Dave Bean's journey in the entertainment industry began during his time at Eastern Michigan University, where he earned a degree in History & Political Science. Following his graduation, he made his professional stage debut in "My Sister Eileen" as Frank, marking the start of his regional theater career.
As he continued to hone his craft, Dave moved to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in film and television. He enrolled in Film Industry Workshops (FIWI),a prestigious institution that counted notable alumni such as Sally Field and Debra Winger among its ranks. For two productive years, Dave studied at FIWI, which played a significant role in his transition from stage performer to screen actor and eventually director.
Dave's early career in Los Angeles was marked by a series of small roles in film and television, as he worked his way up the ranks playing a diverse range of characters, including cops, criminals, doctors, and lawyers. One of the highlights of this period was his recurring role as a sheriff's deputy in numerous episodes of the cult classic series Twin Peaks.
In addition to his acting work, Dave also gained valuable experience in the business side of the film and television industry, working in marketing for various studios and networks. While this experience would ultimately prove beneficial, Dave eventually returned to his creative roots, leaving the office behind and focusing on his acting career once more.
As he continued to work in the industry, Dave began booking feature films, TV shows, and national commercials, as well as spending time on the sets of various Judd Apatow productions. This exposure led to him being cast in pilots alongside Ben Stiller, Sarah Silverman, and Neal Brennan, even though none of these projects ultimately made it to series.
Dave's breakthrough role came when he was cast by acclaimed indie film director Sean Baker in the groundbreaking film Starlet. Working closely with Baker on this project had a profound impact on Dave's career, igniting a desire in him to create his own projects and explore the possibilities of digital distribution.
With his extensive filmmaking knowledge and experience, Dave applied his skills to become a proficient producer and director, leveraging his ability to work efficiently and effectively on set. Today, in his fourth decade in the industry, Dave continues to work as an actor, producer, and director on his own projects, as well as serving as a reliable creative partner for other professionals.
