Derek Frey

Derek Frey is an eccentric and detail-oriented filmmaker with 15+ years of leadership experience producing films for major studios and serving as director, editor, and cinematographer on a number of award-winning independent projects. As a strategic and creative problem solver, Frey possesses an innate ability to oversee every aspect of the filmmaking process, while managing resources effectively. He also thrives as an articulate communicator and multi-tasker, skilled at building high performance collaborative departments within diverse cross-cultural environments. Frey progressed within multiple positions at Tim Burton Productions encompassing Producer, Executive Producer, and Co-Producer on several Tim Burton films. He has been an integral member of the filmmaking team on an array of projects from initial development and pre-production, through post and release. He has had the pleasure of assembling some of the most renowned talent both in front and behind the camera. Frey served as Producer on Dumbo (2019), Executive Producer on Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016), Executive Producer on Big Eyes (2014), Producer of the music video "Here With Me" (2013) for The Killers and Co-Producer of Frankenweenie (2012). Derek also served as Associate Producer on Dark Shadows (2012), Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012), Alice in Wonderland (2010), Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), Corpse Bride (2005), and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (2005). Films he has served in a producer capacity have earned over $2.8 billion at the box office. Frey wrote the Frankenweenie-based short film Captain Sparky vs. the Flying Saucers (2013). He also edited the award-winning publication The Art of Tim Burton (2009) and produced the documentary A Conversion with Danny Elfman and Tim Burton. Early in his career, he assisted Burton on Mars Attacks! (1996), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Planet of the Apes (2001), and Big Fish (2003). Frey also supervised functions and staff at Tim Burton Productions, overseeing an in-house graphic design, photography and writing team for the creation of high quality consumer products, merchandise and books related to Burton's projects and artistry. Derek served as the key liaison between Burton and his agent, business manager, lawyers, publicist, co-workers, colleagues and studio executives. In 2009 Frey worked closely with curators from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for the formation of the popular The World of Tim Burton exhibition which has made record-breaking stops to 17 cities around the globe. Lazer Film Productions is Frey's personal production banner, known for creating offbeat films and music videos encompassing numerous indie featurettes, shorts, documentaries and music videos. Frey has directed, produced, cut and shot over 50 projects including the dark comedy Kill The Engine (2017), which achieved 45 awards including Best Comedy and Best Director at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards. His 2016 Hawaiian horror featurette Green Lake collected 50 awards including Best Short at the Honolulu Film Fest and Best Short, Director, and Cinematography at the NYC Indie Film Awards. Other acclaimed projects include Motel Providence (2014), Sky Blue Collar (2013), and The Ballad of Sandeep (2012) in addition to music videos and documentaries featuring music by Professor T & the East Side Shredders, The Killers, Technical Difficulties, Witching Hour, and The Mars Patrol. He started his career as an Assistant for the Entertainment Industry Development Corporation and Production Assistant on The Faculty (ABC Television). Frey graduated with honors from West Chester University in Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies with a concentration in Journalism. He is also a member of the Producers Guild of America, British Film Institute, and American Film Institute.