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Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs

January 27, 2017

69th Annual DGA Awards

On January 26, the Guild held its annual event for the 69th Annual DGA Award Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs. Following introductory comments from DGA Board Member Don Mischer and Reality TV Committee member Tony Croll, clips from the nominated works were screened. Then nominees Ken Fuchs (Shark Tank, “801”), Brian Smith (STRONG, “Welcome to STRONG”) and Bertram van Munster (The Amazing Race, “We’re Only Doing Freaky Stuff Today”) spoke briefly about their nominated projects. Afterward the attendees all enjoyed a cocktail reception in the DGA Los Angeles headquarters Atrium. Nominees J. Rupert Thompson (American Grit, “The Finale ‑ Over the Falls”) and John Gonzalez (Live PD, “Episode 5”) were unable to attend.

Pictures & Video

photos by Shane Karns

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DGA National Board Member Don Mischer and former Reality TV Committee Co-Chair Tony Croll welcome guests and introduce this year's nominees.
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Ken Fuchs shares his excitement for working on Shark Tank, which he describes as more than a show, but a platform.
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Brian Smith speaks about the logistical difficulties of shooting Strong and recognizes some of his team for helping to meet the challenge.
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J. Rupert Thompson talks about the challenge of shooting American Grit in inclement weather near Mount Rainier in Washington state and lauds his AD/SM team for helping it go so safe and smoothly.
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Bertram van Munster speaks about the most exciting part of directing a show like The Amazing Race, bringing people together across the world.
DGA Associate National Executive Director Russ Hollander, DGA Award Nominee Brian Smith (STRONG), DGA Associate Western Executive Director Lisa Layer, DGA Board Member Don Mischer, and Nominees Ken Fuchs (Shark Tank) and Bertram van Munster (The Amazing Race) attend the 2017 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs event.
DGA Board Member Don Mischer congratulates the 69th Annual DGA Award Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs.
DGA Reality TV Committee member Tony Croll speaks about the work of the Committee.
Nominee Ken Fuchs speaks fondly of his work on Shark Tank.
Nominee Brian Smith invites his directing team from STRONG to join him at the podium (L-R: Associate Director Anna Moulaison‑Moore, Smith, Stage Manager Drew Lewandowski and Associate Director David Charles)
Nominee Bertram van Munster speaks about his work on The Amazing Race that has been recognized with another nine DGA Reality Programs Award nominations in the past.
DGA Associate Western Executive Director Lisa Layer and the audience applaud the DGA Award Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs.
DGA Members and guests enjoy the reception following the 2017 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs event.
Nominee Bertram van Munster (right) chats with attendees during the 2017 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs reception.
DGA Reality TV Committee member Tony Croll chats with 2013 nominee Matt Bartley during the 2017 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs reception.
Nominee Ken Fuchs poses for a photo with Shark Tank Producer Kate Ryu during the 2017 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs reception.
2015 Nominee Brady Connell (center) chats with other attendees during the 2017 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs reception.
2015 DGA Reality Programs Award-winner Adam Vetri chats with 2016 Nominee Brian Smith during the 2017 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs reception.
DGA Board Member Don Mischer and Associate National Executive Director Russ Hollander pose for a photo with the Reality Host Committee members: Andrew Jebb, Amy Embry Hahn, John Bravakis, Stephen Kroopnick, Dan Murphy, and Rob Day, during the 2017 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs reception.