Forty Under 40: Andrew Van Wyk

WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He's leading unique content development, nurturing emerging talent, and innovating within the film and literary sectors.

Photograph by Michael Allen

Andrew Van Wyk, 39

VP of Development at Red River Entertainment

"Exploring emerging mediums and technologies, pushing the boundaries of storytelling, and advocating for artists is what drives my passion in the film industry," says Andrew Van Wyk, VP of Development at River Road Entertainment. With over two decades of film development and production experience under his belt, Van Wyk's creative expertise has shaped him as a pivotal player in the world of cinema.

At River Road Entertainment, Van Wyk's impressive contributions in narrative and documentary work have added significantly to the company's growing success and reputation as a leading producer of cutting-edge film and television content. He notes, "Projects like 'Dreamin' Wild', 'Frybread Face and Me', 'Unicorns', and 'Food Inc. 2' are not just productions, they're stepping stones to new heights in content creation."

Van Wyk’s passion isn’t limited to film. He took his creative capabilities a step further with the inception of Tiny Windows, a platform for emerging writers. "In just under a year, we have published 42 stories, implemented AI technology for cover art and illustrations, and made significant waves within the short fiction community," he explains.

A recipient of multiple awards including the Dan O’Bannon Screenwriting award, Telly, and Addy Awards, Van Wyk holds an MPA from the Peter Stark Producing Program at USC. But what distinguishes him is his dedication to nurturing new talent and giving back to the community. He believes in the power of mentorship and supports several university film programs.

"Exploring emerging mediums and technologies, pushing the boundaries of storytelling, and advocating for artists is what drives my passion in the film industry."

As a film executive, writer, producer, and industry innovator, Van Wyk's mark in the film industry is indisputable. From developing groundbreaking content to fostering emerging talent, his drive to push the boundaries and explore the unexplored makes him a standout figure in the realm of entertainment.