Current Project: Action Movie Trailer

A short 1-2 minute movie trailer for a fictional summer blockbuster. The goal is to operate on a limited budget (under $1,000) and use no CGI. Select screenshots below:

Previous Short Films

See our progression and improvements in filmmaking over the past 10+ years.

First official collaborative film, shot in 2016 with my cousins over the course of a few days. Was a very long time ago so exact details are scarce as well as documents & information. We implemented practical effects for the choreographed fight scene as well as ketchup for blood. Shot on a Panasonic PowerShot SX260HS and edited with iMovie.

Fist Fight

The Intruder

The Recreant

The Intr2der

"A young Micah encounters a mysterious person on his farm."

2nd short film also shot in 2016 with my cousins. We utilized a spinning wheel desk chair for dolley tracking shot outdoors. Shot on a Panasonic PowerShot SX260HS and edited with iMovie.

"When Micah notices his belongings going missing, he enlists Malachi to investigate."

Experimented with blending the TV video with the shot from the room. First of our short films to have an extended version. Shot in 2017 on Canon Powershot SX260HS, edited in iMovie.

"Rookie CIA agents defend their base from rogue mercenaries."

Shot with my cousins and their friends in Rochester at 3 locations, their house, church basement (deleted scene), and the road leading to their house. Shot on iPhone 6s with an anamorphic lens adapter, edited with iMovie in 2018.

Sparks of Destruction

"When his house is broken into, must choose between saving his possessions or his brother."

Shot with my cousins in Rochester. Written in Collaboration with Jim Whaley and Sarah Rodgers. Shot at their house and a nearby cemetery. Shot in 2019 on iPhone 6s.

Ridiculous Rules

"A nefarious principal enacts overbearing rules and policies to increase grades and productivity, yielding the opposite effect."

Largest short film I have made. First film shot on my Lumix GH5 in 4K, title cards shot on 35mm Fuji Film. Edited in Davinci Resolve 17. We had 2 locations in Saratoga, my house and my church, where we arranged the foyer to simulate a coffee shop and school classrooms.

Shot 2020

Lame Ghost Movie

Smaller short film inspired by Film Riot's various halloween specials. First short film shot at night, learned to work around low light situations. Shot on Canon Powershot SX260HS, Edited in iMovie in 2017. Music was made with Filmstro.

About Derek

I've always found myself behind a camera. Holidays, social events, vacations, you name it. I developed a love for movies at a very young age and determined to one day make a career of filmmaking. My cousins helped out tremendously over the past 15 or so years, making many short films and home movies. Eventually we started a YouTube channel and began uploading. I also have done some sketch comedy.

I look forward to working with you. Send me an email and or request resume [edit]