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 and produced HALCYON DAYS, a surreal proof-of-concept dramedy starring Filipino-American comedy talent including Chris Renfro, Rachel Marsh, and Mike Cabellon. It premiered at SeriesFest in 2026 and will be presented at the Gotham Week Project Market in September.

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.