Logo with the text "DEREK" in large, lime green, outlined block letters, and smaller white text underneath that reads "Makes Films".

Three Ways to Work Together

Bright yellow-green background with no identifiable objects or details.
A black background with colorful hand-drawn text and illustrations. The text reads 'Happy Holidays' with a balloon and snowflake doodles around it.

Development Through Delivery

A bright yellow background with faint vertical stripes.
Handwritten text reading "Director of Photography" on a black background.

Story, Light and Camera

Bright yellow background with no objects or details visible.
Close-up of a handwritten message that says 'ASSIST' in black ink.

Resources and Equipment

01 / Producer

Real people.
Unexpected stories.

I began in unscripted film and television. Locally I run a production company that specializes in interview based content for companies.

Today, my focus is scripted arthouse features: comedy, psychological and sci-fi thrillers, and elevated horror. I have a slate of films that are in development and I am active in film markets globally.

I bring the creative curiosity and practical experience to help a film move from its first conversation to its final frame. Head on over to the kaifilms site to learn more.

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Close-up of a hand holding a spatula cooking at a grill with burgers and vegetables.
Close-up of a hand holding a spatula cooking at a grill with burgers and vegetables.
Healing Waters Film Still
Seward Short film
Mothers Garden Short
Sibs_coffee_documentary
Balloon Boy Short
Somethign in the Pines Short
Producer Work
View through a camera's viewfinder of a beach scene with cloudy sky, ocean, and wet sand, including focus and framing guides

02 / Director of Photography

My approach to the moving image began with still photography: watching closely, finding the frame, and leaving room for something unplanned.

I build images around the emotional life of the story. As a Director of Photography and Camera Operator I care deeply about both the camera build and the ideas behind emotion, light, and story.

Light. Space. Human feeling.

Cinematography Work
A professional photoshoot with a football player wearing a helmet and uniform inside a reflective, holographic set, with crew members adjusting lighting and taking photos.

03 / Assets

Let's talk about my assets.

Illustration of retro music equipment including headphones, a tape recorder, and a stereo system, depicted in bright orange, yellow, green, and black colors.

Cameras, Lights, Production Support!

It all started with my work as a Unit Stills photographer. This led to gaffing several seasons of a tv series and all of a sudden a one-ton G&E package appeared in my driveway. Proud member of IATSE Local 488.

I bring decades of experience with camera work, light shaping, a ton of gear, literally and a calm, focused approach to the work we create together.

Asset information
A white van parked on a grassy area as night falls, equipped with bright LED lights on a tall stand, some ladders, and safety cones indicating a nighttime work or filming setup.
Photo taken inside a studio or media production space with lighting equipment, cameras, and a green screen backdrop. A woman wearing headphones is sitting and appears to be preparing for a shoot.
Two men are outdoors at night, one in a green hoodie and glasses with a headset, the other in a camouflage jacket and a headlamp, looking up at the sky.
A music production setup in a dark environment with a keyboard, a smartphone with colorful DJ app, and a stage scene in the background with people, cameras, and stage lights in a forested area.
A telescope on a rooftop, pointed at the night sky with stars and trees in the background.
Film or photography crew setting up lighting equipment outdoors at night near a storefront with a sign that says "EXCELLENCE Personal Training Studio." Crew members are seated and working on their phones, with various equipment and supplies around them, illuminated by a large bright light.
Black rectangular sign with the word "VEND" in large outlined letters.

Derek Johnson / Filmmaker / Producer

It starts with paying attention.

I have always loved stories and cameras. The part that keeps me coming back is people: the ones I meet, the lives they share, and the possibilities hiding in an ordinary moment.

My work moves between observation and invention. A real encounter can become a character; a small detail can send a film somewhere strange, funny, or unsettling.

I like happy accidents, making notes by hand, and making things with other people. Pizza helps.

A film strip with four black and white photographs: a man with glasses in front of a 'Producers Club' sign, a person walking on a wet beach under a cloudy sky, a detailed shot of a professional video camera, and a street scene at night with building facades and a lit sign.