College, Tom worked as a geopolitical intelligence officer and analyst, a stockbroker, an airport planning analyst. As an Army officer and film enthusiast, Tom wrote and acted in a Department of Defense counterespionage film. Tom holds a BA in United States Business and Political Relations in the Middle East and a Graduate Certificate in Screenwriting from the University of Washington.
