Derek Pfister

Cinematographer | Editor at Chair on Stair Films
Cinematographer, Director, Editor and Producer

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Member Since:
May 2024

Last online:
> 2 weeks ago

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About Derek

"Our Mind is Our Open Light"

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.

Gender:
Male

Body type:
Slim

Eyes:
Blue

Ethnicity:
Caucasian

Badges

Certifications

Photos

Credits

Silent Sonata (2024 - 2025)
Film (short) by Pico Blvd. Entertainment Grip | Electric A woman experiences a traumatic accident that causes her to lose her speech and hearing. She is no longer able to enjoy her love of music. After this sudden life change, she gets a new job as a custodian as it is the only job that allows her to do her work without interaction. At this job she meets (Denny) and his niece (Julie) who gain a new friendship. Here, she also finds a new appreciation of music and life.
Sirius Beta (2024)
Film (short) by Chair on Stair Films / Derek Pfister Cinematographer | Editor With only a single line to the outside, two colonists battle against the dread of isolation. Will isolation fully take over, or can the two colonists survive long enough to escape? Derek Pfister presents a Sci-Fi film written by, Steven A. Riva.
Reasonable Doubt (2023 - 2024)
Film (short) by Pico Blvd Entertainment / Daniel Pico (Drama) Grip, Production “Reasonable Doubt” is a seven-minute-long legal thriller short drama. It revolves around a car accident, during which a mother loses her son and the offending parties won’t say who was driving or what happened.
Rearview (2024)
Film (short) by Chair on Stair Films / Derek Pfister (Drama) Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor Movie type: Road Movie / Drama Written by Steven A. Riva Directed by Derek Pfister and Steven A. Riva D.O.P. Derek Pfister and Caleb Peavy Music by Jason Michael Owens Tagline A journey through conflict to love. Synopsis: After the passing of her parents Mary Nordestrom and her husband make the journey home reliving the hard truths that they left behind.
The Next Frame (2021 - 2024)
Series by Chair on Stair Films / Derek Pfister / Brendan Adams (Documentary) Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor Welcome to "The Next Frame". We sit and talk with professional creatives throughout Wisconsin. Learn as we ask specific questions about how they got started to where they are today. Creatives featured: 1) Alex Belville We sat down with Wisconsin filmmaker, Alex Belville. Owner and creator of Mirrorless Productions, his passion for storytelling is continually taking him on a journey to advance his craft. Whether it's capturing an event, wedding, or creating a business video for a client, Alex and his team at Mirrorless Productions are always on the move. 2) Wes Tank We sat down with Multimedia Performing Artists and Filmmaker, Wes Tank. Owner and creator StoryRaps and TankThink, Wes Tank has a true love for storytelling. Whether it's rapping Dr. Seuss stories to entertain children of all ages or making an impact in the global community, Wes Tank is here to present material that evokes powerful emotion. 3) Terry King We sat down with creative artist, Terry King. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Terry grew up in a family full of creative talent. Terry fell in love with acting and music alongside his brother. After realizing a normal desk job wasn't for him, Terry turned his passion into a career as a professional actor. There's nothing better than doing what you love, and Terry's story showcases just that. Created by Derek Pfister & Brendan Adams. Filmed by Derek Pfister & Brendan Adams. Drone videography by Derek Pfister. Edited by Derek Pfister. Connect with Chair on Stair Films: https://www.chaironstairfilms.com Chair on Stair Films © All Rights Reserved 2023
Mariner’s Widow (2023)
Film (short) by Chair on Stair Films / Derek Pfister (Horror) Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor “Mariner’s Widow” A ticket to doom and torment. Brief Synopsis: Two hikers find themselves in a nightmarish cellar. Setting: The cellar of an abandoned lighthouse and nearby beach.
Just Pans (2023)
Film (short) by Chair on Stair Films / Derek Pfister (Comedy) Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor Not Every Job Pans Out. Character Warren or Wanda Matson, New Employee Line "Contrary to popular belief, I'm a nice person." or "Contrary to popular belief, I am a nice person."
Newton’s Cradle (2022)
Film (short) by Chair on Stair Films / Derek Pfister (Comedy) Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor Tagline: Maybe therapy isn't for everyone. Logline: Some people just won't let you ge
Shutter Shock (2021)
Film (short) by Chair on Stair Films / Derek Pfister (Comedy) Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor Logline: "A shuttering Tuesday like no other". Synopsis: "A down on his luck actor finds himself in a precarious situation."