Derek Frey is a passionate and prolific filmmaker with twenty years of leadership experience producing live-action and animated films for the major studios and serving as director, editor, and cinematographer on several award-winning independent projects.
Frey's expertise has made him a key player in numerous blockbuster productions, guiding projects from initial development and pre-production through to post-production and release. He has had the privilege of working with some of the most esteemed talent in the industry, both in front of and behind the camera.
Derek has recently been producing Toto, an animated musical retelling of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of Dorothy’s loyal dog and Zero, an action/adventure/comedy for Warner Bros. Pictures Animation.
Last year Derek directed Viaticum (2024), a dark comedy written by and starring his frequent collaborators The Minor Prophets. Frey crafted The Redneck Army (2024) music video for acclaimed songwriter/guitarist Trever Veilleux as well as directed numerous episodes of the thought provoking and side-splitting limited series The Book Club For Men (2023).
Frey’s producing credits include Dumbo (2019), Aliens: Expanded (2024), In Search of Tomorrow (2022) and he served as Executive Producer on Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016) and Big Eyes (2014). Frey produced the darkly splendid Here With Me (2013) music video for The Killers and Co-Produced the Academy Award nominated Frankenweenie (2012).
Derek also was Associate Producer of 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 Frey has worked in a producer capacity have earned over $2.9 billion at the box office.
As a writer, Frey penned the Frankenweenie inspired short film Captain Sparky vs. the Flying Saucers (2013). He also served a Production Coordinator on the animated series The World of Stainboy (2000). He also edited the award-winning book The Art of Tim Burton (2009) and produced the documentary A Conversation with Danny Elfman and Tim Burton (2011).
Derek’s professional filmmaking journey began at Tim Burton Productions in 1996, where he served as assistant to Burton on major films Mars Attacks! (1996), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Planet of the Apes (2001) and Big Fish (2003). Quickly rising to lead the company, his multifaceted role included overseeing an in-house team dedicated to graphic design, photography, and writing, developing high-quality consumer products, merchandise, and publications that celebrated Burton's unique artistry. In 2009, he collaborated with curators at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to create the acclaimed traveling exhibition The World of Tim Burton, which has captivated audiences around the globe.
Derek has also directed numerous indie featurettes, shorts, series, documentaries, and music videos that have achieved success on the film festival circuit. Some of his notable works include Awkward Endeavors (2022), Pangea(2018), and God Came 'Round (2017). His dark comedy, Kill The Engine (2017), won 45 awards, including Best Comedy and Best Director at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards. His horror featurette Green Lake (2016) won 50 awards, including Best Short at the Honolulu Film Fest.
Other acclaimed projects in his portfolio include Motel Providence (2014), Sky Blue Collar (2013), and The Ballad of Sandeep (2012), as well as music videos and documentaries featuring music by Professor T & the East Side Shredders, The Killers, Technical Difficulties, Delight Talkies, Trever Veilleux, Witching Hour, and The Mars Patrol.
Derek graduated with honors from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in Journalism. He is a proud member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
