Carsten Becker is faculty lead for extended reality at the Iovine and Young Academy for the Arts, Technology and Business of Innovation. Joining USC in 2019 as a lecturer for design and communication, he developed the academy’s curriculum for the development of purpose-driven narratives and impact using emerging creative technologies. He has created many industry connections for the academy and USC including with Niantic, Nike, Meta, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Sony, and Snap and teaches courses related to extended reality, spatial computing and other narrative technologies for IYA bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
In his professional practice, Becker is a director-producer for immersive content and experiences. A lifelong passion for visual storytelling and interactivity put him behind the camera on film sets, in creative director tenure in brand agencies, leading innovative social campaigns, and heading his creative production studio. Becker's work has launched products and campaigns for A24, Adobe, Cirque du Soleil, Netflix, Marvel, and many other brands. He works with design and development teams for AR, mixed reality, and Apple Vision Pro. The VR short film Echos of Ash Valley (exec producer) premiered at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Becker is an active member of extended reality and spatial computing communities at conferences such as SXSW. He is a lecturer for innovative fashion experiences in USC’s Fashion MFA and Minor programs, a mentor to the Neely MBA Ethics & Technology Fellows program, and faculty advisor of the Spatial SC student club for XR design and development.