Derek Beck

Current

• Certificated Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) at American Flyers (Santa Monica, CA)
• Chief Knowledge Officer (Reservist) at US Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB
• Director/Producer/Writer at Cartala Productions

Past

• Chief, Technology Transfer Branch at US Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB
• Technology Analyst at US Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB
• Graduate Student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

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Education

• American Flyers
• New York Film Academy
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• New York Film Academy
• Ohio University

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Connections

81 connections

Industry

Motion Pictures and Film

Derek Beck’s Summary

I am an independent filmmaker, focusing on directing and producing. I'm presently writing a feature film in the "summer blockbuster" genre, an action/drama/war epic. I'm also currently submitting my latest short, "Y Not", to festivals.

My primary goal is to get into directing major motion pictures. It is my sincere hope that the project I am currently writing will make it to the big screen, and while it is my goal to direct it, I may be persuaded to take on more of a producer role to see it made.

My chief experience in filmmaking has been a dozen or so small independent projects, including the 10 shorts I have directed. My education comes mainly from time spent at the New York Film Academy, having taken courses in Directing (at the Universal Studios, CA location) and Screenwriting (at the NYC location). I've also spent quite a bit of time (and savings) experimenting on my own. "Y Not", for example, was my education in 16mm color sync sound film, with the final product matchcut (using Avid) to a 16mm print. My most widely viewed film project was an industrial video for the Air Force, featured in part on CNN and CNN Headline News.

Beyond explicit film experience, I have Air Force experience that would help me in directing and producing. For example, I have managed large projects that were part of multi-billion dollar government acquisition programs, having personally been responsible for more than $600M in government projects. Additionally, I have a technical background and hold a graduate degree in management, both of which lend to my credibility to manage the large complexities of a motion picture.

Derek Beck’s Specialties:

Film: Directing, Producing, Writing

Business: Executive Management, Knowledge Management, Strategic Development, Contract Management, Engineering and Technology Management/Expertise

Derek Beck’s Education

• American Flyers

  CFI , CFI Academy , 2008 — 2008

  This course prepared me for the Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII). This 30-day intensive course ran from May 8th to June 6th, 2008. I completed my CFI checkride June 9th. I am presently scheduled for the CFII checkride June 20th.

• New York Film Academy

  N/A , Screenwriting , 2007 — 2007

  Here I began writing my first feature film.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  SM , Engineering and Management , 2004 — 2005

  Finalist in the $50K Entrepreneurial Competition (the LumArray team), which allowed me to present to several major Venture Capitalists.

  Activities and Societies:

  Sloan Entertainment Media and Sports (EMS) Club, MIT $50K (Finalist)

• New York Film Academy

  N/A , Directing Program , 2003 — 2003

  Here I learned to shoot on 16mm (reversal) film. All of these are available for viewing on my website at http://www.cartala.com/films.html

• Ohio University

  BS , Physics (Honors College) , 1995 — 1999

  I completed my physics degree through the unique Honors Tutorial College at Ohio U. This program provides a one-on-one Oxford/Cambridge University-style education that allows students to progress at their own, often accelerated pace.

  Activities and Societies:

  Air Force ROTC, Arnold Air Society, Scabbard & Blade, Society of Physics Students (SPS; part of the American Institute of Physics, AIP), Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics Professional Fraternity), American Instutite of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

Additional Information

Derek Beck’s Interests:

Professional:, Filmmaking, Directing, Producing, Writing, Screenwriting, the Business of Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Organizational Change, Business Dynamics, System Dynamics, Business Strategy, Production Innovation and Product Design, Marketing, Knowledge Management,; Hobbies:, Recreational Flying, Water Sports, Sailing, SCUBA Diving, Surfing, Snowboarding, Ultimate Frisbee, Soccer, Golf, Baseball, Traveling, Trying to Learn Espanol

Derek Beck’s Groups:

Film Independent, IFP, NYFA, MIT, MIT Alumni, MIT Sloan, MIT Sloan Alumni, Ohio University, Ohio University Alumni, Honors Tutorial College, AOPA, PADI

•    USAFNetwork
•    MIT System Design and Management Alumni
•    MIT's School of Engineering Graduate School
•    PADI
•    Filmmakers Worldwide
•    AOPA
•    PADI.com
•    Showbizjobs.com
•    US Military Veterans Network
•    Filmmakers
•    OU Alumni (6,000+ members)
•    PADI Scuba Divers
•    Military Network
•    MIT Alumni Association
•    Film TV Professionals
•    MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alumni
•    MIT Sloan School of Management Alumni
•    Civil Air Patrol / The United States Air Force Auxiliary
•    DEFENSE AND AEROSPACE CONNECTIONS
•    U.S. Veteran
•    US Air Force
•    Independent Filmmakers
•    Cleveland Indians Fans
•    LinkedWorking Los Angeles
•    NYFA
•    MIT Club of Southern California
•    LA Film & Screenwriters

Derek Beck’s Honors:

K. L. Zondervan and D. W. Beck, 33rd AIAA Plasmadynamics and Lasers Conference Proceedings (2002) –2002 AIAA Best Paper Award

Air Force Commendation Medal (1 oak-leaf cluster)
Air Force Achievement Medal (2 oak-leaf clusters)

Derek Beck’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• career opportunities
• consulting offers
• new ventures
• expertise requests
• business deals
• reference requests
• getting back in touch