Derek Estlin Purvis (born November 27, 1972) is an American screenwriter, film director, producer, executive producer and entrepreneur. In a career spanning two decades, he has financed, produced or directed 13 films of various genres. Purvis was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Joanna Alioto, of Sicilian descent, and Doug Purvis, of Scottish descent. At the age of 5, his mother moved him and his sister to Holderness, New Hampshire. Purvis spent the next decade growing up in rural New Hampshire, among the mountains and lakes. In 1980, the major motion picture "On Golden Pond" was filmed in his hometown. Having spent the summer watching the film being shot from the marine patrol boat, Purvis became fascinated with the art and process of filmmaking. A career pursuit he would never waiver from.