Dereck Sonnenburg | Head of Production, Catalyst Media, LLC
B.S., Digital Arts and Sciences, University of Florida College of Engineering A.A., Computer Animation, Full Sail University
Dereck joined Catalyst Media in 2006 as an artist and has quickly risen to the position of head of production. Since joining Catalyst Media, Dereck has been involved in productions of all sizes, helping independent directors and producers alike. Jumping into the deep end for Catalyst Media, Dereck created 3D CG for the horror film Pulse. By 2007, Dereck had finaled shots for the feature films Spider-Man 3 and Transformers. In 2008, in addition to VFX Producing over 60 shots for the summer blockbuster Hancock, Dereck honed his problem solving skills by being on set on the feature film Twilight. Dereck aided the production by acquiring set survey information, creating temp composites for the director while on set, and coordinating with the stunt crew.
Along with Daryll Strauss and Richard Kidd, Dereck co-wrote the user manual for the Frame Thrower, a realtime 2K playback system created by Daryll Strauss and sold through his company Digital Ordnance. Dereck gives back to the VFX community by being an active participant at many Visual Effects Society (VES) events. He has volunteered for the VES festivals and attended several of the VES Awards ceremonies. He is currently doing research to help with the development of the VES Handbook of Visual Effects.
Dereck developed his in interest in arts at an early time in his life. He was accepted into a commercial art magnet program at South Miami Senior High and graduated at the top of his class. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Arts and Sciences from the University of Florida’s College of Engineering. He acquired additional training and earned an Associates of Arts degree in Computer Animation from Full Sail University.
