Co-Founder of Bold Vision Film / Actor | Filmmaker | Recording Artist | Producer / podcast
Dear Derrick
PORTFOLIO & COMPANY PROFILE
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Dear Derrick grew up a poor kid with big dreams and a relentless drive to achieve them. Life wasn’t easy, and he faced challenges early on, including undiagnosed dyslexia that made reading in school deeply difficult.
Teachers pushed to place him in special education, and classroom reading exercises became moments of anxiety and humiliation. Bullied for his learning struggles and for wearing hand-me-downs, Derrick learned early what fear, isolation, and ridicule felt like.
Despite obstacles, Derrick possessed exceptional comprehension skills and an innate ability to listen, understand, and problem-solve. With unwavering encouragement from his mother, he refused to give up.
Rising Above &
Creative Discipline
- He learned how to rise above his challenges.
- As he grew older, he became a defender of those who couldn’t defend themselves, choosing courage over silence.
- He turned every hardship into fuel.
- Derrick became a self-taught writer and has authored several books, writing every single word himself without relying on ghostwriters.
- Standing 6’4” and 275 pounds, he has spent a lifetime fighting past expectations and breaking barriers.
Career and
Industry Leadership
- Derrick has worked in the film industry for more than 25 years as a creator, writer, actor, producer, and executive producer.
- In 2001, he founded New Era Pictures, playing a pivotal role in growing the company’s value and creative output.
- In 2012, he sold a library of films to Maverick Entertainment for a significant profit, marking a major milestone in his producing career.
- He has starred in multiple films, often collaborating with director GuGu E. Michaels.
Creative
Vision & Mission
- For Derrick, filmmaking is more than entertainment—it is freedom.
- It allows him to express his vision, explore humanity through storytelling, and share his experiences with the world.
- He believes there is no right or wrong way to make a film—only the courage to create.
- His mission is to inspire those who feel overlooked, underestimated, or afraid.
- His life stands as proof that adversity is temporary and perseverance transforms destinies.