About
I’m a multi-camera director with a long career in television, working across a wide range of formats. I began in the Netherlands directing prime-time network shows in a culturally diverse production environment, which shaped my approach to storytelling and collaboration.
I’ve built a reputation for delivering strong programming under tight schedules and budgets, and I’m comfortable stepping into complex productions and finding practical solutions. My credits include concerts, game shows, live events, award shows, and reality competition series, reflecting a broad and adaptable body of work.
From 1999 to 2024 I worked exclusively in the United States. Today I divide my work between Europe and the U.S., continuing to adapt to the evolving media landscape.
Television Director
- Hobbies:Flying, Rowing, and Skiing.
- Professional affiliations:Directors Guild of America, Motion Picture Editors Guild, and Television Academy
- Languages:Dutch & English.
- Ambition:I believe that the pursuit of lifelong education is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.
Outside of television, I’ve long been involved in general aviation. I hold FAA certifications as a Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot, Instrument Instructor, and Advanced Ground Instructor, and I fly whenever time allows.
In the United States, I volunteered as a pilot for charity missions with Angel Flight West and Mission Flight, transporting passengers in need of medical care. Supporting these organisations through aviation was an important and meaningful part of my life during those years.
Facts
My career in entertainment began with seven years as a sound engineer for several Dutch radio networks. I later shifted my focus to directing and studied multi-camera directing at the Santbergen Media Institute in Hilversum.
Soon after graduating, I directed a Dutch version of Star Search, which marked the start of my work in television directing. Since then, I’ve continued to build a steady career across a wide range of productions.
Awards & 5 nominations
Countries served
Years of experience
Minutes of TV directed
Video
Recent gameshows.
Portfolio
Television production is always evolving, and I work comfortably at the intersection of creative direction and practical execution. I bring current technical knowledge, cultural awareness, and decades of experience to each production, helping teams stay efficient, on schedule, and within budget.
My role is to translate creative goals into clear, workable direction on the floor so producers can focus on the bigger picture. Below is a selection of television projects that reflect the scope of my work.
- All
- Game Shows
- Unscripted
- Other
Awards
My work has received awards and nominations in both Europe and the United States. I value this recognition as an acknowledgement of the teams I’ve worked with and the productions we’ve built together. Below is a selection of those honours.
2012 Emmy Award
Nominee: Outstanding Picture Editing for Reality Programming
"Top Chef - Fit For An Evil Queen"
2007 Emmy Award
Nominee: Outstanding Multi-camera Picture Editing For A Series
"Dancing With The Stars - 304"
Testimonials
I am delighted to share some of the wonderful testimonials and feedback I have received from esteemed colleagues and industry professionals regarding my work. Their kind words and insights are a testament to the quality of work I strive to deliver, and I am humbled by their support and encouragement. Working with such talented individuals has been an incredible experience, and I am grateful for their collaboration and contribution to my growth as a professional.
As a Line Producer and an EIC you put together individuals that work well as a team. The Director is the one that binds the team, Hans is the glue that keeps the show together. His technical knowledge, his Editorial skills, the creative input he brings to the set is unsurpassed. I've had the pleasure of working with Hans over the years, for whatever my two cents are worth Hans is a must hire.
Edison S. Layne
Executive in Charge
Hans is one-of-a-kind director who brings with him both a producer and master editor’s point of view. In addition, he’s a genuine pleasure to work with. Hans is a great collaborator with a keen eye and excellent taste.
Noah Bonnett
Executive Producer
Hans is your go-to guy for studio directing. He's collaborative, creative and a genuine pleasure to sit beside in the control room!
Molly O'Rourke
Executive Producer
Hans is a consummate professional. I have had the great pleasure to work with this creative visionary on several projects. His command of the studio crew was articulate and efficient. It was an honor to serve with in the production trenches and I offer my highest recommendation.
Matthew Gaven
Executive Producer
Hans is a fantastic Director with a perfect personality that combines expertise, enthusiasm and the ability to roll with the punches and adapt quickly to changes, all with a smile. The end result is a great product. He is an asset to any production.
Amy Embry
Line Producer
I had the pleasure of being an Executive Producer of a game show pilot that Hans directed. He was, from beginning to end, professional, prepared, and a true creative collaborator. (He's also a nice guy and easy to work with.) He delivered a wonderful looking product under an extremely limited rehearsal and production schedule. I wholeheartedly recommend Hans, and know he'll be a tremendous asset to any TV production.
Jonathan Goodson
CEO Jonathan Goodson Productions
Hans is an excellent director with a keen eye towards editing, which makes his coverage perfect. He's also a great guy who is easy to work with.
Brian Lando
Head and Co-Founder Relativity Lifestlye Television
Hans is one of the "good guys." He is perceptive and prepared. Just the sort of things a Director should be! He is pleasant and collaborative in pre production, and efficient and helpful on stage. I look forward to having an opportunity to work with him in the future.
John Gilles
Owner, ReUnion Design Services, Inc.
Hans did an excellent job of managing a large group of individuals, making sure all were all the same page, that their jobs got done efficiently and effectively. I would hire him again in a heartbeat!
Rick Telles
President at Brass Ring Entertainment
Résumé
The following is a brief synopsis of the notable milestones that have occurred throughout my forty-year career.
Skills Summary
Creativity, Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, and Project Management
Collaborative, creative, and passionate television director with extensive post-production experience who knows how to stretch the production dollar.
Education
MSc - Mass Media Management
2023 - 2024
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
BA - Leadership Studies
2022 - 2023 | Magna Cum Laude
Cal Poly Humboldt, Arcata, CA
AS - Film, Television, and Electronic Media
2020 - 2021 | Summa Cum Laude
Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA
Studio Directing
1989 - 1989
Santbergen Media Institute, Hilversum, Netherlands
Sound Engineering
1979 - 1980
Santbergen Media Institute, Hilversum, Netherlands
H.A.V.O.
1972 - 1977
Thorbecke Scholengemeenschap, Utrecht, Netherlands
Professional Experience
Television Director
1989 - Present
Freelance in the Netherlands, Germany, and U.S.A.
- Principal director on national and international hit-shows.
- Led in the conceptualization, pre-production, production, and post-production of network and cable television shows.
- U.S. clients include FOX first run syndication, Bill's Market and Television, ITV, Stone & Company, High Noon Entertainment, Shine, Mark Burnett Productions, NBC Studios, Buena Vista Productions, and many others.
- Maximized ROI on budgets ranging from $40,000 to $2,000,000 per episode.
Picture Editor
1999 - Present
Freelance in Los Angeles, CA
- Crafted Emmy-nominated stories for shiny-floor shows, reality, game shows, and specials.
- Delivered top-notch work with short deadlines for all major US networks.
- Experienced in multi-editor environments on Avid and as a one-person band on Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve.
- Fluent in On-site and Remote workflows.
Sound Engineer
1981 - 1989
N.O.B., Hilversum, Netherlands
- Mixed and operated on pop radio shows, sports, news, and magazines.
- Recorded and live-broadcasted musical performances.
- Edited documentaries, radio plays, and other radio formats.
- Performed master control-room duties on all Dutch national radio stations.
Photographer
1980 - 1981
Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Supported faculty with creative and scientific photographic needs.
- Documented academic events.
- Performed dark-room duties.
Contact
Legal representation:
Jody Simon
(he/him)Fox Rothschild LLP
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