Life & Work with Derek Pfister of Milwaukee, WI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Pfister.

Derek, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I picked up a video camera for the first time as a teenager in 2003, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker. Friends and family often told me I had a knack for storytelling behind the camera. Whether I was making goofy videos with friends or creating something more serious, I quickly discovered a passion for bringing stories to life through film. Most importantly, I was having fun and enjoying every moment of the creative process.

A lot of people ask me if there was a particular movie or director that inspired me to pursue filmmaking, but honestly, it was the camera itself. There was something about being able to capture moments, emotions, and stories that drew me in. What began as a hobby eventually grew into a career and a lifelong passion.

I’m incredibly grateful to the friends who first introduced me to filmmaking, they remain some of my closest friends to this day. I’m also forever thankful to God, my parents and brother, my best friend and business partner Brendan Adams, and my wife, Kelly Pfister, for their unwavering love, encouragement, and support throughout this journey.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth, and honestly, I don’t think any creative journey ever is. Throughout my career, I’ve faced plenty of rejection. Early on, I submitted films to competitions and festivals only to receive rejection letters in return. Each one was discouraging, and there were moments when I questioned whether I should continue.

What kept me moving forward was my passion for storytelling, along with the support of my family and closest friends. They reminded me why I started in the first place and encouraged me to keep improving. Because of that support and because I refused to quit, I’m fortunate to be doing what I love today.

The truth is, rejection never completely goes away. Even after all these years, I still encounter it. The difference now is that I view it as part of the process. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and push myself further. My approach has always been simple: learn, practice, evaluate, and repeat. Growth comes from consistency, and I believe that if you continue learning and refining your craft, success will eventually follow.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Chair on Stair Films, my team’s mission is simple: take an idea, no matter how small and turn it into something meaningful through the power of video and film. We work on a wide range of projects, including weddings, business campaigns, interviews, personal branding content, short films, and feature-length productions. Whether it’s for a client, a festival, or a creative passion project, we’re committed to bringing each vision to life.

More than twenty years after I first picked up a camera, I’m proud to still be carrying that mission forward and keeping the spirit of Chair on Stair Films alive.

When people ask what I do, it’s honestly difficult to settle on a single title. Over the years, I’ve worked as a cinematographer, producer, director, editor, and social media manager. If I had to sum it up, I’d simply call myself a storyteller.

My greatest passion is filmmaking. I love taking words from a screenplay and transforming them into a visual experience. There’s something incredibly rewarding about interpreting a story and finding the right combination of camera movement, composition, lighting, and emotion to bring it to life. Whenever I’m behind a cinema camera, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Over the last five years, my work, especially as a cinematographer, has opened doors to exciting opportunities. One of the experiences I value most is participating in the Wisconsin 48 Hour Film Project alongside my team. In this competition, filmmakers have just 48 hours to write, produce, direct, shoot, edit, and score an original film. Teams receive a genre and required prompts, then race against the clock to complete a finished film in under seven minutes.

I love the challenge because it pushes every creative skill to its limit. You start with nothing and, within two days, end up with a completed film. It demands creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to perform under pressure. Some of the projects I’m most proud of from the competition include “Sirius Beta,” “Silent Sonata,” and “Reasonable Doubt.”

In addition to my regular participation in the Wisconsin 48 Hour Film Project, I am pleased to announce my production involvement in the feature film “The Withering,” which is scheduled for release on VOD on July 28, 2026. This horror feature was a unique collaborative effort, with Midwest filmmakers coming together to complete production in just two weeks. Furthermore, I am anticipating the upcoming release of “Soul Fighter,” a Sci-Fi Western short film for which I served as a crew member.

What sets me apart is my approach to collaboration. I’m generally a calm and laid-back person, but when production begins, I become focused and committed to achieving the best possible result. I also believe strongly in supporting other creatives. I don’t view fellow filmmakers as competition, I view them as inspiration. Wisconsin is home to an incredibly talented filmmaking community, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by so many passionate artists. I enjoy collaborating, learning from others, and helping fellow creatives bring their own visions to life. No matter how much experience I gain, I always want to keep learning.

What does success mean to you?
Success can be difficult to define because it looks different for everyone. For me, success means loving what you do, continually striving to become the best version of yourself, and refusing to give up on your goals.

Life will always throw challenges your way when you least expect them. Success isn’t about avoiding failure, it’s about how you respond to it. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. If you’re pursuing your passion, putting in the work, and continuing to move forward despite the obstacles, then you’re already succeeding.

I believe the people who achieve the most are the ones who never stop learning and never stop trying. If you can fall, get back up, and keep moving forward, you’re already winning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chaironstairfilms.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaironstairfilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChairOnStairFilms/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chair-on-stair-films?trk=public_profile_experience-item_profile-section-card_subtitle-click
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/COSFilmsINC
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chaironstairfilms
• Other: https://imdb.me/derekmdpfister

Image Credits
Photographers: Elizabeth Schatz, David Smulski
Copyright, Chair on Stair Films