Meet Derek Lefholz, a member of the StudentFilmmakers Filmmakers Network. Visit the Network profile below to connect.
Derek Lefholz
Filmmakers Network profile: Degreezero
Derek Lefholz produces music for film, and has worked as a live and studio engineer, and multimedia engineer for a church that implemented audio, video and live music. He has worked as a camera operator for the filming of a few live concerts and music videos, and currently owns a small music publishing company and record label. “I have aspirations to be involved with anything artistic and progressive that breaks the cycle. I am a forward thinker and don’t like to put restrictions on anything… Anything is possible. Keeping it new and fresh are foremost. I feel that Film/Video and Music will continue to grow together to form the foundation for the art of the future.”
Current projects: “Music for film, TV, trailers, games and media.”
Recently completed: “I just completed music that was licensed with the PBS documentary series Road Trip Nation.”
Indie filmmaking tip: “Balance of lighting is crucial to character development.”
On digital video: “I believe digital video is just as important of an advancement as any other filming medium and will lead to the streamlining of the filming process.”
Advice: “Study all forms of art and techniques and apply these to your filmmaking.” Sarah Horwitz is currently a highschool student and aspiring filmmaker. “I used to play around with videos with my friends when I was younger, but it wasn’t until last year that I really began to take a more serious interest in film and video. I grew up around ‘theatre people,’ and am an actress myself, so I guess filmmaking was almost just a natural progression of that. I’m currently studying video at my school and working on a local television show.”
Current projects: “I’m putting together a demo reel as part of my application for New Jersey’s Governor’s School of the Arts, for the video and filmmaking program. I’ll also be directing some upcoming episodes for my local television show, Jefferson Highlights. And in my video class we’re working on a newscast parody, which is really fun.”
Recently completed: “A short little video showcasing some beautiful old lamps in my house! Weird, I know, but I’m very intrigued by different kinds of lighting, and I love to just whip out my camera and experiment.”
Indie filmmaking tip: “Storyboard… I have a tendency to think of all of these amazing shots in my head, and not want to make any storyboards, but then I go to shoot the video, and between all the organizing and setting up and all the nervous energy on set, I end up forgetting everything! My video class has taught me to embrace storyboards whole-heartedly. That’s not to say that things can’t be changed on set, or you should ignore a really good idea because it’s all planned out all ready, but storyboards are a great foundation to have.”
On digital video: “I hope digital video never replaces film entirely, because film has so many great qualities that should never be lost. However, digital video also makes it much easier for people like me to explore their creativity and express themselves through such a wonderful visual medium.”
Keep learning filmmaking
Want more lessons like this? Join StudentFilmmakers free for live webinars with working pros, and stream on-demand filmmaking classes in cinematography, directing, screenwriting, sound and post.
