Derrick Beckles is a multifaceted Canadian creative individual, embracing various roles as a writer, director, actor, and comedian. His most notable accomplishments include conceiving and hosting the Adult Swim television program Hot Package, curating the renowned "TV Carnage" compilations, and co-founding Vice TV. Beckles hails from Scarborough, Ontario, a city that has undoubtedly had a profound influence on his artistic development.
Beckles' formative years were marked by his involvement in the Toronto punk scene, where he fronted the band Black Jello, notorious for being banned from every conceivable live venue in the city. This tumultuous period sparked his interest in filmmaking, which he pursued alongside two high school friends. One of their early projects involved filming Beckles' visit to the homes of white supremacists, a venture that would later inform his studies in film at Concordia University.
Beckles' academic pursuits led him to the world of journalism, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of The Voice of Montreal, a ten-page weekly publication that would eventually metamorphose into VICE Magazine. As his career progressed, Beckles became a familiar face on Canadian television, supplementing his on-screen presence with stand-up comedy performances in Toronto and New York.
In addition to his television work, Beckles produced and directed the acclaimed festival documentary Strip Club DJs and served as a reporter for The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos. Through his diverse range of creative endeavors, Beckles has established himself as a dynamic and innovative force in the entertainment industry.
