Writer and producer Chris Olson (Film/Video BFA 80) passed away on April 2021.

At CalArts, Olson studied writing and directing for film and television. Among his mentors was Alexander Mackendrick, the prominent director and founding dean of the School of Film/Video at CalArts.

Olson served as a writer and researcher on various iconic game shows by Mark Goodson Productions (formerly Goodson-Todman Productions), including Card Sharks, Super Password, Body Language, Match Game/Hollywood Squares, and Child’s Play.

He also boasted post-production credits on the Paramount sitcoms The Mommies and Good Company, as well as on Verbatim Productions-MCA Universal Television’s sitcom Home Free.

In 1990, Olson established his namesake studio Chris Olson Productions, with which he directed the drama short Drag Rats (2019).

Film editor Bob Gould (Film/Video BFA 80), who was Olson’s classmate, shared the following remembrance on Facebook: 

With a heavy heart, I’m devastated to say that we tragically lost our CalArts film school classmate and beloved friend Chris Olson this weekend. There was no person sweeter, funnier, and more educated of film than Chris (especially Hitchcock movies!).

A bright light has certainly gone out with the loss of this very special and wonderful man. I will miss him forever. Rest In Peace, Chris.