Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/787194
1 8 I D G A M O N T H L Y Meet the Nominees: Reality Programs Symposium DGA Associate National Executive Director Russ Hollander, DGA Award Nominee Brian Smith, DGA Associate Western Executive Director Lisa Layer, DGA Board Member Don Mischer, and Nominees Ken Fuchs and Bertram van Munster. 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 briefl y 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. See more photos and video from this event at www.dga.org. Reality Programs Winner J. RUPERT THOMPSON American Grit "The Finale - Over the Falls" (FOX) Mr. Thompson's Directorial Team: Associate Director: David Charles Stage Managers: Daniel Curran, Kevin Fletcher This was Mr. Thompson's seventh DGA Award nomination. He previously won in this category in 2005 for Fear Factor, "Heist Fear Factor, Season 6 Premiere." He was also nominated in 2006 for Fear Factor, "Military Fear Factor, Season Finale," in 2008 for Estate of Panic, "102, That Sinking Feeling," in 2011 for Fear Factor 2.0, "Scorpion Tales," in 2012 for Stars Earn Stripes, "Amphibious Assault," and in 2013 for The Hero, "Teamwork." J. Rupert Thompson with presenter Anna Chlumsky. Reality TV Committee member Tony Croll speaks about the work of the Committee. Nominee Brian Smith invites his directing team from STRONG to join him. (L-R: Associate Director Anna Moulaison-Moore, Smith, Stage Manager Drew Lewandowski and Associate Director David Charles). Nominee Ken Fuchs poses for a photo with Shark Tank Producer Kate Ryu during the reception.