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DP

composer

director

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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.

curriculum vitae

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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

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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:

  • Producer: Managed a cast of 24, organized travel, created budgets, and scheduled shoots.

  • Writer: Crafted and adapted the script, turning the feature film into a 19-episode web series.

  • Casting Director: Auditioned and selected cast members for both the film and series.

  • Director: Directed both the feature and the web series, marking my directorial debut.

  • Director of Photography: Designed the visual style, lighting, and set compositions.

  • Editor: Edited the feature film and all 19 episodes.

  • Set Designer: Built a 2,200-square-foot studio and constructed multiple sets for the series.

  • Costume Designer: Designed costumes for male and female characters.

  • 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.

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