Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Fury.
Derrick, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always been a creative, drawing writing and making music. Before becoming a filmmaker, I recorded and toured perfuming conscious Hip-Hop, releasing music in the US, Japan, and Korea. While studying film in Houston, I received Remi Awards (WorldFest-Houston) for my ode to nerd culture short “Modern Issues” as well as my “Clerks” inspired short film Ne’erDoWells. I’ve recently finished shooting my first feature film entitled LION KILLER.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Well, let me say this, LION KILLER’s the story of two hurting people that need each other to overcome their past and build a better future together. Ironically, that’s also the story of making it. My wife and producing partner Bea Fury, along with our team shot our crowdfunding video on August 12th, 2017. Although the crowdfunding campaign was set to go live on September 12th, on August 25th Hurricane Harvey, hit the Houston area hard. Bea and I were displaced, losing nearly everything as a result. So in the middle of facing our greatest struggle, and without a permanent place to live we launched and ran a successful crowdfunding campaign.
After going through Harvey, it was important to have LION KILLER be a Houston centric film. With that in mind, we went on to crew the film with a group of awesome local filmmakers and cast it with the most talented and diverse bunch of actors in the Houston area. We shot the film in 23 days and wrapped on August 12th, 2018, exactly one year to the day that we shot or crowdfunding video. Yes, LION KILLER is a story of hurting people, but it’s also the story of love, of community and ultimately victory.
Now in post-production, I’m following in the traditions of another Texas-based filmmaker, Robert Rodriguez (El Mariachi, Alita: Battle Angel) and choosing to do the lion’s share of the post work myself. So in addition to Writing, directing, producing and acting in LION KILLER, I’m also editing, sound designing and color grading the film myself.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the LION KILLER story. Tell us more about the business.
LION KILLER is a feature film set in the culture of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a niche film for lovers of BJJ, MMA, and Combat Sports. The film also has an anti-domestic violence message, and we hope this film brings more awareness to this issue. We’re also very proud of our diversity, both in front and behind the camera. Our Female Lead, Regina Ting Chen is a great example. But also our First AD, Lea M Jones, our Production Designer Anna Tran, our Director of Photography David Mejia and our Producer Bea Ortega-Fury are all representative of our commitment to creating an inclusive set that I feel ultimately lends itself to making a better movie.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Well, definitely hasn’t been easy. In a lot of ways making LION KILLER has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Going through Hurricane Harvey while in Pre-Production, then rebuilding our personal lives while shooting only increased my resolve. I believe that “No Surrender” mentality was contagious and helped to bond us as a team and create an undeniable grit. Ironically, our greatest challenge ended up being the catalyst for our success.
Pricing:
- Official LION KILLER T-Shirt $25.00
- Official LION KILLER Tank Top $25.00
Contact Info:
- Email: derrickfury@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/LionKillerFilm
- Facebook: Facebook.com/LionKillerFilm
- Twitter: Twitter.com/LionKillerFilm
Image Credit:
Bea Fury, David Mejia
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