BIO
Derek Weissbein is a screenwriter and mental health worker living in Los Angeles. His original screenplay, LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS, based on the life of Eric Clapton, landed on The Black List in 2016 and was optioned by LBI Entertainment and Le Grisbi’s John Lesher. Derek was hired by Maven Pictures and actress/producer Olivia Cooke to adapt the non-fiction novel COURTING DANGER which follows tennis pro-turned-WWII spy, Alice Marble. He currently has a few projects in development including a feature based on the adventure documentary CHASING BUBBLES and a feature based on the acclaimed 1989 short sci-fi story THE GENTLE SEDUCTION. Derek also works in residential treatment using creative writing groups to help foster a safe space for teenagers struggling with depression and anxiety.
Derek is represented by Adam Perry of APA and Brendan Kenney of Everyday Pictures.
UPDATES
10.14.22
Spec 'ALMA' optioned by Umbrelic Entertainment with April Moreau attached to direct
10.14.22
Editor: 'Let's Party' by Kool & the Gang
9.30.22
Editor: 'The Plug' by The Isley Brothers feat. 2Chainz
9.28.21
Editor: 'Let's Change the World' by Ringo Starr for director David Mahmoudieh, producers AlphaWolvesTV, Universal Music Group, & the non-profit Kids in the Spotlight
7.27.21
Co-Writer: 'AMY & PETER ARE GETTING DIVORCED' premieres on VOD; directed by April Moreau, produced by Umbrelic Entertainment, distributed by Gravitas Ventures
5.31.21
Editor: 'Friends & Family' by The Isley Brothers ft. Snoop Dogg Perform on The Today Show -- pre-recorded performance
8.30.20
Spec 'TOUCH OF GREY' co-written w/ director Drew Feldman,
moves onto final round of the
2021 Sundance Lab Development Track
-Sundance Institute
4.28.16
John Lesher of Le Grisbi Productions and LBI Entertainment options spec 'LAYLA'
art by Olya Tizer