- Nickname
- Pfister
- Height5′ 11″ (1.80 m)
- 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.
- IMDb mini biography by: Derek M.D. Pfister
- SpouseKelly Pfister
- Gender / Gender identityMale
- Pronounshe/him
- Race / EthnicityWhite
- Dark yet reflective tone, even in experimental or short-form projects.
- Recurring themes of memory, trauma, and redemption throughout his films.
- Founder and creator of Chair on Stair Films.
- Stories set in the Midwest, often highlighting overlooked local voices and communities.
- Crossover between fiction and documentary filmmaking styles.
- 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.
- As an independent filmmaker early in his career, Derek gained experience in multiple creative roles, including director, producer, camera operator, and editor.
- While in high school, Derek produced a variety of experimental films before developing a stronger passion for documentary-style storytelling.
- Derek's love for filmmaking was inspired not by a particular movie, but by a media project created by his brother in high school, which showed him the creativity and fun behind making skits.
- Although he once dreaded the genre, horror has since become one of Derek's favored to both watch and create.
- Our mind is our open light, it can shine a long way.
- Every frame in your story matters.
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