Producer, Director of Photography, Gaffer

Three Ways to Work Together

Development Through Delivery

Story, Light and Camera

Assets: grip van, lighting and camera package

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.

Still from Healing Waters, a feature documentary executive produced and shot by Derek Johnson

Still from Seward, a Vanishing Seattle short film shot by Derek Johnson

Still from Mother's Garden, a short film produced and directed by Derek Johnson

Still from Sibs, a documentary about a Ukrainian coffee roaster turned humanitarian mission

Still from the short film Something in the Pines

Producer Work

Camera monitor framing a foggy beach scene, from a Derek Johnson cinematography shoot

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

Behind the scenes of the Clio-winning Seattle Seahawks 90s throwback campaign, lit by Derek Johnson as gaffer

03 / Assets

Let's talk about my assets.

Illustration of audio equipment including headphones, a sound level meter, a mixer, and speakers.

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

Derek Johnson's grip and electric van with an LED fixture on a stand at a night exterior shoot

Green-screen studio set up with lights and camera for an interview shoot

Night shoot on a forest stage, seen from the monitoring station

Telescope on a rooftop pointed toward the night sky

Crew lighting a night exterior outside a storefront with a large LED fixture

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.

Film strip of black-and-white photos by Derek Johnson: portrait, beach, cinema camera and night street