Derek Verdonck
Creative. Dependable. Collaborative. For 25 years, Derek has partnered with directors, production designers, and creative crews to bring world-class storytelling to life. Known for balancing artistic vision with practical execution, he consistently delivers exceptional results on time, on budget, and with a solution-oriented mindset.
Whether it's bringing an iconic cartoon character to life or creating props for a prime-time television drama, Derek Verdonck loves a good story. More importantly, he knows exactly how to build the worlds they live in.
With over two decades of experience in the animation, virtual production and film industries, Derek's career has been an exciting journey of visual problem-solving. He got his start pushing the boundaries of digital movement, contributing previsualization artistry to the groundbreaking, Academy Award-winning animated short Ryan (2004). From there, he spent years collaborating with major entertainment powerhouses like Disney, Sony, Nelvana, and the Jim Henson Company, serving as a lead animator and layout supervisor.
From Bob the Builder to Bubble Guppies, Derek has helped shape some of the most recognizable animated worlds on television, contributing to projects honoured by the Oscars, Emmys, and Annie Awards. Never content to stand still, Derek is currently expanding their toolkit into virtual production, leveraging Unreal Engine to bridge the gap between traditional filmmaking and real-time digital environments.
CV & Credits
Film & Television
Television Animation
Acting
Present
Teaching
Education & Training
Software & Skills
Studios & Production Companies
Two decades of work across some of the most recognized names in animation and film.
Endorsements
“Derek is an extremely dedicated, focused, and flexible artist — not only that, but Derek is somebody you want as a teammate on any project. From his sense of humour or eagerness to take on any new challenge, Derek will make a significant contribution on any project that needs professional execution.”
“A chameleon among artists, Derek's adaptable abilities and talents are a must have for any production's needs.”
“Derek's positive attitude makes him easy to approach to ask for his advice on technical issues or creative ideas. He is a talented and dependable animator who delivers great animation on time.”
“To simply say Derek is a talented artist doesn't really tell the whole story. The warmth he brings with him spills into his work in honest and creative ways. Never afraid to try something new, he steps up every day. He has an energy that is infectious even in a crunch.”
Let’s Work Together
Available for film, animation, and virtual production work. Get in touch.