Accomplishments, Goals & Life

Now, having won many awards and directed many shorts, commercials, corporate videos, a web series and more, he has developed a tight, fine-tuned directing style with a strong, story-first focus.

However, having worked in the industry for years, he has seen and experienced first hand many of the hardships and unreasonable conditions that plague the field of film.

His goal is not only to make great films with the best storytelling and visuals, but to do so while not sacrificing the health, well being or pay of the cast and crew. This philosophy is born out of his own dream and love of cinema. “Film is hard work, but it should be the best job in the world, and everyone should be able to have a hell of a lot of fun doing it.”

Currently residing in Austin TX with his wife and a very spoiled cat, Derek makes time for many other interests such as carpentry, digital artwork, martial arts, 3D printing, drawing, and more. Also an avid reader, he loves books about history, film history, as well as scif-fi, fantasy and other genre fiction.