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Inspired by Edward D. Wood Jr. and the online buzz surrounding B-movies, San Ramon, California resident Derek Zemrak ventured into low-budget filmmaking. He wrote, directed, and produced his first feature film, "Ice Scream," which notably starred Conrad Brooks, known as "The King of Bad Movies" and an Ed Wood alumnus. Completed in 1997, "Ice Scream" received both national and international recognition. On November 26, 1998, the LA Times listed "Ice Scream" among the Best of the Worst movies ever made. It was also nominated for Best Villain at the B Movie Awards in New York. Zemrak's second feature, "Taxider-ME!," a dark horror comedy, earned nominations for Best Villain and Best Musical Score at the 2000 Two B Movie Awards. His third feature, a 1950s sci-fi comedy spoof titled "Bikini Planet," is available at Tower Records stores along the West Coast and is currently being adapted into an animated television series.
Zemrak is presently producing a feature-length children's animated film called "Bongee Bear and the Kingdom of Rhythm," slated for release in late 2005. He also served as Associate Producer on the upcoming independent film "Planting Melvin."
In addition to films, Zemrak produced the nationally acclaimed stage play "Time Flies When You Are Alive" in 2001, starring veteran actor Paul Linke. The play received a Cable Ace Award nomination.
He is the Founder and President of the California Independent Film Festival Association (CIFF), established in 1999. CIFF is the fastest-growing film festival in California, showcasing over 500 independent films from across the United States and worldwide. Its gala tribute nights have honored Hollywood legends such as Cloris Leachman, Martin Landau, and Tony Curtis. The closing gala, produced by Yankee Films, Inc., has featured celebrities including Dick Clark, Mary Tyler Moore, Rich Little, Shirley Jones, Marty Ingels, Pete Bogdnovich, James Whitmore, Dick Van Patten, and Peter Graves.
Zemrak also serves as President of Yankee Films Inc., a domestic and international film distribution company. The company’s library includes award-winning films like "Flowers On A Muumuu" and "Chimera House.
