Derek’s media career spans nearly 20 years and includes working as a print and broadcast journalist; radio, television and online producer, as well as being a media educator. He’s trained over 2000 Canadians ranging in age from 5 to 50 how to use media technology to tell stories and reflect their communities and diverse cultural backgrounds. Derek has created content for the CBC, YTV, MuchMusic and TVOntario, as well as Rogers and Bell’s online services. Derek’s currently the Executive Director of Independent Production, at SUN TV/Quebecor Media, responsible for the New Voices Fund and the Priority Programming Fund, which support SUN TV’s development, production and licensing of programming; as well as the new Quebecor Fund for Professional Development in Television, which supports training opportunities for Toronto-based visible minority and Aboriginal TV professionals. Derek also serves as the Executive Producer for all of SUN TV’s independently produced TV and cross-platform programming, which he commissions and oversees. Prior to joining SUN TV, Derek was the Director of Development at Inner City Films a Gemini-Award winning production company. His own independent producing credits include “Love’s A Gamble,” a 1 hour television drama for CHUM broadcast on Citytv and Bravo.
Derek is a graduate of the Alliance Atlantis TV Executive Program.


Derek is participating in the 2007 WIFT International Summit as a jury member for:

Session #49 SUN TV Convergence Pitch
Thursday, July 19, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Roof Salon Theatre