Derek Manansala is a writer and filmmaker based in LA.

He co-wrote and executive produced LOLA, a sci-fi short awarded by the DGA, Television Academy, and Imagine Entertainment, with selections including Fantasia Film Festival, AFI Fest, and SeriesFest, among others. It streamed on Air Canada and Shudder in 2025.

Derek wrote, produced, and edited HALCYON DAYS, a surreal family dramedy starring an ensemble of Filipino-American comedy talent including Chris Renfro, Rachel Marsh, and Mike Cabellon. It premiered at SeriesFest in 2026 and is currently touring festivals.

Derek was named one of The Gotham’s Series Creators to Watch in 2026. He is an alumni of the Upright Citizens Brigade, wrote on The Pack Theater’s house sketch teams, and performs stand-up in condemned LA basements. Derek was a Walt Disney Imagineer before earning an MFA in Film & TV Production from USC.