Nick DeRuve was born in Schenectady, New York. In 2003 he produced, wrote and directed his first short film which garnered festival laurels. DeRuve pursued filmmaking at Long Island University where he earned a BFA in film. Upon graduation he wrote, produced, and co-directed a no-budget feature film which screened at small festivals. Making the move from New York City to Los Angeles in 2010, DeRuve made a silent 16mm short film. Schenectady, New York (2010) made its world premiere at the New York City International Film Festival where it was nominated Best Student film. Soon after, he completed Dr. Thompson (2010) which made it’s world premiere at the Burbank International Film Festival where it was awarded Best Student Film. In 2015 DeRuve produced, wrote, and directed a low/no budget feature film, The Runaway (2015). The film would make its world premiere at the Orlando Film Festival (2015) where it received three nominations including Best Picture, and two wins including Best Screenplay (Nick DeRuve) and Best Lead Performance (Richard Hench). The film screened at eighteen festivals in five countries earning sixteen award laurels, and was acquired for distribution.In recent years he wrote, produced, and directed the feature documentary, the 99% (2018). As well as the documentary web series, The Conversation (2020). DeRuve has also written several spec scripts that have won screenwriting competitions worldwide including the Beverly Hills Film Festival. His period epic, The Race to the Top of the World was highly reviewed by the Black List and landed at #27 on their active top list.