Director’s Guild of America Honors Bradley Alum

02/16/2018 11:45 AM

By Haley Johnson

Bradley Alumni and Director of Big Brother, Jim Tanker ‘72, becomes the 27^th recipient of the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award presented by the Director’s Guild of America to a long list of achievements in the industry.

The award is given to an Associate Director or Stage Manager in recognition of their service to the industry and Guild.

Directors Guild of America President Thomas Schlamme announced two award recipients in December. “They are leaders in their fields who have dedicated themselves to representing the interests of their fellow members and standing up for their creative and economic rights.” said Schlamme.

Tanker was selected for his extensive background and influence, his dedication, and unique approach to the industry.

Asked why Tanker was chosen to receive one of the highest honors the Guild can bestow on a member of his category, AD/SM/PA Council West Chair Valdez Flagg answered, “Jim Tanker — the consummate Associate Director (also now, DGA Director) — has been and remains outstanding in the field in the evolution of Variety Television premiere shows. Jim has been relied upon by and anchored the most excellent, creative, austere and demanding Directors of the last 35 years! Within Jim resides the experience and information that makes up a true professional. This, in addition to his longtime dedication and service to the DGA, makes him deserving of the 2018 Schaffner Award.”

Apart from directing the hit reality television show, Big Brother, Tanker has worked as the associate director for Kennedy Center Honors, The Golden Globe Awards, The Grammy Awards, The Olympic Games, and many other news and sports productions.

Tanker has been a member of the DGA for 40 years, served its Negotiations Committee, and was elected to the AD/SM/PA Council.

He is thankful for the opportunities and skills he’s picked up through the Guild.

“They are a wonderful source of information regarding Guild issues, new technology, and real world working conditions. Also, the networking opportunities these meetings provide is invaluable,” Tanker said.

While his recent career success is in Los Angeles with Big Brother, Tanker’s journey started out in Illinois, where he graduated from Bradley in 1972.

“I would like to thank Bradley University for my initial motivation to pursue the media.  I was a speech and theatre arts major and fully expected to pursue technical theatre but with the introduction of a television opportunity at Bradley my career goal was altered and I have not looked back.”  

Tanker emphasized that the unique learning environment contributed to his future success. “Bradley professors were able to understand the needs of each student due to a small student/teacher ratio and were able to encourage each student to pursue their passion,” Tanker said.  “Also, instilling a good work ethic allowed me to enter the workforce upon graduation understanding professional expectations. 

Tanker still keeps in contact with the University, and has even developed a partnership through the Bradley University Hollywood Semester, an opportunity for students to spend a semester in Los Angeles interning, taking entertainment focused courses, and exposing themselves to all areas in the entertainment industry.

To follow Jim Tanker’s career, look for the upcoming season of Big Brother and sign up to see the live set through Bradley’s Hollywood Semester.