Derek Frey

Derek Frey (born April 23, 1973) is an American film producer and director. He is best known for his long-time collaboration with director Tim Burton, serving as a producer on major studio films including Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Frankenweenie, Big Eyes, Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo, and others.

Early life and education

Frey was born on April 23, 1973, in the Drexel Hill section of Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. He graduating from Upper Darby High School. Frey attended West Chester University and graduated with a BA in communication studies.

Career Derek Frey (right) recording at Air Studios with Andy Richards, Mike Higham & Ric Levy, 2011. Photograph c/o Leah Gallo Frey began his career in the film industry in 1996 as an assistant for Tim Burton and an employee of Tim Burton Productions. He worked as Burton's assistant on Mars Attacks!, Sleepy Hollow, Planet of the Apes, and Big Fish. In 2001, he became the head of Tim Burton Productions. He would go on to earn producer credits in a variety of Tim Burton films including Alice in Wonderland, Dark Shadows, Big Eyes, Frankenweenie, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Corpse Bride, and Sweeney Todd. Other short films produced and directed by Frey include Kill the Engine, Motel Providence, Sky Blue Collar, The Day the Dolls Struck Back!, The Ballad of Sandeep (starring actor, Deep Roy), and numerous others. Frey produced Burton's live-action adaptation of Dumbo, which was released in March 2019.

Filmography

Feature films

Short films