Biography

Derek Wayne Johnson was born in Carthage, Texas, USA. He is a director, writer, editor, producer (and former actor) known for John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs (2017), 40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic (2020) and Broken Blood (2013). Johnson directed his first feature film in his senior year of film school. After college he broke into the movie business by directing independent films in Texas and Louisiana, eventually making his way to Hollywood.
- IMDb mini biography by: Anonymous

Graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Influenced by friend and mentor John G. Avildsen, director of Rocky (1976) and The Karate Kid (1984), two of Derek's favorite films of all time.

Received a Commendation by the City of Los Angeles for his documentary John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs (2017) and its association with The Karate Kid (1984) legacy.

Sylvester Stallone handpicked Johnson to direct and produce a documentary on the making of the original "Rocky" (1976) entitled "40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic" (2020).

Received a "star" in his hometown of Carthage, Texas as part of the first class of inductees to the Carthage Main Street Arts Walk of Fame. The plaque is located on the sidewalk outside the historic Esquire Theater. Johnson also received a Key to the City of Carthage, presented by the Mayor.

Sounds corny, but just follow your dream if making movies is what you want to do.

My approach to filmmaking is simple: Learn from the past. Embrace the present. Look to the future.