About Me | Dan Beckmann

I travel everywhere. Because that’s where the stories are..."

I’ve been a storyteller for national and international outlets for over 20 years. Documenting everything from the Egyptian pyramids and Normandy Beaches to the plains of Montana and islands of Hawaii. Today, I write for a variety of travel publications and as a Guest Columnist for Tribune Publishing’s Orlando Sentinel.

During my tenure as a network cameraman with NBC News, I had a front row seat at some of the biggest stories in modern journalism: 9-11 at ground zero, Hurricane Katrina and the war in Iraq. Traveling throughout Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East covering politics, culture and breaking news. My adventures have taken me through the West Bank and Gaza Strip, to the Olympic Games and Super Bowls, flying in Zero Gravity with astronauts in training, and in full gravity aboard Air Force One.

I’ve also delivered a wide array of marketing and entertainment-related products, featured in documentaries, live media events, video news releases, and international concerts. The A-List of celebrities and dignitaries I’ve worked with cover some of the most notable people in the world, including: Presidents Bush, Clinton and Obama, Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand, Demi Lavato, Justin Timberlake, J.K. Rowling, Daniel Radcliffe and Oprah Winfrey. I also traveled on assignment with John Travolta, Aerosmith, The Jonas Brothers, Tiger Woods, and Latin stars, Jaime Camil, Flavia Alessandra and Otaviano Costa.

Experience (Download C.V.)

Dan Beckmann

Volunteer Docent at ʻIolani Palace
Oct 2021 - Present - Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
With Yarn Faw headquartered on the island of O’ahu, I focus on Hawaiian Culture & Historical Appreciation by volunteering as an Historical Docent at ʻIolani Palace; a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity, registered National Historic Landmark & the only official Royal Palace in the United States. King Kalākaua delighted in showing guests his beautiful modern Palace. Today, I get share the history of ʻIolani Palace, its sacred grounds, & the stories of the influential people who made an impact on Hawaii's history with modern-day visitors.

Digital Nomad / Backpack Storytelling, Yarn Faw Inc.
Yarn Faw Inc. / Jan 2017 – Present - Offices in Honolulu, Hawaii & Orlando, Florida
Serving a collective of storytellers from around the world in the development & production of independent & feature films, national commercials, & international content/brand communications. With offices in Orlando, Los Angeles, Atlanta, & Honolulu Hawaii, my "Digital Nomad" approach to storytelling allows me to lead the Yarn Faw team in bringing good stories to life through technology (& lots of great coffee). The “backpack concept” guides our collective in choosing the smallest impact for the greatest outcomes. After years of globetrotting assignments, I realized customized solutions for changing environments foster better results and more joy to otherwise stress-threatened creative endeavors. Partnering alongside socially centric entrepreneurs and innovators, our experience, earned over decades of collaboration, supports visionary individuals as well as some of the most recognized brands in the world.

Partner & Director of Film & TV Commercial Content for Sol Katmandu Park & Resort
Meliá Hotels International / Mar 2014 - Dec 2016 - Mallorca, Spain
Responsible for delivering Television Entertainment, Marketing, Branding & Content Creation for Sol Katmandu Park & Resort to European & North American audiences.

Co-Owner - Director of Photography, Editor, Producer, Writer
Go To Team / Mar 2012 - Mar 2014 - Orlando, Florida
Partner/Director for Go To Team's Orlando Offices. Contributing domestic & international coverage for some of the biggest names in Television News, Sports & Entertainment; Adventures by Disney, Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts, Universal Studios, CNN, NBC, CNBC, Dateline NBC, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN, Turner & Fox Sports.

Owner - Director of Photography for Roycom Communications - Film & TV
Universal Studios / Mar 2009 - Mar 2012 - Orlando, Florida
The Roycom team collaborated with NBC Universal's PR & Entertainment divisions. Developing marketing/branding content for all attractions & events. Most notably, a 4-year documentary on the creation of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Providing all video, editing, animation & graphic design. As well as all SMT's (Satellite Media Tours), EPK's (Electronic Press Kits) & VNR's (Video New Releases).

Cameraman, Producer, Writer, Editor
NBC News / Jun 1996 - Feb 2009 - Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America & the Middle East
Covering Breaking News for The Today Show, Nightly News, & Dateline NBC. As well as Olympic Games coverage & Presidential Politics for MSNBC & Meet the Press.

Cameraman & Editor
Sep 1994 - Jun 1996 - Tel Aviv, Israel
Working in both the Tel Aviv & Jerusalem Bureau's, traveling throughout the Middle East, Asia & Africa as a Cameraman & Editor, I helped cover the continuation of the Middle East Peace Process for the Today Show, Nightly News, MSNBC, Meet the Press, & Dateline.

Cameraman & Writer
WBTV News / Feb 1993 - Aug 1994 - Charlotte, North Carolina Dayside Cameraman, Writer, and Live Truck Operator for Morning and Noon broadcasts. Responsible for shooting, writing & editing, "In Their Own Words" first-person-narrative stories for daily broadcasts.

Cameraman & Live Truck Operator
WCIV TV News / Feb 1992 - Feb 1993- Charleston, South Carolina
Weekly Nightside Cameraman responsible for General Assignment, Feature & Breaking News stories for 6P & 11P newscasts.

95.1 WSSX Radio - Music Director & On Air
Talent Cumulus Media / Jan 1990 - Jan 1992 - Charleston, South Carolina
Weeknight DJ & Music Director for Top 40 Radio station. Also responsible for Music Research Department for station's current playlist.

Honors & Awards

Emmy - National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Sep 2002
Recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for Outstanding Journalism Coverage of 9-11 and its aftermath for NBC News

Telly Award
Dec 2013
35th Annual Gold Telly Award Winner / Charitable Not-For-Profit - Directory of Photography with Mad Bear Productions. A Journey of Hope and Healing: A Hillside Story

Telly Award
Sep 2013
35th Annual Gold Telly Award Winner / Infomercial - Directory of Photography with Mad Bear Productions. Haneke Design

Telly Award
May 2021 42nd Annual Silver Telly Award Winner / On-Line Commercial Campaign - Director of Photography, Editor & Producer with ID8 and Innov8 - "Innovating for Business as Unusual”

Testimonies

Dan embodies the ideals I teach. He knows how to bring an endless source of creativity and innovation. And his partnership combines the development of great ideas with the commitment to get the best of them done.

— Duncan Wardle, Former Vice President of Innovation and Creativity at the Walt Disney World Company - International Speaker and Ted Talk Presenter

Dan has a keen ability to consistently craft stories of interest and importance. He brings his passion to critical issues and applies his storytelling skills for both art and impact.

— Judge Belvin Perry, Former Prosecutor and Chief Judge of Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit

How’d I Get Here?' is about faith (with a big 'F') courage, love, family, and, at times, pure heroism. It is a must read experience that will then take up residence on your shelf as a friend to be revisited.

— Pierre Matisse, the grandson of Henri Matisse as well as an internationally known artist and an innovative visionary

Working with Dan Beckmann was inspiring, fun, and always led to a feeling of accomplishment. His talent is obvious from the moment you meet him. He has an eye for clarity and art…at the very same time. He's a reporter's dream...a teammate who collaborates with passion and with ease...a tricky combination in any profession!

— Ashleigh Banfield - CNN Anchor and Emmy Award Winning National Correspondent

Dan Beckmann is one of those unique "get it done" talents. When we collaborate, and I share my big picture idea, it's a true pleasure to have confidence knowing Dan will deliver on the fine details that make our collective work a standout success. We've been to hell and back together. Hell isn't such a bad place when Dan is at your side, making sure the exit always has a clear path.

— Kerry Sanders - NBC News Correspondent, Peabody Journalism Award winner, Emmy Award and Columbia DuPont Award winner

Meeting Dan Beckmann and working with him on his memoirs has been one of the highlights of my career in writing, editing, and publishing. This one man has seen more, done more, and experienced more of life than most of us dream of. Or, most of us can only dream of. The fun is, he's willing to bring readers along on his journey. Just wait ... just wait ...

— Eva Marie Everson - Award-winning Author & Speaker, Editor, Dan-Fan

Dan's writing dwells in places few bother to go; pursuing ideals like social justice and victim advocacy. His well-researched passions are worthy of your time.

— Bob Kealing - Author of "Calling Me Home: Gram Parsons and the Roots of Country Rock."

I have worked with too many people who call themselves "photojournalists" who are, in fact, nothing more than technicians. Dan is not one of those people. He puts real journalism into his work by taking time to understand the story and offering great suggestions on how to capture it in an engaging manner. These are the traits of a good storyteller. It is a pleasure to work with someone who thinks and works this way.

— Miles O'Brien - Former CNN Anchor, Chief Technology and Environmental Correspondent, George Foster Peabody, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University & News/Documentary Emmy Award winner.

Dan Beckmann and I have worked many times together under all sorts of conditions, some good, some not. Regardless,if you want it done right and want material that stands out, Dan's the man! He's not just a great shooter but also a producer with creative insight and an always positive attitude. Simply the best!

— Martin Savidge - Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award-winning TV news correspondent.

Dan is not only an amazing photographer, a talented producer, and a compelling writer; he's a fun guy, whose joi de vivre is infectious and who lives his life with zest, vim and vigor!

— Contessa Brewer - TV Host and Network News Correspondent

Contact Dan

Interested in learning how we can help tell your Story?

Email Me