And the story of Knighthawk begins...

During a long weekend in the Summer of 1986. A group of New York college kids ventured to Wildwood, New Jersey to enjoy the beach, the boardwalk, and freedom from the grind of being a 20-somethings, whatever grinds they might have been. The weekend promised to be full of alcohol and bad decisions.

Just a couple of bad asses in the making.

A few blocks from the boardwalk had opened a new Laser Tag arena (remember this is 1986 - it was cool then). Given everyone’s over-inflated bravado, our team of “Marines” and mercenaries set out that Saturday afternoon to fight against imaginary monsters, alien invaders, robots and the zombie apocalypse.

Upon entering the building, we made our way to the counter. This is where we met Brad, the very grisly, seasoned and experienced instructor (age 17). You know Brad. Think every John Hughes movie bad guy. Think Johnny Lawrence of the Cobra Kai dojo. He’s Chet from “Weird Science” and Biff from “Back to the Future” combined, with a touch of that kid who said, “I want my 2 dollars” in “Better Off Dead” sprinkled on top. THAT is Brad. Regardless, we all know Brad’s an ass.

He has us sign all the obligatory paperwork. You know that paperwork. Think a 12-page document that makes you promise that you won’t sue should you lose a limb or poke out an eye while wearing a 50lb battery vest, carrying a toy gun that shoots beams of death, all while running full speed in a small dark room with ramps and tight corners, along with 10 of your not-so-closest friends... THAT paperwork. With our Johnnie Cochran lawyerly knowledge, we all examined the paperwork with adept swiftness and then signed our life away.

Brad, while casually and half-assedly wiping the sweat of the previous combatant from the inside of the 4-ton helmet we are all about to wear, tells us all how to kill and not be killed by our friends (Remember it was 1986 – killing your friends was OK then). He asks for our call-signs so they can display our prowess on the monitor scoreboard for all to see. I wrote “Chip” thinking, “yeah, I’m a black guy named Chip. I must be a badass guy with a name like that!” Apparently, I was mistaken. Brad wouldn’t type it in. He flat-out refused. He scoffed and rebuffed me. He pushed me to the side and said, “Chip? Really? Nope. Go back and try again and this time, think of a good name.”

My friends and I racked our collective alcohol- and cheesy fry-soaked brain (singular). We wanted something cool like Cobra One, X-Ray Leader, or Snakebite. Even thought about stealing one from the just released “Top Gun”, like Cruise’s “Maverick” or Skerritt’s “Viper”. But, those were all taken by actual cool people. (Remember, it’s 1986... pre-Cruise on Oprah.  Skerritt remained cool until his death in 2145).

Then, finally, possibly through divine intervention …

Or possibly my first clear thought busting through a massive hangover, I thought up the coolest, badassiest, strike fear in the hearts of all humans and inhumans alike name - KNIGHTHAWK. I walked through the crowd waiting their turn to play, stepped up to the counter, tapped Brad on the shoulder and I said it out loud. The room fell silent.  Everyone was looking.  I leaned in, looked Brad straight in the eye and said it again, slowly, “That’s Knighthawk. With a “K”. All one word.” Then, one guy in the back of the waiting room stood up and started doing that one person slow-clap thing. (Note: The slow clap thing was invented that day, just FYI). More people joined in. Then more. Soon, I was in a room of overwhelming applause! Cheers from all! I was hoisted above the crowd by my buddies as everyone chanted, “Knighthawk! Knighthawk!! Knighthawk!!!”

Meet Our Founder

William Chip Beaman

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William Chip Beaman .

William “Chip” Beaman is the founder and CEO of Knighthawk Digital Entertainment Group, with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Beginning his career in live events and show production in New York, Chip later moved to Los Angeles, where he worked at several top-tier video game and post-production companies. He served as Vice President of Formosa Interactive, overseeing voiceover and audio production for some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming. His ability to assemble high-caliber creative teams has made him a trusted leader in the industry, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.

In addition to leading Knighthawk DEG, Chip is also the CEO of The Halp Network, an organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented freelancers by connecting them with key opportunities in entertainment. He has produced multi-million dollar interactive titles for companies such as Disney Interactive and THQ, with a portfolio that includes Uncharted, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mass Effect: Andromeda, the Metal Gear Solid series, the God of War series, Final Fantasy XIV, Call of Duty, Halo 2 Anniversary, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and The Last of Us. His deep industry relationships, combined with his expertise in talent management and negotiation, have positioned him as a go-to resource in gaming and post-production.

At Knighthawk DEG, Chip currently leads the production of the 2wenty Pages podcast, a series consisting of ten compelling 30-minute episodes across diverse genres, rekindling the magic of classic radio plays. In collaboration with award-winning writer, director, and producer Evette Vargas, 2wenty Pages amplifies underrepresented storytellers by bringing the first twenty pages of their scripts to life with top industry voice talent. In addition to his work on the podcast, he is in script development for an untitled web series and a 30-minute animated comedy. His diverse production background also includes co-producing Art in the Dark, an immersive theatrical experience performed entirely in darkness, and the award-winning album Imagine That! with Broadway’s Rena Strober, featuring Jason Alexander, French Stewart, and Michael-Leon Wooley.

Chip has been a panelist at Game Developers Conference, a contributor to SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media negotiations, and a speaker at industry events and workshops in Los Angeles. He is a member of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, and Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE). Additionally, he serves as co-chair of both GVAC (GANG Voice Actor Coalition) and GameSoundCon, while also contributing to the Advisory Board of Kollab Youth, an award-winning nonprofit focused on workforce and career development for under-resourced students.

Together, We …

  • Film.

  • Create.

  • Build.

  • Live.

  • Commune.

  • Smile.

  • Entertain.

  • Express.