Matt Derbyshire

I’m Matt Derbyshire, Film & Visuals Creative Director at Fountain Digital Studios. After running Smokescreen Visuals for more than 20 years, I decided it was time for a new challenge, so in 2026 I teamed up with Danny Hazelgrove to launch Fountain Digital Studios, where we blend cinematic craft with bold, contemporary storytelling.

Before founding Smokescreen, I cut my teeth at Premier in London creating cinema and TV ads for the computer games sector. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working on campaigns for titles including True Crime, EA FIFA, Call of Duty, Tony Hawk’s Underground, Shrek, Spider-Man 2, and countless other projects that pushed creative and technical boundaries.

My approach is rooted in collaboration: I love turning ambitious ideas into clear visual narratives that resonate with audiences. I’m passionate about adding new VFX to filmed content to aid the storytelling process, and I mix multi-channel Dolby Audio and DTS Master Audio to deliver immersive sound that complements the visuals. I can also get your productions through the Clearcast process, ensuring ads are legally compliant and meet the broadcast specifications TV channels demand. Whether it’s high-octane game spots or more nuanced branded content, I focus on strong direction, meticulous visuals, and a sense of energy that elevates every frame.

When I’m not on set or in the edit suite, you’ll find me kickboxing or taking Duke, our office Labrador, out for long walks, usually the best time for fresh ideas.