Biography
Johnny Derango is an established, sought-after cinematographer and a respected film and TV producer/director 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 Rising Stars of Cinematography. Johnny has shot for major studios and networks including, Warner Bros., Paramount, Lionsgate, Disney, Discovery Channel and MTV as well as global brands Mandarin Oriental Hotels, Firefox, Napster, Nissan, Southwest Airlines and Tyson Foods.
In addition to his expertise as a cinematographer, Johnny serves as a producer on many of his projects. Most recently, holding the roles of co-producer and director of photography on the Lionsgate feature film UNSUNG HERO, which opened #2 at the box office on April 26th, 2024. The film has since grossed over $20 million domestically. In the same month, Season 1 of "Everyone is Doing Great," a TV series Derango executive produced alongside "One Tree Hill" alums James Lafferty and Stephen Colletti, debuted on Apple TV and quickly rose to the #1 Comedy (and #3 overall) of Apple's TV Chart Toppers on its opening day. Season 2 of "Everyone is Doing Great," of which Johnny also directed an episode, is completed and awaiting release.
Johnny next lensed the feature FLIGHT RISK, an intense thriller starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery and Topher Grace. The film, which will debut in theaters on October 18th, 2024, was directed by Academy Award©-winner Mel Gibson. Derango and Gibson previously worked together on The Nelms Brothers' 2020 film FATMAN. Johnny's prior collaborations with The Nelms Brothers include Magnolia's early 2024 release of RED RIGHT HAND, starring Orlando Bloom and Andie MacDowell. Notably, Derango also lensed their film SMALL TOWN CRIME (2017) 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, the film garnered rave reviews from top critics at the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and renowned film critic, Leonard Maltin, who stated he thoroughly enjoyed the film that was "artfully lit by Johnny Derango." Previously, Derango also produced and shot their film LOST ON PURPOSE (2013).
Johnny continues to work as a Cinematographer and Producer splitting his time between Los Angeles and Chicago.
