Film and television director Jim Drake began his career in 1968 as an associate director on several New York daytime serials including General Hospital and The Young and the Restless, as well as episodes of CBS' cultural show, Lamp Unto My Feet. In 1974 he started working as an associate director on Norman Lear’s sitcoms All in the Family and Good Times. Drake’s first opportunity to direct came in 1976 when he was hired to helm several episodes of the soap opera-satire Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
As a television director, additional credits include Alice, the Mary Hartman-spinoffs Fernwood Tonight, and Forever Fernwood, The Facts of Life, Sanford, SCTV Network, Gimme a Break!, Buffalo Bill, Newhart, Night Court, Who’s the Boss, Valerie, The Golden Girls, Roomies, Second Chance, Coach, Scorch, Police Academy: The Series, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and The Suite Life on Deck. Drake has also directed several films including The Awakening of Cassie (1982), Mr. Bill's Real Life Adventures (1986), Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987), and Speed Zone! (1989). Drake has also directed 12 productions of the annual DGA Awards, from 2001 to 2012.
Drake has been nominated for two DGA Awards; for Outstanding Achievement in Musical/Variety for SCTV Network in 1983, and Outstanding Achievement in Comedy for an episode of Buffalo Bill in 1984. Drake has also been nominated for two Primetime Emmys, for Buffalo Bill and The Golden Girls.