Derrick Roberts Productions

Recently I met Derrick Roberts of DRP and was amazed at some of the work he had done. He and his company do different types of event mainly in NYC until now. Derrick has decided to take some projects on in DC and this is what led to me interviewing him and his company. Below you can read the interview watch videos of his events and see how amazing DRP is!

Derrick Roberts Biography

Derrick Roberts launched Derrick Roberts Productions, Inc. (DRP) in November 2002. As CEO, Roberts -a rising star of lighting design/event production -creates visually spectacular and technically ingenious events that celebrate the magical and transformative qualities of illumination. Shining a spotlight on detail, DRP produces small to large scale events that continue to exceed client expectations.

Since launching DRP, Roberts’ passion for production has driven the company’s success~ and quick expansion by establishing a client list that challenges competitor’s that have been in the business for decades. Producing high level events, Roberts has achieved unprecedented success as an authority that does not subscribe to solving today’s problems with yesterday’s solutions. DRP’s goal is to provide a great opportunity for corporations to acquire high-end design ideas by utilizing a boutique company with all the accouterments of gracious, elegance and style for a valued price. In 2002, Roberts realized that the dire economy was forcing many large companies to seek outside resources that could assist by thinking outside of the “BOX” in order to leverage cost-saving efforts.  In search of value, Roberts’ goals met the needs of many of these corporations and DRP found its niche.

DRP, the only African-American lighting design/event production company, in just 3 years has produced, Prudential lnsurance’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, was selected as the Special Events Lighting Designer to handle the February 2000 opening of Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History, was also selected as the Special Events Lighting Designer to handle the November 2004 entrance re-opening of the Brooklyn Museum and produced Paul Newman’s 20th Anniversary for his non-profit organization, Newman’s Own, and produced Johnson & Johnson’s Sales & Logistics incentive awards trip in Aruba. Additionally, DRP installed the permanent lighting inside the very famous landmark Puck Building, located in downtown New York City.

Prior to launching DRP, Roberts began his event production career in the mid 90’s at Frost Lighting where he served as a lighting designer for 5 years. Acquiring this position was a gradual evolution culminating from Roberts’s theater background. A native of Brooklyn, NY, Roberts holds a bachelor degree with a major in microbiology and a minor in theater production from Howard University. At Howard, Roberts noticed that he was developing an unapologetic passion for the arts, despite the objection from family members who questioned the scale of his aspirations. Initially, Roberts’ intentions upon graduation were to apply to law,.school as he thought he wanted to become a malpractice attorney. However, after graduation, Roberts began acting and working with off Broadway theatre companies. Traveling extensively throughout the early 90’s as the Head Stage-manger for Theatre Works US”, Roberts toured around the country for 2 -full seasons. “I had enjoyed traveling the country working with best state-of-the-art equipment some of these theatres and major universities had to offer”. In 1994 Roberts, a student of meticulous theatrical event design, felt it was now time to break: from the theatrical ranks, and truly share his gift and entered the world of event lighting and production.

In 2004, DRP achieved multi-million dollar success by exceeding client expectations for Service, Quality and Value and expanding the brand.

Here is a video Derrick Robert’s Production for Sears New York Fashion Week – LL Cool J

1. Where do you live?

I still maintain my apartment in Manhattan, NY, as well, I am residing full time in Crystal City, Va.

2. What is you favorite part about D.C.?

My favorite part of DC is probably the Georgetown area. It’s chic, elegant, and very funky. It’s cool stores reminds me of NY and all the various races, creeds, nationalities of people from all walks of life coming together to meet is fabulous! Also, The Capitol and the White House are a must see for anyone visiting Washington, DC.

3. What brings you to D.C.

I am in DC because my great city of New York has been severely affected by this recession.

I found myself unemployed for the first time in my life and I am a extremely business savvy entrepreneur.

This downturn economy caused all of my Fortune 100 & 500 corporate clients to stop spending totally and reduce

head-count. They were also forced to revisit how they planned to do business in this downturn global economy.

The personal difficulties I faced during this recession forced me to make sudden life-altering changes and accept a paying job with benefits in Washington, DC. My direct report, Mr. Walter Rauscher, is a living legend in the NY Professional Food & Beverage Industry. Walter offered me a Senior marketing position with Ark Restaurants which own Sequoia in Georgetown, and Thunder Grill, America, and Center Café in Union Station.

Let’s hope that the recent signs of the economy’s turn around will continue, and businesses like mines are able to get back on track.

4. What was the first event you ever put on?

It was a 1989 celebrity birthday party for my good friend Mr. Gene Anthony Ray (May 24, 1962 – November 14, 2003) was an American actor, dancer, and choreographer who is best known for his portrayal of the street smart dancer Leroy in the 1980 film Fame in addition to the television spin-off which aired from 1982 until 1987

5. What’s the best event or venue you ever put on?

Even though this question appears simple, it isn’t!

I have produced thousands of events and I put love into ALL of my events big or small.

6. What got you into this business?

My love for the theatre started in the early 80’s during my time at Howard Univ .

I studied to be a malpractice attorney, but I felt destroying people for a living

wouldn’t be such a rewarding existence. So I pursued the theatre as an Equity Stage Manager,

Production Manager, Technical Director, etc…

7. What’s you favorite tune of all time?

This Woman’s Worth by Maxwell

8. What’s your favorite Drink?

My favorite drink is a strawberry milk shake mixed with a Monster energy drink.

9. When all the work is over how do you like to chill out?

I am an avid runner so I truly enjoy my daily 2 – hour runs

10. So how is the DC party scene in your eyes?

I haven’t experienced the DC party scene as of yet. I am attending something big on September 17th at the Four Season Hotel. I have noticed cleavage, low-cut dresses, and a couple of red carpets outside of some well-known hotels.

11. Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?

I was producing a Bar Mitzvah at a Westchester Country Club and the mother of the child got a little drunk and started kissing me in the mouth. It is funny now thinking back, but I was panicking when it happened.

12. Favorite Genre of music?

I appreciate all music, but what I listen to is R&B Love Songs (Maxwell, Robin Thicke, Heather Headley)

13. What’s your favorite Clothing Brand?

My favorite Clothing Brand is Hickey Freeman (subsequently Hickey Freeman has filed for bankruptcy).

14. If you could stage a party anywhere, where would you choose?

The White House for Obama – 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC

15. How do you see the DC scene 5 years from now?

I think Washington, DC is trying to get younger and more chic.

The old guards are dying off slowly and DC will have to change with the time and evolve.

Your OLD WORLD image will have to be rebranded to a fresher, cleaner, more upscale glam.

Your hotel lobby’s need to be transformed into upscale canoodling dens, complete with a restrictive

dress code, shimmering orange and gold couches, and a VIP room with a private bar for celebrities,

high rollers, and celebrities.

16.If you had a time machine what year would you go back to and why?

I would go back to 2005 and prepare systematically for today’s economic problems! it’s just painfully obvious enough; that I never saw it coming.

17. What’s your favorite place to eat in D.C.?

Sequoia – Georgetown & Thunder Grill in Union Station

18. Where is favorite spot to chill in D.C.?

The Bar & Spa at The Ritz Carlton – in Georgetown

(Rebecca Wolfinger – is the best massage therapist in town)

19. Compare New York and D.C. in your eyes?

New York and Washington are similar in many ways, but still quite different. NYC is dominated by the business/financial community, DC by the political/diplomatic community. NYC is clearly a bigger and faster moving city. The pace of life is slower in DC. Business wise & Culturally, NYC has an immigrant background. DC has plenty of people from all over the world, but there are still echoes of a Southern past here. With regard to the arts, entertainment, and recreation, both cities have tons. NYC has more, but DC’s may be more easily accessible. The cost-of-living in Manhattan, New York is bonkers.

20. Who in Washington D.C. would you like to meet?

Desiree Rogers

21. Anything else you want to say? Any shout outs?

I have been privileged to design and produce some of the most technically savvy event branded experiences. In addition to live events, my branded environments are orchestrated interactive experiences that are designed to engage, educate & entertain the most seasoned technical professional.

Our vices are the excuses of our virtues, so with that, who is Mr. Derrick Roberts.

I am determined, I m creative, I process quickly, and I like to think out of the box. I’m impatient with mediocrity. It’s one thing to be impatient and try to do something about it, and it’s another thing to be impatient and just have people think you’re on edge. I am very determined, and I suppose if people get in my way and don’t understand how important my goal and mission are to me, you’re going to think I’m brusque & tough and unfeeling. It’s because I think what I do here is important and I do it with a real sense of passion and urgency!

If you review my website – www.derrickrobertsproductions.com or my YouTube page – www.youtube.com/user/drpronyc the work will speak for itself. My events are instinctive tools used to help increase sales while also creating an interactive experience that engages and transforms business and consumer audience’s perceptions of my client’s brand. I am an entrepreneur/communicator who creates world-class entertainment that has a profound lasting impact on its audience. I am quite sure you’ll agree that I much more than an Exec Producer, I am a Director of Special Projects & Events.

In conclusion, I am very hopeful that my branded work has demonstrated to you my courage, spirit and determination in every technical aspect. Although talent, tenacity, and ingenuity on every project is not just who I am. I can adapt to any environment. I am committed to learning from the local community, as well as teaching, with passion and sensitivity. I bring scale, theatricality and spectacle into every event I produce. It excites me totally, OMG! Just thinking what can this one-man show could accomplish in Washington, DC.

Shout outs to all Washington, DC Event Planners, florists, designers looking for ideas that are “Second-To-None”, DRP Employees,  Ark Employees, Mr. Walter Rauscher, Alex Studley, Chrisitan Pascal, Vera Karlina, Stu large, Geoffrey Fitzgerald, Peter Bacanovic, Penny Burnett, Luke Studley Roberts, Asia Roberts, Brie Roberts, Joan Roberts, RosieInman, Mila Garcia, Cheryl Tishman, Stephanie Burko, Nick Burko, Daniel Burko, Elliott Burko, Aisha davis, Darren Glymph, Dominic Berger, Leonard Coleman Jr, Bruce Zalbe, Neville Waters, and to all of GODS people.

Some pictures From Derrick Robert’s Production’s Website.

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