Biografia
Derrick Williams,
A relentless creative producer who vividly brings concepts and ideas to life, Derrick Williams has forged a dynamic career leading a wide range of brands, businesses, and entertainment ventures to remarkable success and significant economic impact. His sharp vision and international connections have enabled him to form valued partnerships with politicians, monarchs, heads of state, and presidents of major studios such as Sony and Netflix.
As a producing partner with the renowned inspirational and spiritual leader Bishop T.D. Jakes, Williams has an extensive portfolio of acclaimed projects, including the blockbuster Miracles from Heaven, starring Jennifer Garner. Produced by TDJ Enterprises and released by Sony Pictures, the film had a $13 million budget and earned $73.8 million worldwide. Serving as executive producer on the Sony Pictures hit Heaven Is For Real, Williams contributed to a box office gross exceeding $101 million. His credits also encompass notable independent films like Not Easily Broken, featuring Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson; Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day, starring Blair Underwood and Sharon Leal; the BET, Black Reel, and NAACP Image Award-winning Jumping the Broom, starring Angela Bassett; A Dog's Way Home, in collaboration with Columbia Pictures; Winnie Mandela, starring Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard; and the remarkable Sparkle remake, featuring Whitney Houston’s final film role.
Williams partnered with Tegna Media, 44 Blue, and Enlight Productions as executive producer of the popular T.D. Jakes talk show hosted by Jakes himself. He also executive produced the Gracie Award-winning Faith Under Fire television movie with Sony TV and Lifetime, based on Antoinette Tuff’s true story. Lifetime later reunited with Williams for the suspenseful anthology series Seven Deadly Sins, adapted from Victoria Christopher Murray’s book series.
Williams and T.D. Jakes are producing partners on three films slated for production and release in 2021. He has also played key roles in prominent TV productions including Mind, Body and Soul (BET) and I Am Somebody's Child: The Regina Louise Story (Lifetime).
Together with T.D. Jakes, Williams has created and managed groundbreaking global live events, such as MegaFest, which drew over 150,000 attendees and generated more than $100 million in revenue. A seasoned entertainment industry veteran, Williams has produced numerous live events, including the A Time to Laugh comedy show featuring Steve Harvey, Chris Tucker, Niecy Nash, and Sheryl Underwood; the Woman of Purpose concert with Gladys Knight, BabyFace, Mary Mary, and others; Oprah's LifeClass; celebrity sports events; and international leadership conferences.
Williams refined his expertise in attracting sold-out live audiences through collaboration with David E. Talbert and was instrumental in the success of several energetic urban musicals. He later co-founded the Broadway Theatrical Urban Series with Clear Channel, serving in roles such as co-producer, promoter, general manager, COO, CFO, and head of marketing and promotions for acclaimed productions including His Woman, His Wife, starring Malik Yoba and Stephanie Mills; Fabric of A Man, with Shemar Moore and Clifton Powell; and Love Makes Things Happen, presented by Clear Channel Entertainment in partnership with Edmonds Entertainment.
Beginning his entertainment career at 19 after studying with jazz legend Ellis Marsalis, Williams toured as a backup drummer with Harry Connick Jr. before moving into management and touring for iconic artists like PJ Morton, The Hawkins Singers, and Kurt Carr.
A brand strategist and marketing expert, Williams has collaborated with influential cultural figures such as Ray Chew, Mark Burnett, Roma Downey, DeVon Franklin, Kim Kimble, and Ray Lewis. He has applied his marketing skills to projects including The Karate Kid and Pursuit of Happiness (Sony), CREED (Warner Bros.), The Bible (History Channel), and Marshall (Open Road Films).
Dedicated to his clients and community, Williams offers his visionary expertise through strategic partnerships with the National Basketball Players Association, The Hollywood Reporter's Advisory Board of the Young Executives Fellowship, EbonyLife Media, NAACP, Global Citizen, LiveNation, and others.
