We were lucky to catch up with Derek Allen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Derek , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

You know, being a parent myself, I’ve learned a ton about the fine art of letting your kids spread their wings while still keeping them grounded. Looking back on how my folks raised me, I gotta say, they nailed it by giving me plenty of space to make mistakes. They didn’t just let me run wild, but they did let me figure stuff out on my own, which was huge. I mean, failure taught me more than success ever could, and I caught onto that pretty early. It’s like, I never got scared to try new stuff; instead, I got pretty good at figuring out weird situations and finding my way to success. And that knack for diving into the unknown? Well, it’s a daily thing for me now. Clients toss me curveballs all the time, but I see it as a chance to flex my creative muscles and level up professionally and personally.

Derek , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Finding the right label for what I do has always been a bit of a puzzle. Some might slot me into the “filmmaker” or “film and video professional” category, but those descriptions feel a tad limiting. My work spans across various domains—from cinematography and video editing to graphic design, web design and producing. Lately, I’ve been leaning towards “Media Maker,” though it’s still a work in progress. Essentially, I help clients craft compelling stories through visual mediums.

My niche? I’m drawn to projects that leave a positive mark on society. Whether it’s shining a light on civil rights issues, launching cutting-edge tech products, or showcasing uplifting music events, I’m all in. Being part of such impactful endeavors is truly fulfilling.

For the most part, I’ve navigated my career as a freelancer, relishing the diversity of projects and collaborators. However, recent years have seen me take on a leadership role at BUOYANT, a creative agency. The pandemic upheaval prompted this shift, but it’s been a fruitful journey, pushing me to expand my skill set in unforeseen ways.

One standout collaboration at BUOYANT has been with AARP’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. What began as an initiative to keep AARP members engaged during lockdown evolved into a sophisticated production endeavor. We embraced advanced platforms like Streamyard and Riverside.fm, raising our production standards significantly. Transitioning back to in-person shoots in iconic cities like NYC and LA marked a pivotal moment, reflecting our adaptability and growth.

Our custom live viewing platform not only provided valuable insights into viewer behavior but also fostered a vibrant online community through features like live chat. The success of our flagship series, Real Conversations with AARP, paved the way for further collaborations, amplifying our impact and reach.

It’s been an exhilarating journey, and I’m excited to see where the road leads next.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In early 2015, I faced a curveball that no one ever wants to encounter: a diagnosis of prostate cancer. While the prognosis for my recovery was optimistic, the treatment plan ahead of me was grueling and demanded a significant chunk of my time and energy. As someone whose work often required physical stamina on set, I had to pivot and find alternative ways to keep my professional flame burning.

Thankfully, I had already dipped my toes into editing smaller projects, so when the opportunity arose to work as an editor for the soon-to-be-open National Museum of African American History and Culture, I grabbed it with both hands. The chance to contribute to the storytelling of countless remarkable individuals felt like a true gift—not just for my career, but for my soul.

I’ve always believed that there’s a purpose behind every twist and turn in life. Even in the face of adversity, I strive to find the silver lining and make the most of every situation that comes my way. This unexpected detour in my journey only reinforced that belief.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Deep down, my passion lies in cinematography—it’s where I feel most at home. There’s something incredibly rewarding about capturing visuals that not only catch the eye but also stir something deep within the viewer. It’s a pursuit that I’m constantly chasing.

Of course, not every project or set demands grand, sweeping cinematography. Sometimes, it’s about finding beauty in the everyday, in the seemingly mundane. And let me tell you, those moments are like hidden gems waiting to be unearthed.

I’m always on the lookout for those opportunities—to breathe life into the ordinary, to infuse even the simplest of subjects with a touch of magic. Because at the end of the day, it’s about crafting visuals that resonate with people, that linger in their minds long after the screen fades to black. And that’s a goal worth chasing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://silhouettemedia.com/ and https://www.wearebuoyant.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silhouettemedia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dafilms/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MediaSilhouette