Latest Posts

• Derek meets the Colonel

  See Derek Houck in KFC’s new Smokey Mountain BBQ commercial featuring the amazing reactions of Trista Robinson and a Colonel Sanders that is definitely not Reba McEntire.

• Interview with AADA

  Derek Houck was recently interviewed by The American Academy of Dramatic Arts Academy News regarding the invasion of Amazon Prime Video by Napoleon Bon Appétit. Derek talks about the inspiration behind the series, whether there will be a third season, and more.

• Derek returns to Community

  
  You can see Derek Houck in episode four (“Queer Studies & Advanced Waxing”) of Community on Yahoo! Screen.

• Derek a semi-finalist on The Reel Deal

  Derek Houck has been selected as one of the semi-finalists for The Reel Deal! Over 27,000 actors, directors, composers, and writers auditioned for season one. Actors must now compete in the callbacks with a time-limited, video monologue.

• Derek interviewed by Script Magazine

  Derek Houck, along with Progress producers Nicole Wright and Armando Saldanamora, sat down with writer Rebecca Norris for an interview in Script Magazine. When asked about the challenges of playing Adam Rhett, Derek talked about the amount of homework that went into the character:

• Derek on Community

  

• Derek on the cover of “La Libertad”

  
  Derek Houck is the cover model and featured interview in the January issue of La Libertad. Derek talks about working on the IAWTV-nominated web series Progress in a wide-ranging discussion that covers his career and personal life. From the interview:

• Progress on list of 5 Fav Series of 2013

  Progress has been listed as one of Snobby Robot’s Five Favorite Series of 2013. From the article:

• ‘Progress’ nominated for two IAWTV awards

  Steampunk web series faces heavyweights in ‘Battlestar Gallactica’ and ‘Continuum’

• Space Jockey reviews The Wrath of Steph

  Space Jockey Reviews has published is review of The 28th Day: The Wrath of Steph, and they have nothing but praise to haul on both the movie and Derek Houck as Rufus:

• Standards of Living on Ain’t It Cool News

  Ain’t It Cool News, the standard in determining what is cool on the internet, has reviewed Standards of Living:

• Progress Episode Two Online

  Episode two of Progress, entitled “iFall Into Captivity,” has been unleashed upon the Internet. The government has had enough of this Internet filth and takes action to filter it.

• Progress Epidose 1 Online

  Progress, the visually astounding steampunk web series I’m in, has just released its first episode, entitled “iAm Involved in Mystery.”

• Progress teaser now online

  The teaser for episode one of “Progress” entitled “iAm Involved in Mystery” has now been unleashed, featuring the original song “Facecrook” written and performed by She is the Sea.

• Lucky 13 Premiere

  

• The Good Doctor on Funny or Die

  See Derek Houck in a new sketch called “The Good Doctor” on Funny or Die. After twisting his ankle David seeks medical aid.

• Trailer for Lucky 13

  The trailer is up for Lucky 13, a web series that tells the story of the trials, tribulations, and life lessons of eight strangers who all make their way to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams of “making” it in Hollywood. Although they are from varied places and backgrounds, these actors find themselves thrown together and are forced to learn that they have more in common than they think. The bonds formed through their hopeful, victorious, and sometimes tragic experiences prove to be life-long. As they embark on the up hill climb of pursuing their passions, they realize that in order to grow as an artist… they must first grow as individuals.

• Rue Morgue review of Standards of Living

  Rue Morgue has reviewed Standards of Living, calling Derek an “odd man-boy servant.” From the review:

• Standards of Living on YouTube

  Standards of Living, the new horror film written and directed by Aaron Mento, is now available to watch in its entirety on YouTube.

• Progress cast & crew on The Spoiler Alert

  The cast and crew of “Progress” were interviewed the latest episode of The Spoiler Alert! We discuss the progress of “Progress,” and Derek plugs The 28th Day: The Wrath of Steph, Internal Medicine, and Napoleon Bon Appétit while wearing a monocle.

• Progress character interview

  Derek Houck talks about his “Progress” character, Adam Rhett, in a video for the project’s fundraising campaign on IndieGoGo. “Progress” is a ten episode webseries. A Sherlockian cyber-thriller and a game of riddles to decipher the identity of the killer.

• Web Series Watch Interview

  Web Series Watch recently interviewed Napoleon Bon Appétit co-creators Katherine Browning and Derek Houck as part of their Creators Watch series. Katherine and Derek talked about the genesis of Napoleon Bon Appétit, the difficulties of filming a web series that centered on food, as well as the differences between producing for stage and producing for the web.

• Progress teaser reviewed by eSteampunk

  eSteampunk was given the teaser video for Progress as well as scripts for the first four episodes, and wrote a review of the teaser (PDF) in their January 2013 issue. Here’s what they said about Derek Houck as Adam Rhett:

• Progress teaser now online

  The teaser for the Victorian-era steampunk web series, Progress, is now online. Oscar Lerwill is the best hacker of the 19th Century. When he discovers a file posted by Jack the Ripper, Oscar has to find the clues to decode it in order to save his beloved Lila DeClide (the most alluring cam-harlot in VirtualWhitechapel.com) and avoid the perilous games of Adam Rhett (the mad troll of WikiPunchProgress.com). To learn more about the series and to donate towards funding the series, visit ProgresstheSeries.com.

• Nerd Girls: A Nice Guy’s Fantasy

  This video was made by nerds, for nerds. Jacqueline Steiger, Amber Rose Plaster, and Derek Houck star in this message about the differences between real nerd girls and the male fantasy of a nerd girl. Remember, nice guys: There’s a nerd girl out there for you!

• My Kansas City profile in Ink Magazine

  In the new issue of Ink Magazine, Derek got asked what spots in Kansas City he’d like to hit while he was in town. His answers included many local hot spots such as Smokehouse Bar-B-Que:

• Interviewed by Fox 4 KC Morning News

  Fox 4 KC Morning News recently sat down with Derek Houck to ask about life out in Hollywood, Napoleon Bon Appétit, performance capture, and more.

• “You Suck” now on Funny or Die

  All Alexander wants is a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, his roommate is a vampire. Check out “You Suck” on Funny or Die to see if Alex can find peace from the undead.

• Midnight Snack Interview with Derek Houck

  Derek recently went down to The Kansas City BBQ Company, where he was interviewed for KCET’s Midnight Snack column. The conversation span a number of topics, from how The Kansas City BBQ Company compares with authentic KC BBQ, to the creation of Napoleon Bon Appétit and the benefits of moving to a distribution platform like Blip:

• Napoleon Bon Appétit partners with 20/20 Productions

  Napoleon Bon Appétit has partnered with 20/20 productions to distribute the cooking show with a complex across their network:

• “Standards of Living” Teaser Trailer Online

  The teaser trailer for Standards of Living, the new horror film from Absent director Aaron Mento, is now online! Shot entirely using an iPad 2, this feature-length film stars Scott Yarborough, Bill Ferris, Derek Houck, Emily Marsh, Randy Raphael, Terry McCoy, Nicola Singer, Rolland Kiroloss, and Kevin Glover.

• See Derek Houck on Episode 2 of Cataclysmo

  Episode 2 of Cataclysmo, now on Hulu, is now online and features Derek Houck as a government official reviewing the work of Dr. Crankshaft. Check out the scene above, and if you have Hulu+, you can watch the entire episode in HD on your TV or smartphone!

• Derek Houck on Planet Emerson TV

  Derek recently bought Christopher Emerson some Cantaloop frozen yogurt, and in return Chris made this wonderful thank you video promoting Derek and Napoleon Bon Appétit. Enjoy!

• See Derek Houck in “The View From Here”

  The reviews are out for the West Coast premiere of “The View From Here,” and they like what they’re seeing. The Tolucan Times calls it a “compelling story” with a “cast of sophisticated actors.”

• See Derek Houck on United States of Tara!

  Set your DVRs, because I will appearing on the Season 3 premiere of United States of Tara on Showtime tonight at 10:30pm ET/PT!

• The Season 2 premiere of “Napoleon Bon Appétit” is now online!

  Napoleon is back with a new season of “Napoleon Bon Appétit!”

• Former ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Finalist to Guest Star on Season Two of ‘Napoleon Bon Appétit’

  

  Katherine Browning, Derek Houck, and Kimberly Leemans

• See Derek Houck’s Sony Bloggie commercial on YouTube

  A while ago, I shot a commercial for the new Sony Bloggie. That commercial is now up on YouTube for all the world to see!

• Derek Houck featured in the “Producer’s Corner”

  I was recently interviewed by Patrick Bardwell of Slebisodes Web Series Guide about producing Napoleon Bon Appétit. Among the many things he asked was how I began my involvement with the web series. From the interview:

• “Napoleon Bon Appétit” has launched on Somebody’s Basement!

  The cooking show with a complex, “Napoleon Bon Appétit,” launched today on Somebody’s Basement and www.NapoleonBonAppetit.com! In this premiere episode, “Chicken Cordon Bleu,” Napoleon stakes his claim to a classic French dish. The Kitchen Wench does her best to restrain the pint-sized dictator, but what will she do when Napoleon discovers an intoxicating ingredient in the recipe?

• “Napoleon Bon Appétit” to premiere November 17th on Somebody’s Basement

  

• “Beauty and the Beast” reviewed by Glendale News-Press

  The Glendale News-Press just posted a glowing review of Beauty and Beast at Glendale Centre Theatre:

• See Derek Houck in Episode 4 of “Alan Hollywood”

  Episode 4 of Alan Hollywood, entitled “About Last Night,” is now online! The guys and the girls separately talk about the events of the party in the previous episode where Alan and Jill almost kissed and Sherri fell for Alan’s nerdy friend, Craig, who she thought was a casting director.

• Super Undead Doctor Roach has been released online!

  The superhero short I was in last year, Super Undead Doctor Roach, has been released online for all to see!

• See Derek Houck in Alan Hollywood – Episode 3: The Party!

  Episode 3 of Alan Hollywood, entitled “The Party,” is now online! When Rick’s casting director friends don’t show up to Alan’s party as promised, Rick gets Alan’s nerdy friend Craig to pretend to be a casting director.

• See Derek Houck in Alan Hollywood – Episode 2: The Party Plan!

  Alan Hollywood is a new web series about the life of a computer programmer name Alan as he settles into his new home in Los Angeles. I play Craig, a co-worker he brings home to attend a party he’s hosting at his apartment. I come into the video at around the 6:20 mark. I hope you enjoy, and look for more of Craig in Episode 3!

• Super Undead Doctor Roach heads to Xanadu

  Just as resilient as any cockroach, Super Undead Doctor Roach just won’t seem to go away.

• Super Undead Doctor Roach accepted to the Arizona Underground Film Festival!

  Super Undead Doctor Roach has been accepted into the 2009 Arizona Underground Film Festival! The trailer is embedded above. If you’re in the area, show your support for the good Doctor by attending the screening. In the mean time, get your Roach fix by taking a look at the official poster or thumbing through pictures from the set.

• Super Undead Doctor Roach Official Poster

  

• Reviews for “Something Not Real”

  Grigware Talks Theatre has posted a review of Something Not Real. He calls the characters “an odd and intriguing mix” and calls out one performer from the show in particular:

• See Derek Houck in “Something Not Real”

  I will be performing in “Something Not Real” at the Secret Rose Mini Musical Fest. The festival opens June 19th and runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm until July 5th. There will be no performance July 4th. The Secret Rose Theatre is located at 11246 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601, in the NoHo Arts District. Tickets are $20 with a special two for one offer on Thursday. As there are only ten performances call 1-877-620-ROSE (7673) or visit the Secret Rose Theatre web site to reserve your tickets today!

• EXTENDED – Captain Dan Dixon vs The Moth Sluts From the Fifth Dimension

  

• See Derek Houck in “Captain Dan Dixon vs. The Moth Sluts From the Fifth Dimension”

  I will be performing in the new play from Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group, "Captain Dan Dixon vs. The Moth Sluts From the Fifth Dimension." This awesome story with the long-winded title will be appearing at Zombie Joe's Underground in North Hollywood for two weekends only: March 27th & 28th, and April 3rd & 4th. Tickets are only $12 and you can make reservations by calling 818-202-4120.

• ABSENT (starring Derek Houck) selected for two film festivals

  “ABSENT,” a horror short I acted in at the end of last year, has been accepted into two film festivals!

• See Derek Houck in Episode 16 of Cataclysmo II

  “Cataclysmo and the Battle for Earth” is back with a new episode and once again features Derek Houck as the hunchbacked Atlantean scientist. In Episode 16 – The Stars, Like Dust, The evil Queen of Atlantis’ plan has been revealed, and Bucky Stallion and Samantha now find themselves trapped by the Atlanteans.

• See Derek Houck in Episode 15 of Cataclysmo II

  The latest episode of “Cataclysmo and the Battle for Earth” is out and features Derek Houck as a hunchbacked Atlantean scientist. In Episode 15 – A Hole in the World, Johnny Zanizabar is fighting with the white warrior to prevent Cataclysmo on Earth, while Samantha rushes to save Bucky Stallion from the clutches of the evil Queen of Atlantis.

• See Derek Houck in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream… Unrehearsed”

  Get ready for what will surely be a unique night of theater. On July 18th & 19th at 8:30pm, I will be in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream… Unrehearsed” at Zombie Joe’s Underground in North Hollywood.

• See Derek Houck in newspapers EVERYWHERE!

  As part of an effort to see where all that rebate money was going, an Associated Press reporter asked me and several others across the country to track in detail where each dollar of their rebate check was spent. The story has now been published and you can now read the results in papers across the country. Here’s an excerpt:

• See Derek Houck in “Rapunzel” opening March 1st!

  I am proud to announce that I will be back on stage as Gunter in “Rapunzel” at the Glendale Centre Theatre. A handsome prince tries to rescue the beautiful Rapunzel from her tiny room atop a tall tower. However, a zany witch, three silly guards, and Rapunzel’s parents have different plans for her – that is once they figure out how to get Rapunzel down from the tower! I play Rapunzel’s father, Gunter, and also serve as the narrator for the audience.

• See Derek Houck in the IDASAS “Enjoy the Rest” Music Video

  Bad things keep happening to characters I play. In this music video for the band IDASAS, I play an ineffective security guard working at a bank the band robs about halfway through the video. I invite you to check it out for yourself on MySpaceTV.

• Pre-order “Cataclysmo and the Time Boys”

  After 24 action-packed episodes, the end is here for Cataclysmo and the Time Boys. And now you can own it in a DVD with an all new feature-length cut of the film as well as special features including filmmakers commentary, deleted scenes, outtakes and bloopers, “The Making of Cataclysmo” behind-the-scenes featurette, and all 24 of the original web serial episodes. To pre-order the DVD go to webserials.com.

• See Derek Houck in a “Time Crisis 4” viral video!

  I invite you all to see me in a “Time Crisis 4” viral video parodying the film “Scarface”. What if Tony Montana was actually a Japanese man equipped with a mythical video game weapon? What if Derek Houck was dressed in 70’s clothing and given an outrageous mustache? What if the video got distributed on the internet?

• “Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)” opens tonight!

  Hello Friends,

• See Derek Houck in Episode 8 of “Cataclysmo and the Time Boys”

  I’m in the latest episode of “Cataclysmo and the Time Boys”. In Episode 8: Meanwhile, In the Underwater Lab, the evil Dr. Crankshaft shows his latest experiment to two skeptical Government Dudes, and I play one of the Government Dudes. You can check it out at cataclysmo.com, on YouTube, on MySpace, and you can even subscribe to the Cataclysmo podcast. The episodes are 3-4 minutes long, and are perfect for a quick break at work, a fun way to start the day, or a distraction while on the bus or Metro Rail. Please watch the episode, rate it, comment on it, show it to everyone you know, and then let me know what you think.

• Aladdin & the Princess Review

  Aladdin and the Princess was recently reviewed by Jackie Houchin of valleynews.com. Click the headline below to read her opinion of the show.

• Urinetown (Simi Valley) pics are up!

  Pictures from the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center production of Urinetown are now up in the Pictures section. Not enough for you? Even more pictures (and higher quality as well) should be coming soon.

• The X Games Environmentality site is live!

  X Games 13 is here and so is X Games Environmentality. Head over to the new and improved XGamesEnvironmentality.com to see how Disney’s Environmentality and the X Games are teaming up to make this the greenest X Games ever! Also discover what you can do to help out at the X Games and even how to win cool prizes by becoming an X Rider. After you’ve checked out the site, come back here and let me know what you think.

• Unsinkable Molly Brown pictures up

  If you head over to the Pictures section, you can find a brand new album full of pictures from the Kentwood Players’ production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown. I hope you enjoy them.

• Urinetown (Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse) pictures up

  I’m finally getting new material on this site. With any luck I’ll actually get to stuff that happened this year before this year is up. In the meantime, enjoy these shots from Urinetown at the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse.

• SubUrbia pictures now up

  Okay, so it’s 3 years late, but pictures from the 2004-2005 Academy Company production of SubUrbia are now up in the Pictures section. As with most of this site, the Pictures section is a work in progress, and while the design is under construction, it is completely functional and very easy to use. Enjoy.

• Lend Me A Tenor opens this Friday!

  Hello Friends,

• DisneysEarthDay.com is up!

  DisnesyEarthDay.com went live on Saturday under budget and two days ahead of schedule! This is the first Disney site I’ve designed available to more people than just Disney employees, and I would love to hear your comments and feedback on it. Please check it out and let me know what you think!

• My First Disney Website

  It’s finally live. You can check out the teaser site for Disney’s Earth Day 2007 web site, designed by me! You can reach it at disneysearthday.com. Be sure to watch as the whole site goes live April 9th, and let me know what you think of my first public Disney website!

• UG Review

  Here’s a new review of UG: The Caveman Musical from Cultural Events in Los Angeles, check it out:
  Cultural Event Review

• Welcome to DerekHouck.com!

  Greetings. Pardon my dust as I move from brightest-star.net over to DerekHouck.com. It feels so good to own my own name, and a little silly. But here I am, and hopefully I’ll soon have the whole site up and running again.