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Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs

January 25, 2019

71st Annual DGA Awards

On January 24, the Guild held its annual event for the DGA Award Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs. Following introductory comments from Reality TV Committee Co-Chair J. Rupert Thompson, clips from the nominated works were screened. Then nominees Eytan Keller (Iron Chef Gauntlet, “Episode 201”) and Bertram van Munster (The Amazing Race, “It’s Just a Million Dollars, No Pressure”), spoke briefly about their honored projects. Afterward the attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception in the DGA Los Angeles headquarters atrium.

Nominees Neil P. DeGroot (Better Late Than Never, “How Do You Say Roots in German?”), Patrick McManus (American Ninja Warrior, “Miami City Qualifiers”) and Russell Norman (The Final Table, “Japan”) were unable to attend. The winner will be unveiled at the 71st Annual DGA Awards dinner on Saturday, February 2, 2019.

About the DGA Reality Television Committee

Formed in 2003, the Reality Television Committee seeks to address areas of concern that apply to directors and director’s team members working in this genre, and promote the DGA’s Reality Television Agreements so that members working on these shows may continue to enjoy Guild protections and benefits. The current co-chairs are Craig Borders, Bryan O'Donnell and J. Rupert Thompson.

Pictures & Video

photos by Trixie Textor

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DGA Reality TV Committee Co-Chair J. Rupert Thompson welcomes guests to the event and congratulates this year's nominees.
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Eytan Keller thanks the Guild for recognizing his episode of Iron Chef Gauntlet “Episode 201” along with his Associate Director Anna Moulaison-Moore.
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Bertram van Munster expresses gratitude for his DGA nomination for The Amazing Race “It’s Just a Million Dollars, No Pressure” and mentions the many people who made it possible.
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Associate Director Andy Nelson speaks on behalf of Director Neil P. DeGroot, who was nominated for his work on Better Late than Never, “How Do You Say Roots in German?”.
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In Patrick McManus' absence, Stage Manager Dave Massey shares words of gratitude for the Guild's nomination American Ninja Warrior “Miami City Qualifiers."
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Stage Manager Daniel Curran speaks on behalf of Director Russell Norman for his DGA nomination for The Final Table "Japan."
DGA Award Nominee Bertram van Munster (The Amazing Race), Reality TV Committee Co-Chair J. Rupert Thompson and Nominee Eytan Keller (Iron Chef Gauntlet) attend the 2019 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs event.
DGA Reality TV Committee Co-Chair J. Rupert Thompson congratulates the 71st Annual DGA Award Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs.
Nominee Eytan Keller speaks his work on Episode 201 of Iron Chef Gauntlet.
Nominee Eytan Keller is joined at the podium by his Iron Chef Gauntlet Associate Director, Anna Moulaison-Moore.
Nominee Bertram van Munster thanks the Guild for once again honoring his work on The Amazing Race. (Mr. van Munster has been nominated 11 times for his work on the series.)
Associate Director Andy Nelson speaks on behalf of nominated Director Neil P. DeGroot (Better Late Than Never, “How Do You Say Roots in German?”), who was unable to attend the event.
Stage Manager Dave Massey speaks on behalf of nominated Director Patrick McManus (American Ninja Warrior, “Miami City Qualifiers”), who was unable to attend the event.
Stage Manager Daniel Curran speaks on behalf of nominated Director Russell Norman (The Final Table, “Japan”), who was unable to attend the event.
(L-R) Reality TV Committee Co-Chair J. Rupert Thompson, 2017 & 2008 DGA Reality TV Award-nominee Scott Messick, 2018 Nominee Bertram van Munster, 2015 DGA Reality TV Award-winner Adam Vetri, Reality TV Committee member Brady Connell, 2018 Nominee Eytan Keller and 2013 Nominee Matthew Bartley.
DGA Members and guests celebrate the occasion during the reception for the 2019 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs event.
2017 & 2008 DGA Reality TV Award-nominee Scott Messick chats with 2018 Nominee Bertram van Munster.
2015 DGA Reality TV Award-winner Adam Vetri chats with Reality TV Host Committee member John Bravakis.
Stage Managers Daniel Curran and Dave Massey and Associate Directors Anna Moulaison-Moore and Andy Nelson pose for a photo during the reception for the 2019 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs event.
Reality TV Host Committee members Glenn Stickley, Yong Yam, David Broome, John Bravakis and Dan Murphy pose for a photo during the reception for the 2019 Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs event.