Derek Jennings

Executive Producer | Director | Brand Strategist

Los Angeles, California, United States

About

I turned Stephen Curry's vision into a #2 Apple Charts debut—and I can give yours the same spark. WHAT I DO: As a Creator, I architect brand narratives that move audiences to action. From producing content for Unanimous Media (Stephen Curry's production company) to directing the 'getLIFTED' mental health film campaign for the Public Health Institute, to show running an adaptation of internationally-bestselling IP about Muhammad Ali for Imagine Entertainment, I specialize in translating complex messages into culturally resonant content that celebrates the sport of humanity, and examines the humanity in sports. WHY IT WORKS: My campaigns don't just reach audiences—they move them. The 'getLIFTED' campaign reached thousands of youth across many schools, community centers, and juvenile facilities. Why? Because I ground every project in cultural truth, not corporate messaging. INDUSTRIES I SERVE: • Sports & Athlete Brands (Jordan Brand, Stephen Curry, Baron Davis, Kenny "The Jet" Smith, Clemson Football) • Hollywood Studios, Networks & Talent (Laurence Fishburne, Nipsey Hussle, ABC, Turner, CBS, SONY Originals, Complex Network, Animal Planet, HSN) • Tech: (Google, Spotify, iHeart Media, AT&T, Freethink Media) • Corporate Comms (Dick's Sporting Goods, The Marathon Clothing Co., PWC, IKEA) • Social Impact Campaigns (Brotherhood of Elders Network: "Real Talk About the Town") • Mental Health & Wellness Organizations (PHI's Center for Collaborative Planning) • Faith-Based Organizations SELECTED RESULTS: • Developed and produced podcast that debuted #2 on Apple Charts within 72 hours • Directed film for youth substance abuse prevention initiative. Co-designed the overall campaign, comms, and brand strategies • Partnered with Elevate Youth California to distribute mental health resources to numerous facilities • Co-Instructed a Masterclass on Storytelling at the Copenhagen Institute of Interactive Design, resulting in 100% student mastery • Built content ecosystems for Stephen Curry, Imagine Entertainment, Spotify, iHeart Media • Produced special live podcast activation at the 2025 NBA All Star Weekend • Co-wrote the only script of ABC's "Stumptown" that bypassed Studio/network notes and was ordered straight into production THE THREAD: Whether it's an NBA megastar's media company, a major television network, or a grassroots initiative, the approach is the same: Find the human story. Make it impossible to ignore. Build a movement around it. Open to Head of Content roles in sports media organizations. DM me: I have a story to tell.

Experience

  • Executive Producer | Director at The Brotherhood of Elders Network
    Feb 2026 - Apr 2026 · 3 mos

    Show runner and director of the original web series "Real Talk About the Town: Spring '26 Season." Developed, staffed, managed budget, filmed, and oversaw post production for all three episodes and their trailers.

  • Creative Producer at Unanimous Media
    Jul 2024 - Aug 2025 · 1 yr 2 mos

    - Developed and launched a full original slate of content for Stephen Curry's media company, translating athlete stories into cultural moments - Launched 'Fudd Around and Find Out' podcast to #2 on Apple Charts within 72 hours of debut - Produced special live podcast activation at the 2025 NBA All Star Weekend - Pioneered athlete mental health storytelling, creating safe spaces for vulnerability in sports media - Developed multi-platform content strategies reaching 1 billion+ combined views across social channels - Built iHeart Media partnership, translating athlete authenticity into compelling narrative campaigns - Ensured alignment, clarity, and confidence among internal and external collaborators - Applied sports psychology principles to storytelling

  • Executive Producer / Director - "getLIFTED" Short Film at Public Health Institute
    Jul 2024 - Aug 2024 · 2 mos

    - Directed and produced film, managed overall campaign + production budget - Increased reach of youth audience across schools, community centers, and juvenile facilities with substance abuse prevention messaging - Partnered with Elevate Youth California and 3+ faith-based organizations to amplify mental health awareness in local communities - Developed culturally-grounded storytelling approach that increased message retention - Created distribution strategy reaching underserved communities through schools, community centers, and digital platforms - Led stakeholder management across government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations - Ensured alignment, clarity, and confidence among internal and external collaborators.

  • Executive Producer, Director at Imagine Entertainment & Television
    Aug 2023 - Mar 2024 · 8 mos

    - Showrunner & Director of THE TAO OF MUHAMMAD ALI podcast, overseeing all development, production & post production. - Built series format and designed episodic breakdowns - Delivered full season on-time and under budget - Collaborated with critically-acclaimed author Davis Miller and 6-time Emmy winner Craig Mortali to create engaging content. - Ensured alignment, clarity, and confidence among internal and external collaborators. - Led stakeholder management across Imagine Entertainment to ensure high-quality storytelling. - Consulted with surviving family members of Muhammad Ali and other high-profile guests.

  • Writing Lead, Parcast Studio at Spotify
    Aug 2021 - Jun 2023 · 1 yr 11 mos

    - Led a writing department of 50+ writers, editors, and supervisors at the #1 True Crime podcast studio, Parcast Studios. - Delivered researched, edited, and fact-checked scripts for over 20 weekly (Always-On) shows on time and on budget. - Created, developed, directed, and executive produced the original podcast mini-series "BASS REEVES: NO MASTER BUT DUTY," showcasing innovative storytelling techniques. - Spotify's Head of TV & Film, Justin McGoldrick, regarded the content as "the best version of Parcast Studios."