Derek Wayne Johnson

Derek Wayne Johnson (born February 23, 1983) is an American film director, screenwriter, editor, and producer. Born and raised in Carthage, Texas, Johnson began making short films at an early age, winning several awards while still in high school. He directed his first feature film, Within Us, during his senior year of film school at Stephen F. Austin State University. After college, Johnson pursued acting, starring in independent films and appearing in theatrically released and made-for-TV movies. However, he eventually decided to focus solely on filmmaking and directed three feature films in Texas and Louisiana, including Broken Blood and Scrape. Johnson's work gained recognition when he directed the documentary John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs, which explores the life and career of the Academy Award-winning director John G. Avildsen.