Derek Wayne Johnson
Derek Wayne Johnson (born February 23, 1983) is an American film director, screenwriter, film producer, and actor. Johnson was born in Carthage, Texas and spent the first twelve years of his life growing up on Lake Murvaul, a small lake community just outside of Carthage.
Johnson began acting and filmmaking at an early age, winning several awards for short films while still in high school. As a senior film student at Stephen F. Austin State University, Johnson began working in the film industry in Shreveport, Louisiana while simultaneously completing his first feature film as a director. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Art (Cinematography/Filmmaking) he formed a film production company, AJ16 Entertainment, specializing in producing feature films and documentaries.
Johnson got his start in the film business by writing, directing, producing, and acting in independent films in what is now known as Hollywood South, a name given to the thriving film industry in Louisiana and Texas. He was cast in several films including I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell (film) (2009), Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (2009 film), and Hallmark Hall of Fame's Front of the Class (film) (2008), among others, and to date has directed four feature films in that area.
In 2013, Johnson began production on a documentary about Academy Award-winning director John G. Avildsen, whose credits include Joe (1970 film), Save the Tiger (1973), Rocky (1976), The Karate Kid (1984), Lean on Me (film) (1989), and many other hits. The documentary, entitled John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs (2014), will examine the life, career, and films of the legendary director and is set for release in 2014. The documentary is a companion to the new book The Films of John G. Avildsen: Rocky, The Karate Kid, and Other Underdogs written by Larry Powell and Tom Garrett.[1]
Johnson released his third feature film, the multi-award winning drama thriller Broken Blood (2013), on DVD and VOD. His fourth feature film Scrape (2014), a horror thriller, is set for worldwide release in 2014.
Awards and Nominations
- Won his second Best Actor in a Feature Film award at the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City 2014 for Broken Blood (2013). He was also nominated for Best Director and shared a nomination with Richmond Arquette for Best Screenplay and a nomination with George Landrum for Best Feature Film. Co-star Ali Costello was nominated for Best Actress in a Feature Film. Robert Miano was nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Allison Balson was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Rob Senska was nominated for Best Cinematography.
- Won Best Editor at the Hoboken International Film Festival 2014 for Scrape (2014). He was also nominated for Best Director and shared a nomination with producing partner George Landrum for Best Feature Film and Best of the Festival. Rick LaCour was nominated for Best Actor in a Feature Film, Rob Senska was nominated for Best Cinematography, and Mindy Bledsoe was nominated for Best Screenplay.
- Won Best Actor in a Feature Film at the Northeast Film Festival 2013 for Broken Blood (2013). He was also nominated for Best Director and shared a nomination with Richmond Arquette for Best Screenplay. Pruitt Taylor Vince was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. His film Scrape (2014) was nominated for Best Feature Film.[2]
- Nominated for Best Actor in a Feature Film at the Hoboken International Film Festival 2013 for his portrayal of twin brothers Stone and Stanley in Broken Blood (2013). The film was also nominated for Best of the Festival (Audience Award) and won the New York Post/HIFF Best Feature Film Trailer award.
- His film Broken Blood (2013) won Best Louisiana Filmmaker Feature Film at the Phenom Film Festival 2013. Incidentally, it was competing against his other film Scrape (2014).
- Official Selection - Broken Blood (2013) - Nacogdoches Film Festival 2014
References
- ↑ Redd, Joseph. "Award-Winning Texan Director Derek Wayne Johnson Visits SHSU", The Houstonian, Huntsville, TX, 09 September 2013. Retrieved on 20 November 2013.
- ↑ McLane, Rodger G. "Johnson’s films win three independent awards in 2013", The Panola Watchman, Carthage, TX, 24 September 2013. Retrieved on 20 November 2013.
External links
- Derek Wayne Johnson at the Internet Movie Database
- https://www.twitter.com/DWJohnson16
- http://www.scrapemovie.com
- http://www.brokenbloodmovie.com