Derek began his professional career as a Director in the theatre, spearheading productions at esteemed institutions such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court, Traverse, Soho, King's Head, and Manchester's University Theatre. These productions, often premieres of new plays, showcased his expertise and versatility as a Director. As he transitioned to television, Derek directed several highly acclaimed single dramas and TV movies for leading network companies and the BBC. Notably, he also ventured into episodic drama, frequently serving as an originating Director. This diverse range of projects has solidified his position as a prominent figure in British television drama.
In addition to his directing endeavors, Derek has also explored his creative side as a writer. His impressive body of work includes eight single-shot plays produced for television and radio. Two of these productions earned nominations for Sony Awards, a testament to his writing prowess. His first stage play, "Blue on Blue," premiered in October 2006 and garnered recognition as a runner-up for the 2007 Meyer-Whitworth Award. The success of this play led to a feature film adaptation being commissioned.
In recent years, Derek has focused primarily on screenwriting, continuing to hone his craft and make significant contributions to the world of television and film.
