INDUSTRY DETAILS

Derek Baxter, Creative Chemist—

Derek Baxter

Senior Producer - Vancouver, BC

With an abundance of knowledge and experience in video, marketing, and brand-building, Derek brings an immense level of expertise and insight to every Barbershop production. After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan, Derek developed expertise in brand management at the helm of some of Canada’s most ubiquitous brands, for top-tier organizations including Procter & Gamble, Molson Canada and Coca-Cola. Derek later moved to the west coast to lead the development of brand and advertising for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, where he led a team of over 30 creators as the Director of Creative Production for the 2010 Games. As a partner of Barbershop Films for nearly 10 years, Derek has built an enviable portfolio of creative work for brands such as Destination Canada, Destination Vancouver, Cactus Club Café, and BC Children’s Hospital to name a few.

As Senior Producer, Derek heads the strategic and creative development for our clients and ourselves, including content strategy, concept development, and the execution of world-class production. Derek gets excited when finding the nuance of an idea that reveals a brand truth and is relentless in ensuring that every detail is considered to that end. He has the unique ability to combine both creative and strategic worlds, to produce and direct brand stories that engage, inspire and motivate behaviour. When Derek is not working, he is found skiing or mountain biking in Whistler or building core memories with his wife and two children.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to and why?

Too hard a question to pick just one! I suppose a private performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as I was the emcee and was able to introduce the band!

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

I am an ultimate frisbee and disc golf veteran, having played on Team Canada in the 2008 World Championship.

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

One of my favourite mantras is, “Better lookin’ at it, than for it”. Most of the time, you’ll hear me say this socially, reflecting a tendency to pursue the most out of every experience.

What’s your least favourite smell?

NOPE – I have a list of favourite smells, however, that includes fresh cut grass, sauteed garlic, boat gas, KFC and contact cement!

How would your colleagues describe you?

I talk a lot! I talk out my ideas as my way of handling my excitement or stress.