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 ( ~ $1,000) and use no CGI, AI, or drones. Below are screenshot from what we've shot so far:

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 to date. First shot in 4K on my Lumix GH5 camera, title cards shot on 35mm Fuji Film. We had 2 locations in Saratoga, my house and my church, where we arranged the foyer to simulate a coffee shop and school classrooms. Actors and crew were made up of my cousins, sisters and friends. Filmed in July of 2020. Edited in Davinci Resolve 17.

Sparks of Destruction

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

Written in Collaboration with Jim Whaley and Sarah Rodgers. First short film with simulated blood and motion tracking. I digitally removed myself for the shot at 1:56. Filmed at my cousin's house in Rochester and a nearby cemetery on iPhone 6s with Moment anamorphic lens.

"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. First short film we made a trailer for. Shot on iPhone 6s with an anamorphic lens adapter, edited with iMovie in July of 2018.

The Intr2der

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

Shot with my cousins and their friends in Rochester in 1 location. Experimented with blending the TV video with the shot from the room, as well as simulated text messages on screen. First of our short films to have an extended version. Shot in February of 2018 on Canon Powershot SX260HS, edited in iMovie.

The Recreant

Lame Ghost Movie

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

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

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

The Intruder

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 choreographed fight scene and used ketchup for blood. Shot on a Panasonic PowerShot SX260HS and edited with iMovie.

Fist Fight

About Derek

I've always found myself behind a camera. Holidays, social events, vacations, you name it; I just loved framing shots and capturing memories on video. I also fell in love with movies at a young age and decided that's what I want to do when I grow up. My cousins helped me over the past 15 or so years, acting in and coordinating our short films and home movies. We started a YouTube channel around 2015 and uploaded some of our shorts & sketch comedy. I've held down various jobs since then, locksmith, cashier, conductor and the last 3 years spent in IT, assuming I could fund my filmmaking side hustle with those jobs but I found them pulling me away from my passion. So now, after a lot of prayer and discussion with friends I am seeking a job in the video/film industry to sharpen my skills and push me farther. Feel free to reach out to me via email at info@dereklapp.media. I look forward to connecting and making movies together!

My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@unrealisticmovies

My cousin's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RadicalEntertainment

Follow my film ratings: https://letterboxd.com/lasvagueguess/