I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, lived half my life in Honolulu, Hawaii and now I spend my time going between Japan and Minneapolis.
Koyo Digital came to existence out of a prior effort know as Derek Hoppe Creative Media and Consulting. Essentially, I was doing small side projects while working full-time. In February 2015 the side projects officially became Koyo Digital.
From 2005 to 2011, Creative Services Coordinator, at PBS Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii. Responsibilities included television administrative and production support. Produced DVDs for fundraising events and in 2010 produced a documentary about, Jake Shimabukuro, an international ukulele virtuoso and composer from Hawaii. The program titled, Jake Shimabukuro’s Musical Journey, is part of PBS Hawaii’s local music series called Na Mele. It was awarded an Bronze Telly for use of music in a television program.
Hawaii Public Radio in Honolulu, Hawaii from 2000 through 2005. Primary tasks were audio production, on-air announcing, setting-up and monitoring control room audio transmission intakes. Engineered local talk radio shows and built an audio production computer for the station.
From 2001 to 2002, while simultaneously working at Hawaii Public Radio, Account Executive selling ads and working with clients on marketing campaigns for Internet Concept Solutions in Honolulu.
In 1995 to 2000 Sales Representative with Hawaii Calls Inc. dba Hula Records & Kona Kai Distributing Co. Inc. in Honolulu, Hawaii. Sales, prospecting, setting-up and managing in-store events.
From 1986 through 1992 played drums in local Minneapolis rock bands. The first notable was, That Darn Cat, which won The battle of the Bands at 7th Street Entry in 1986. Toured the midwest with, The Bastards, when their drummer skipped town with Courtney Love. In 1988 co-founded and co-managed Big Trouble House, promoted and wrote ass-kicking drum beats. I was very active in the Minneapolis music scene in the late 80’s and early 90’s promoting and setting up shows, such as a benefit for Minnesota Food Shelves at 7th Street Entry.
Big Trouble House toured the U.S. and Europe and was written up in Rolling Stone Magazine, Option Magazine, The College Music Journal, as well as in local weeklies of the cities we mostly frequented. Big Trouble House had music videos distributed in various ways and was broadcast on MTV’s groundbreaking 120 Minutes program.
Educational Background:
Bachelors in, “New Media Studies,” from the University of Hawaii in 2002. A self created major combining courses from the art, telecommunication, video production, music and education technology disciplines.
Multiple Certificates of Completion from Pacific New Media held at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii from 1997 through 2002 for website and video production.
Certificate of Completion from lynda.com for Mobile Web Essentials in 2013.
Online courses are ongoing. I’m always looking to adapt new technologies to my services. I follow the latest trends in technology, pop-cultural and music.
Extracurricular Activities:
January 2010: Panelist for Documentaries and Public Broadcasting: A Workshop with Judith Vecchione, hosted by Pacific Islanders In Communications at The Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel in Honolulu. Evaluate independent films and give feedback to producers.
August 2009: Panelist for Pacific X-Change, a workshop hosted by Pacific Islanders In Communications & The Independent Television Service (ITVS) at The Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel in Honolulu. Evaluate independent films and give feedback to producers.
May 2007: Attended PBS Showcase, held at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, Texas. A conference with more than 800 participants which featured nationally recognized speakers, programming and promotional information, professional development and networking opportunities. Highlights included the 2007 Fall national broadcast schedule and programming information, the latest techniques in promotion, education and interactive platforms.