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Johnny Derango

Nashville Director of Photography


Johnny Derango (www.JohnnyDerango.com) is an established, sought-after cinematographer and a respected film producer who strives to tell each story truthfully, with equal parts visual grace and technical prowess. In 2018, he was featured by the industry’s prestigious American Cinematographer Magazine on their coveted annual list of The Top 12 Cinematographers from across the globe to watch for. Johnny has shot for numerous studios and networks including Warner Brothers, Paramount, Lionsgate, Disney, Discovery Channel and MTV as well as global brands Mandarin Oriental Hotels, Firefox, Napster, Nissan, Southwest Airlines and Tyson Foods.

Most recently Johnny completed work on FATMAN (2020) a darkly comedic thriller starring Academy Award Winner Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins and Academy Award Nominee Marianne Jean-Baptiste. The film was written and directed by Eshom Nelms and Ian Nelms who Johnny has collaborated with numerous times.

Previously, Derango lensed SMALL TOWN CRIME (2017) for The Nelms Brothers, a thriller with dark humor that showcases an Academy and Emmy level cast including John Hawkes, Anthony Anderson, Octavia Spencer, Robert Forster and Clifton Collins, Jr. Upon its theatrical release, in January 2018, the film garnered rave reviews from top critics at the New York Times, LA Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and the world renowned film critic, Leonard Maltin, who thoroughly enjoyed the film that was “artfully lit by Johnny Derango.”

In addition to his expertise as a cinematographer in Nashville, Johnny has served as a producer on many of his projects. He held both roles on on the upcoming series “Everyone is Doing Great,” created by “One Tree Hill” alums James Lafferty and Stephen Colletti, where he served as Executive Producer and Director of Photography. Johnny also produced the short film “Radio 88” for Panasonic, the feature film LOST ON PURPOSE for The Nelms Brothers and is currently producing the comedy pilot “Rideshare” with actor/producer Efren Ramirez. Johnny continues to work as a Cinematographer and Producer splitting his time shooting feature films, commercials and music videos between Los Angeles and Nashville.


Clients Include:


Narrative Reel

Nashville Director of Photography: Johnny Derango

Narrative Reel

Director of Photography: Johnny Derango

FAT MAN

Dir: The Nelms Brothers

FAT MAN

Dir: The Nelms Brothers

Small Town Crime

Dir: The Nelms Brothers

Small Town Crime

Dir: The Nelms Brothers

Radio 88

Dir: Kim Noonan & John Salcido

Radio 88

Dir: Kim Noonan & John Salcido

Lost on Purpose

Dir: The Nelms Brothers

Lost on Purpose

Dir: The Nelms Brothers

Commercial /
Music Video Reel

Nashville Director of Photography: Johnny Derango

Commercial /
Music Video Reel

Director of Photography: Johnny Derango

Mandarin Oriental

“Moments of Delight”

Dir: Ian Henry

Mandarin Oriental

“Moments of Delight”

Dir: Ian Henry

Volkswagon

“Hitchhiker”

Dir: Xandy Smith

Volkswagon

“Hitchhiker”

Dir: Xandy Smith

Vanilla Coke

“Belong Together”

Dir: Xandy Smith

Vanilla Coke

“Belong Together”

Dir: Xandy Smith

The Rocketz

“Killing”

Dir: Xandy Smith

The Rocketz

“Killing”

Dir: Xandy Smith

That Noise

“Everywhere You Are”

Dir: Jack Meggers

That Noise

“Everywhere You Are”

Dir: Jack Meggers

Pac Div

“Whiplash”

Dir: Carey Williams

Pac Div

“Whiplash”

Dir: Carey Williams

“12 Cinematographers to Watch For”

Press & Appearances

Johnny has been featured on the highly coveted American Cinematographer’s List of “Top Cinematographers To Watch For” in addition to several ads for key companies. A sought after speaker, Johnny has been a Panelist for the PGA’s Produced by Conference, SXSW, Panasonic, Cinegear, and others. He is available to shoot your next project in Nashville.

Full Resume Available Upon Request