DP
composer
director










john
beck-
hofmann
With over 30 years in the creative industry, I specialize in every stage of the filmmaking process, from concept to execution. My work spans dramatic features, documentaries, and corporate identities, showcasing expertise in producing, writing, directing, shooting, editing, and composing the score. Passionate about storytelling, I craft powerful narratives through dynamic visuals, engaging performances, and evocative music.
As a key contributor to over 25 years of iconic NASA content, my cinematography work has been featured in National Geographic and Discovery Channel documentaries, PBS NOVA programs, two IMAX films, and the multi-award-winning feature Goodnight Oppy from Amblin Entertainment. Highlights include the viral NASA videos Seven Minutes of Terror (Curiosity Rover) and Jupiter: Into the Unknown (Juno Mission), as well as the Emmy-winning Five Years on Mars.
Throughout my career, I’ve received accolades such as NASA's Exceptional Achievement Medal, four “Videographer of the Year” awards, and a Gold Plaque Award at the Chicago Film Festival. My documentary Maidan Massacre won the “People’s Choice” Award at the 2014 Terra di Siena Film Festival and the “Audience Award” at the 2016 Eurasia.doc Film Festival.
Currently, I’m writing a book on the art and impact of storytelling, continuing my commitment to sharing compelling narratives with the world.



All the President's Men - 2022
7-part documentary series, directed by Sean Stone (Oliver Stone's son)
Tucker Carlson Network, Amazon Prime, Apple TV
Composer
Goodnight Oppy - 2022
2-hr feature
Amblin Entertainment
Cinematographer
Built for Mars - 2021
1-HR Special
Disney
Cinematographer
Composer
Revealing Ukraine - 2021
2-HR Feature Film - Produced by Oliver Stone
Amazon Prime, Apple TV
Composer
Curiosity: Life of a Mars Rover - 2018
1-HR Special
National Geographic
Cinematographer
Composer
Last Prince of Atlantis - 2017
2 hour animated feature film
Using live orchestra
Composer
Expedition Mars - 2016
2-HR Special
National Geographic
Cinematographer
Composer
Ukraine on Fire - 2016
2 hour feature film - Produced by Oliver Stone
Amazon Prime, Apple TV
Composer
Red Planet Rover - 2014
1-HR Special
Discovery Channel
Cinematographer
Editor, Motion Graphics
Composer
Maidan Massacre - 2014
1-HR
Amazon Prime
Director/DP, Editor
Composer
Mars Mega Rover - 2012
1-HR Special
National Geographic
Cinematographer
Tyranny the Series - 2010
19 episode TV series
Weatherman Films / Koldcast TV
Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Composer
Five Years on Mars - 2009
1-HR Special
National Geographic
Cinematographer
Roving Mars - 2005
40 min feature film
IMAX
Cinematographer
Welcome to Mars - 2004
1 hr special
PBS / NOVA
Cinematographer
Mars Dead or Alive - 2004
1 hr special
PBS / NOVA
Cinematographer
The Pathfinders - 1998
40 min special
NASA TV
Director, Editor, Cinematographer

Tyranny - feature film & TV series
Tyranny: A Labor of Love
Tyranny was my first independent feature film—a deeply personal project born from passion and perseverance. With no budget beyond my NASA paychecks, I saved for years to acquire the gear needed for an ultra-low-budget production. The cast doubled as the crew, with everyone wearing multiple hats. When I was in front of the camera, I trained fellow actors to operate it. The camaraderie on set made it feel like a band on tour—this project was all of ours, and for many, including Olga Kurylenko, it was a first step into film.
I chose Prague as the filming location for its timeless architecture, a perfect contrast to the high-tech world outside its borders. Production evolved in 2006 when I lost a principal actor, and I adapted the film into a web series, exploring the backstory of my character. The series garnered immediate interest from Lionsgate, Disney, and others after the trailer debuted on YouTube in 2007. While the industry hadn't yet figured out monetizing online content, I partnered with Koldcast.TV, producing 19 episodes over two years, totaling over two hours of story.
Out of necessity, I wore many hats—something I was used to from my NASA days. As the project’s producer, writer, casting director, director, cinematographer, editor, set designer, costume designer, and composer, I shaped every aspect of Tyranny.
Roles and Responsibilities:
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Producer: Managed a cast of 24, organized travel, created budgets, and scheduled shoots.
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Writer: Crafted and adapted the script, turning the feature film into a 19-episode web series.
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Casting Director: Auditioned and selected cast members for both the film and series.
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Director: Directed both the feature and the web series, marking my directorial debut.
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Director of Photography: Designed the visual style, lighting, and set compositions.
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Editor: Edited the feature film and all 19 episodes.
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Set Designer: Built a 2,200-square-foot studio and constructed multiple sets for the series.
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Costume Designer: Designed costumes for male and female characters.
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Composer: Composed the music for the feature film and the first 16 episodes of the series.
Tyranny was a defining moment in my career—a testament to passion, resourcefulness, and the power of collaboration.