Derek Johnson Filmmaker

My dream is to share stories. I find unique stories in different parts of the universe, and I know I would cease to exist without an opportunity to tell them.

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

Overnight shoots and gunfights in the old west just another night in the life of a gaffer. Loved shaping the mood on this gritty period short. Smoke, shadows, and a whole lotta teamwork.
#OldWest#WesternShort #CampfireScene#MoodyLighting #NightShootVibes#GafferOnSet

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

https://t.co/gBosBShpFK

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

Doing the work for you seattle @harborislandstudio #filminwa #MDF25 #MarcheDuFilm

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

I'm reaching out to you from Cannes, France! It’s thrilling to be here showcasing my projects alongside peers from around the globe.

I’ll share an update after the market closes, and if you’re around, let’s grab some coffee! #MDF25 #marchedufilm

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

Hey there! I'm heading to the Cannes Marché and Film Festival from May 12-20, and I’m pretty excited to show you my new lineup of female-led films. We're on the lookout for investors, sales agents, and distributors to hop on board with Kaifilms. Can't wait to catch up soon!

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

@ErynRea This is what’s it’s like in my head when I’m producing. Until the mosquitoes bite.

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

@ErynRea Are you talking about using a bidet vs tp, I remember t first time in Paris. A surreal moment as my friends were high in heroin in the next room and I had no idea why there were two toilet looking thing s . Culture shock 😳

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

This evening at @harbourIslandstudios in Seattle, we are thrilled to unveil a television show I’ve been working on as a gaffer for several years. With @greglachow leading the way, Amazing job, Greg, for bringing your dream to life! #uncertaindetective @uncertaindetective.

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

The lighting of my dreams is resonating with all my creative collaborators and directors of photography! 🙌🌈 #LightingMagic @aputure.lighting #aputurepartner @senseofemergency @rodmarphoto @madelinedown @aputure.lighting #aputurepartner @rodmarphoto @tylorjones_dp @saramustelin

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

Last week, we used the 1000c in a short film production. The results are in this video.
#LightingMagic @aputure.lighting #aputurepartner @senseofemergency @rodmarphoto @madelinedown

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

Hey, you all should totally check out this movie today! I put this together to give a glimpse into the lives of the Ukrainian folks and what they’re going through. Their fight for freedom is super important. #ukraine @yuliaclack @sibscoffee https://t.co/KkLAOfTz9s

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

One cool thing about lighting is seeing it better with a smoke machine. 🎬✨ #RealLifeStories #RealStoriesOnScreen @senseofemergency @rodmarphoto @saramustelin @kayla_down @madelinedown @josephlipsen @ryanenkema
@hammondryes_eyes @danieljmogg @iamlukebarnett

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

You know, the cool thing about movies is how they can take a real-life story and turn it into something that sticks with you. At the end of the day, making films is all about paying tribute to real folks and their journeys—just like this awesome family we’re featuring.

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

@JustinVinall Any amount of time in meditation can never be a waste! Welcome to the journey of self!

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

Filmmaking a blend of creativity, tight deadlines, and unique personalities all coming together to create something magical.

My secret to staying ahead of the game is setting a tone of open communication, and leading with a calm, confident approach that keeps teams focused.

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

It’s Here: Healing Water is Live!

Available now on Apple TV.

I’d like to thank the entire cast, crew, and supporters who brought this vision to life. Your dedication shines through every frame of this film.

Join us in celebrating this release

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

Hey Friends! We Need YOU to go to Apple tv Right now and preorder Healing Waters Film. We have this one opportunity to make a splash and if you can help us get there we have one week to get 165 more preorders.

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

Linda Troeller asked me to team up with her for a photography workshop in Austria a while back. It was such a cool moment in my career to get to work in Europe as both an artist and a teacher. A bunch of amazing experiences came after that, including another trip the next year!

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

Before Healing Waters was published in the U.S., I had the opportunity to assist Linda Troeller in preparing her book dummy. We used slide film and a projector to visualize the layout and flow, which helped us refine how her work would come together.

[Derek Johnson Filmmaker @DerekMakesFilms]

Feature film production takes vision, planning, and creativity.
This is exactly what we achieved with "Healing Waters"

Healing Waters isn’t just a film—it’s a visually stunning and emotionally powerful exploration of art for healing, resilience, and empowerment.

Order Now!