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. He has been an integral member of filmmaking teams on an array of blockbuster 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.
Recently, Derek has been producing Zero, an action/adventure/comedy for Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, and Toto, an animated musical retelling of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of Dorothy’s loyal dog.
Frey previously served as producer of Aliens: Expanded (2024), In Search of Tomorrow (2022), Dumbo (2019), Executive Producer of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016) and Big Eyes (2014), Producer of the Here With Me (2013) music video for The Killers and Co-Producer of Frankenweenie (2012).
Derek also served as 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.
Frey progressed within multiple positions for Tim Burton Productions, joining the company in 1996, and swiftly advanced to the head of the organization. Frey also oversaw an in-house graphic design, photography and writing team for the creation of high quality consumer products, merchandise and publications related to Burton's projects and artistry. 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 around the globe.
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 (2011). Derek served as Production Coordinator of the animated series The World of Stainboy (2000) as well as the music video Bones (2006) for The Killers. Early in his career, he assisted Burton on Mars Attacks! (1996), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Planet of the Apes (2001), and Big Fish (2003).
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 Viaticum (2024), The Book Club for Men (2023), 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 and Best Short, Director, and Cinematography at the NYC Indie Film Awards.
Derek's other acclaimed projects 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.
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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 (PGA) and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
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