Hi, I’m Derek A. Robinson, a film and television professional with over twenty years of experience in directing, producing, editing, and writing. I thrive on leading energetic teams, building strong relationships with clients and crew, and solving on-set challenges with diplomacy and creativity. I’ve directed and produced across commercials, TV shows, and branded content, including multi-hour broadcasts in a single year, and I’m comfortable managing large-scale logistics, stunts, and multi-camera shoots. I’m also embracing AI-driven workflows to streamline production while keeping budgets and creative vision on track. Whether I’m directing a live broadcast, coordinating aerials and stunts, or shaping stories for small businesses and brands through my DEREKTOR work, I bring hands-on expertise and a collaborative mindset. I’m passionate about using AI tools like Adobe Firefly to accelerate ideas from concept to screen and love turning complex projects into compelling, on-brand content.

Derek A. Robinson

Hi, I’m Derek A. Robinson, a film and television professional with over twenty years of experience in directing, producing, editing, and writing. I thrive on leading energetic teams, building strong relationships with clients and crew, and solving on-set challenges with diplomacy and creativity. I’ve directed and produced across commercials, TV shows, and branded content, including multi-hour broadcasts in a single year, and I’m comfortable managing large-scale logistics, stunts, and multi-camera shoots. I’m also embracing AI-driven workflows to streamline production while keeping budgets and creative vision on track. Whether I’m directing a live broadcast, coordinating aerials and stunts, or shaping stories for small businesses and brands through my DEREKTOR work, I bring hands-on expertise and a collaborative mindset. I’m passionate about using AI tools like Adobe Firefly to accelerate ideas from concept to screen and love turning complex projects into compelling, on-brand content.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Derek A. Robinson, a film and television professional with over twenty years of experience in directing, producing, editing, and writing. I thrive on leading energetic teams, building strong relationships with clients and crew, and solving on-set challenges with diplomacy and creativity. I’ve directed and produced across commercials, TV shows, and branded content, including multi-hour broadcasts in a single year, and I’m comfortable managing large-scale logistics, stunts, and multi-camera shoots. I’m also embracing AI-driven workflows to streamline production while keeping budgets and creative vision on track.

Whether I’m directing a live broadcast, coordinating aerials and stunts, or shaping stories for small businesses and brands through my DEREKTOR work, I bring hands-on expertise and a collaborative mindset. I’m passionate about using AI tools like Adobe Firefly to accelerate ideas from concept to screen and love turning complex projects into compelling, on-brand content.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

First Assistant Director at Freelance (Director’s Guild of America, Canada)
January 1, 1995 - Present
Over 20 years of 1st A.D. experience managing multi-camera shoots, large crews, aerials, stunts, and remote location logistics for commercials, television, and film. Collaborated with directors, DOPs, and clients to streamline schedules, maintain safety protocols, and creatively solve on-set challenges. Integrated AI technologies (e.g., Adobe Firefly) and digital asset management best practices to optimize production workflows.
Producer / Director – The Zone at Corus Entertainment – YTV
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013
Oversaw production for YTV’s flagship weekday afternoon block, The Zone, airing five times weekly and generating over 50 hours of original content. Developed a Branded Content version sponsored by Danone ($500K sales initiative) while preserving core brand identity. Streamlined approvals between sales, Danone, and agency; increased ratings and maintained dynamic format.
Director / Producer / Editor / Writer at DEREKTOR
January 1, 2009 - Present
Chief operating officer focused on storytelling for small business; produced local TV spots, broadcast ads, and music videos. Generated thousands of YouTube views for clients through compelling, targeted content.
Senior Producer of Creative Services / Television Director at SUN TV / TVA Quebecor
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2009
Wrote, produced, and directed promos, commercials, sizzle reels, and movie trailers. Approved all creative content before broadcast, shaping the station’s brand identity. Optimized in-house talent and resources to reduce costs and boost promotional output, focusing on short-form content for maximum impact.
Freelance Producer & Director at GLOBAL, CTV, VTV, YTV
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2007
Wrote, produced, directed, and edited television promos for multiple networks, including Fall Launch presentations and brand image spots. Balanced creative requests from various departments and stakeholders under tight deadlines.
Creative Director / Video Editor at Ernst & Young
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2006
Produced, directed, and edited internal training projects, compressing them for web distribution. Established an in-house production studio to streamline the creation of training materials.
Creative Director / Video Editor at Grappling Hook Films Inc.
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
Delivered dynamic content to clients such as CTV and Sony Music Canada; service-produced signature CTV flying silks segments.
Creative Director at OP4.COM
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2002
Developed concept, format, and content for a “WEB TV” station aimed at a teen demographic; built a web production facility and introduced Guerrilla TV, pushing online video content boundaries.
Freelance Control Room & Field Producer / Director / Floor Director at Various TV Networks / Production Companies
January 1, 1998 - Present
Credits include Be the Boss Canada, Project Runway Canada (Insight), Masterminds (Red Apple), The People’s Couch (Bravo), and Sucker Punch Comedy Network. Managed helicopter coordination, stunts, and pyrotechnics, including remote shoots in Alaska, Yukon, and Whistler, BC. Worked with international clients on TV series, commercials, and music videos.
First Assistant Director at First Assistant Director.ca (Freelance)
January 1, 1995 - Present
Over 20 years of 1st A.D. experience managing multi-camera shoots, large crews, aerials, stunts, and remote location logistics for commercials, television, and film. Notable brand campaigns include Apple, Special K, Expedia, Stellantis, Tide, Wells Fargo, Pampers, Clorox, Amazon, Oreo, and others. Collaborate closely with directors, DOPs, and clients to streamline schedules, maintain safety protocols, and creatively solve on-set challenges. Integrate AI technologies (e.g., Adobe Firefly) and digital asset management to optimize production workflows.
Producer / Director at CORUS ENTERTAINMENT – YTV (The Zone)
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013
Oversaw production for YTV’s flagship weekday afternoon block, The Zone, airing five times weekly and generating over 50 hours of original content. Developed a branded content version of the show (sponsored by Danone, $500K sales initiative) while preserving core brand identity. Streamlined approvals between Corus sales, Danone, and their agency, ensuring alignment across stakeholders without compromising creative integrity. Increased ratings by enhancing viewer engagement and maintaining the show’s dynamic format.
Senior Producer of Creative Services / Television Director at SUN TV, TVA QUEBECOR
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2009
Wrote, produced, and directed promos, commercials, sizzle reels, and movie trailers. Approved all creative content before broadcast, shaping the station’s brand identity. Optimized in-house talent and resources to reduce costs and boost promotional output, focusing on short-form content for maximum impact and accessibility.
Creative Director / Video Editor at Ernst & Young (Publishing Dept.)
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2006
Produced, directed, and edited internal training projects, compressing them for web distribution. Established an in-house production studio to streamline the creation of training materials.

Education

Associate of Arts at American Musical & Dramatic Academy (NYC Campus)
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1991
Associate of Arts at American Musical & Dramatic Academy (NYC Campus)
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1991

Qualifications

First Assistant Director – Directors Guild of America (Canada)
January 11, 2030 - January 9, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Telecommunications