Biographie
Johnny Derango is a renowned cinematographer and respected film and TV producer/director dedicated to telling stories with authenticity, blending visual elegance and technical skill. In 2018, he was honored in American Cinematographer Magazine’s prestigious annual list of Rising Stars of Cinematography. Johnny has worked with major studios and networks such as Warner Bros., Paramount, Lionsgate, Disney, Discovery Channel, and MTV, as well as global brands including Mandarin Oriental Hotels, Firefox, Napster, Nissan, Southwest Airlines, and Tyson Foods.
Beyond his cinematography expertise, Johnny often produces many of his projects. Recently, he served as co-producer and director of photography on the Lionsgate feature film UNSUNG HERO, which opened at #2 at the box office on April 26, 2024, and has since grossed over $20 million domestically. That same month, Season 1 of the TV series "Everyone is Doing Great," executive produced by Derango alongside "One Tree Hill" alumni James Lafferty and Stephen Colletti, premiered on Apple TV, quickly reaching #1 Comedy and #3 overall on Apple’s TV Chart Toppers on its debut day. Season 2, which includes an episode directed by Johnny, is completed and awaiting release.
Johnny recently shot the feature FLIGHT RISK, a gripping thriller starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace. Directed by Academy Award® winner Mel Gibson, the film will premiere in theaters on October 18, 2024. Derango previously collaborated with Gibson on The Nelms Brothers’ 2020 film FATMAN. His work with The Nelms Brothers also includes Magnolia’s early 2024 release RED RIGHT HAND, starring Orlando Bloom and Andie MacDowell. Notably, Johnny was the cinematographer for their 2017 thriller SMALL TOWN CRIME, featuring an Academy and Emmy-caliber cast including John Hawkes, Anthony Anderson, Octavia Spencer, Robert Forster, and Clifton Collins Jr. Upon release, the film received critical acclaim from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and esteemed critic Leonard Maltin, who praised the film as "artfully lit by Johnny Derango." He also produced and shot their 2013 film LOST ON PURPOSE.
Johnny continues to work as a cinematographer and producer, dividing his time between Los Angeles and Chicago.
