Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Potts.
Derek, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I launched Deep Water Productions a couple of years ago to produce and act in the film The Last Astronaut which I worked on with my friend Shawn Welling who directed the film. It debuted this year at the 52nd Annual World Fest-Houston Awards, and we received some awards including a Platinum Remi for featured film and Bronze Remi for a featured script by the Houston Broadcast Film Critics Association. It was a really great start. With Deep Water Productions, we’re going to work on similar genres but expand to action, drama, and documentaries as well.
I’ve always admired the film industry, so it’s been incredibly rewarding to work with and learn from such talented people. It’s been an eye-opening, educational experience for both my son, Drake Potts, and myself. Through Deep Water Productions, I hope to continue producing great movies and learning even more about the industry through the process. There’s no better way to develop an understanding for the industry than getting your boots on the ground, and we’re excited to see where Deep Water Productions and all of our hard work takes us in the Houston scene and beyond.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The most challenging part has been developing a clear understanding of the entire movie-making process and sending a movie through the festival system. At the end of the day, a movie is a product that has to be promoted, and the biggest challenge for me has been learning how to promote a movie. Anyone can pick up a camera and make a movie, but promoting it is the most challenging part.
Deep Water Productions – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’ve been a lawyer for 20 years now and am the Founder and National Managing Partner of Potts Law Firm. I started Deep Water Productions a couple of years ago to serve as a platform for movie production, and I am excited about the direction we are headed in.
With numerous projects in production, we’re currently focusing on content-rich with films featuring current events and trending topics that relate and resonate with audiences. We are actively writing several stories for upcoming films to be directed by Welling, one of which is titled Narco Sub and inspired by true events. The film will follow the journey of a DEA agent’s efforts to combat drug trafficking in homemade submarines in Colombia and the Florida Keys. We are also collaborating with Welling on a documentary inspired by my most recent legal casework that will shed light on the critical issue of sex trafficking in Houston, entitled Underbelly.
Most of my experience as a lawyer has been representing people who have been harmed or suffered an injustice. I believe this is where my work as a lawyer and my work with Deep Water Productions collide. Through the movies we are working on, I like to tell the story of the underdog, defending the little guy and righting a wrong. I am excited about the films that are coming up.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is not about the amount of money you make or the amount of power you have. Success to me is very individualistic and is defined as when you have achieved the ability to live the kind of life that you want and not settle for the kind of life that is foisted upon you by society and your circumstances. To sum it up, it means to be able to do what you what, when you want, with whom you want, for as long as you want.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @derekpottsventures (https://www.instagram.com/derekpottsventures/)
Image Credit:
Bonner Rhoden
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