J. Rupert Thompson (born July 14, 1964), is a director and producer of

reality television Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unfamiliar people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as a distinct genre in the early ...

. His credits include '' Fear Factor'', '' Wipeout'', '' Kid Nation'', '' American Gladiators'', ''

America's Next Top Model ''America's Next Top Model'' (abbreviated ''ANTM'' and ''Top Model'') is an American reality television series and interactive competition in which a number of aspiring models compete for the title of "America's Next Top Model" and a chance to b ...

'', and '' Estate of Panic''. He is often credited for using intensive camera work in various formats of reality television, and utilizing a huge number of cameras. Thompson won the Directors Guild of America Award 2005 as Best Director - Reality Programs for Outstanding Direction in a

Reality Series Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unfamiliar people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as a distinct genre in the early 19 ...

for the premiere of ''Fear Factor'', Season 6. Thompson started his career as an electrician on horror films such as ''

A Nightmare on Elm Street ''A Nightmare on Elm Street'' is a 1984 American supernatural slasher film written and directed by Wes Craven and produced by Robert Shaye. It is the first installment in the ''A Nightmare on Elm Street'' franchise and stars Heather Langenka ...

'' and ''

The Blob ''The Blob'' is a 1958 American science fiction horror film directed by Irvin Yeaworth, and written by Kay Linaker and Theodore Simonson. It stars Steve McQueen (in his first feature film leading role) and Aneta Corsaut and co-stars Earl Rowe ...

''. He then became a freelance Director/Cameraman and shot segments for many clients, including the second season of MTV's ''

The Real World Real World or The Real World may also refer to: * Real life, a phrase to distinguish between the real world and fictional, virtual or idealized worlds Television * ''The Real World'' (TV series), 1992–2017 * "The Real World" (''Stargate Atla ...

'' based in

Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, largest city in the U.S. state, state of California and the List of United States cities by population, sec ...

. Thompson was a partner at Evolution Film and Tape for ten years, from 1992 to 2002, where he created the popular children's television series '' Bug Juice'' with his partner Douglas Ross for Disney Channel. Thompson currently resides in

California California is a state in the Western United States, located along the Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the most populous U.S. state and the 3rd largest by area. It is also the m ...

with his wife Laura and son Cassiel.

References

Variety Magazine

External links

*
IMDB.com entry for J. Rupert Thompson

DGA Awards Rupert for Reality TV Direction

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thompson, J. Rupert American television directors 1964 births Living people Directors Guild of America Award winners