Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsPrimetime EmmysToronto Int'l Film FestivalFall TV GuideMost Anticipated This MonthSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayTrending peopleCelebrity news
    IMDb LabsHelp centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
    Some content may be auto-translated
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
    Some content may be auto-translated
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Biography
  • Awards
  • Trivia
IMDbPro

Derek Pfister

  • Cinematographer
  • Editor
  • Director
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
Derek Pfister
THE ROAD TAKEN, is a gripping post-apocalyptic thriller about survival, sacrifice, and hope in a world where every choice counts.

This film is important because it is a chance to showcase the incredible talent and landscapes of Wisconsin.

The Road Taken is more than a project, it is a showcase for what passionate Midwest creators can achieve.

Chair on Stair Films All Rights Reserved 2025
Play demo reel3:23
The Road Taken - Midwest Filmmaking
38 Videos
99+ Photos
Derek Pfister is an award-winning cinematographer and editor based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the founder of Chair on Stair Films. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Radio-TV-Film with a minor in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

With over 20 years of experience behind the lens, Derek has built a dynamic career that spans commercial, documentary, and narrative filmmaking. His work has taken him across the Midwest, capturing powerful stories and creating visually compelling content for a wide range of clients.

In 2024, Derek celebrated a career milestone when he contributed to the film Reasonable Doubt, which was screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. He is also the creator of The Next Frame, an inspiring documentary series that highlights the often-overlooked creative talent thriving throughout the Midwest.

Driven by a deep love for visual storytelling, Derek approaches every project with passion, purpose, and a commitment to uncovering the heart of the story. For him, film is more than a profession-it's a calling.
  • More at IMDbPro
    • Contact info
    • Agent info
    • Resume
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
  • View contact info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 23 wins & 5 nominations total

    Photos122

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 116
    View Poster

    Known for

    The Withering (2026)
    The Withering
    8.9
    • Production Department
    • 2026
    The Next Frame - Wisconsin's Creatives (2021)
    The Next Frame - Wisconsin's Creatives
    TV Series
    • Cinematographer
    • 2021
    Reasonable Doubt (2024)
    Reasonable Doubt
    Short
    • Camera and Electrical Department(as Pfister Derek)
    • 2024
    Sirius Beta (2024)
    Sirius Beta
    Short
    • Cinematographer
    • 2024

    Credits

    IMDbPro

    Cinematographer



    • The Road Taken
      • Cinematographer
      • Post-production
      • Short
    • The Monfils 6: A Wisconsin Death Trip
      • Cinematographer
      • Post-production
    • Serum: The Documentary
      • Cinematographer
      • Post-production
    • Charm-O-Tucky
      • cinematographer
      • Filming
      • Music Video



    • Diary of an Accomplice (2025)
      Diary of an Accomplice
      • Cinematographer (as Pfister Derek)
      • 2025
    • What We Find (2025)
      What We Find
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2025
    • Midwest Creatives - The Next Frame (2025)
      Midwest Creatives - The Next Frame
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2025
    • Sirius Beta (2024)
      Sirius Beta
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2024
    • Elisabeth Markman, Derek Pfister, Jordan Fay, and Ken Williams in Rearview (2024)
      Rearview
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2024
    • The Next Frame - Wisconsin (2023)
      The Next Frame - Wisconsin
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2023
    • Elisabeth Markman in Mariner's Widow (2023)
      Mariner's Widow
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2023
    • Through the Lens - The Passion Prophecies (2023)
      Through the Lens - The Passion Prophecies
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2023
    • Jordan Fay in Just Pans (2023)
      Just Pans
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2023
    • Tiffany Saggio, Matthew Kenner, Austin Galante, Tony Lee Gratz, and Kev Morris Sr. in Get Em (2023)
      Get Em
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2023
    • Allen Pujanauski in True Rule (2022)
      True Rule
      Short
      • Cinematographer (as Pfister Derek)
      • 2022
    • Kristen McCabe in Newton's Cradle (2022)
      Newton's Cradle
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2022
    • Mina George in Collaborative Success (2022)
      Collaborative Success
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2022
    • Derek Pfister, Jeremy Jordan, Mike Putchel, and Damon Schneider in MPS: Mysteries from Beyond (2021)
      MPS: Mysteries from Beyond
      Podcast Series
      • cinematographer
      • 2021
    • Ken Williams in Shutter Shock (2021)
      Shutter Shock
      Short
      • Cinematographer
      • 2021

    Editor



    • The Road Taken
      • Editor
      • Post-production
      • Short
    • Serum: The Documentary
      • Editor
      • Post-production
    • My Angel in the Crowd
      • co-editor
      • Pre-production
    • Charm-O-Tucky
      • editor
      • Filming
      • Music Video



    • What We Find (2025)
      What We Find
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2025
    • Midwest Creatives - The Next Frame (2025)
      Midwest Creatives - The Next Frame
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2025
    • Sirius Beta (2024)
      Sirius Beta
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2024
    • Elisabeth Markman, Derek Pfister, Jordan Fay, and Ken Williams in Rearview (2024)
      Rearview
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2024
    • The Next Frame - Wisconsin (2023)
      The Next Frame - Wisconsin
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2023
    • Elisabeth Markman in Mariner's Widow (2023)
      Mariner's Widow
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2023
    • Through the Lens - The Passion Prophecies (2023)
      Through the Lens - The Passion Prophecies
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2023
    • Jordan Fay in Just Pans (2023)
      Just Pans
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2023
    • Allen Pujanauski in True Rule (2022)
      True Rule
      Short
      • Editor (as Pfister Derek)
      • 2022
    • Kristen McCabe in Newton's Cradle (2022)
      Newton's Cradle
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2022
    • Mina George in Collaborative Success (2022)
      Collaborative Success
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2022
    • Ken Williams in Shutter Shock (2021)
      Shutter Shock
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2021
    • Tom Grieve YouTube Channel (2021)
      Tom Grieve YouTube Channel
      Video
      • Editor
      • 2021
    • The Next Frame - Wisconsin's Creatives (2021)
      The Next Frame - Wisconsin's Creatives
      TV Series
      • Editor
      • 2021
    • Dennis Lewis in To Make an Omelette (2020)
      To Make an Omelette
      Short
      • Editor
      • 2020

    Director



    • The Road Taken
      • Director
      • Post-production
      • Short
    • Charm-O-Tucky
      • director
      • Filming
      • Music Video



    • The Next Frame - Wisconsin's Creatives (2021)
      The Next Frame - Wisconsin's Creatives
      TV Series
      • Director
      • 2021–2025
    • Midwest Creatives - The Next Frame (2025)
      Midwest Creatives - The Next Frame
      Short
      • Director
      • 2025
    • Sirius Beta (2024)
      Sirius Beta
      Short
      • Director
      • 2024
    • Elisabeth Markman, Derek Pfister, Jordan Fay, and Ken Williams in Rearview (2024)
      Rearview
      Short
      • Director
      • 2024
    • The Next Frame - Wisconsin (2023)
      The Next Frame - Wisconsin
      Short
      • Director
      • 2023
    • Elisabeth Markman in Mariner's Widow (2023)
      Mariner's Widow
      Short
      • Director
      • 2023
    • Through the Lens - The Passion Prophecies (2023)
      Through the Lens - The Passion Prophecies
      Short
      • Director
      • 2023
    • Jordan Fay in Just Pans (2023)
      Just Pans
      Short
      • Director
      • 2023
    • Kristen McCabe in Newton's Cradle (2022)
      Newton's Cradle
      Short
      • Director
      • 2022
    • Mina George in Collaborative Success (2022)
      Collaborative Success
      Short
      • Director
      • 2022
    • Ken Williams in Shutter Shock (2021)
      Shutter Shock
      Short
      • Director
      • 2021
    • Tom Grieve YouTube Channel (2021)
      Tom Grieve YouTube Channel
      Video
      • Director
      • 2021
    • Dennis Lewis in To Make an Omelette (2020)
      To Make an Omelette
      Short
      • Director
      • 2020
    • Unknown (2019)
      Unknown
      • Director
      • 2019
    • Sweetest Day (2019)
      Sweetest Day
      Short
      • Director
      • 2019

    Videos38

    The Withering | Official Trailer
    Demo Reel 2:17
    The Withering | Official Trailer
    The Withering (teaser)
    Demo Reel 0:27
    The Withering (teaser)
    The Withering (teaser)
    Demo Reel 0:27
    The Withering (teaser)
    The Road Taken - Midwest Filmmaking
    Demo Reel 3:23
    The Road Taken - Midwest Filmmaking
    SERUM: The Documentary (teaser #2)
    Demo Reel 1:29
    SERUM: The Documentary (teaser #2)
    The Road Taken | Collaboration
    Demo Reel 1:29
    The Road Taken | Collaboration
    The Road Taken | Unsung Heroes
    Demo Reel 1:39
    The Road Taken | Unsung Heroes

    Personal details

    • Official sites
      • Chair on Stair Films (official website)
      • Framing Stories Through Light and Vision: An Interview with Derek Pfister
    • Alternative name
      • Pfister Derek
    • Height
      • 5′ 11″ (1.80 m)
    • Spouse
      • Kelly Pfister
    • Publicity listings
      • 1 Interview
      • 7 Articles

    Self-verified on IMDbPro

    • Gender / Gender identity
      • Male
    • Pronouns
      • he/him
    • Race / Ethnicity
      • White

    Did you know

    • Trivia
      Derek originally began his creative career as a performer in front of the camera and on stage but later found a calling to be behind the camera.
    • Quotes
      Our mind is our open light, it can shine a long way.
    • Trademarks
        Dark yet reflective tone, even in experimental or short-form projects.
    • Nickname
      • Pfister

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    You have no recently viewed pages
    Get the IMDb app
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb app
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb app
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2026 by IMDb.com, Inc.