Derek is a Los Angeles based director and graduate from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Starting in the industry while still in high school, Derek began working as a special makeup effects and animatronics artist for Spectral Motion Studios, creating characters for film and television.
After Spectral Motion, Derek left the country for two years to serve a full-time mission in Puebla Mexico. His experiences as a character designer, his time in Mexico, and his formal education at USC focused his passion into crafting emotionally rich stories about hopeful communities and individuals.
His commercial work includes clients such as Baidu, DoorDash, and WeWork among others and his narrative work includes films that have been in over 30 festivals around the world.
Press and Awards:
-Winner - Short Film Category - 2019 Accolade Global Film Competition