'''Bruce David Klein''' is an Emmy-nominated producer, director, and writer of television, film, and digital entertainment. He is the founder of Atlas Media Corp. and serves as its president and executive producer.
On the television front, Klein was an early innovator in cable programming, responsible for series such as ''Dr. G: Medical Examiner'' (for Discovery Health/TLC), ''Breaking Vegas'' and ''History's Lost & Found'' (for The History Channel), ''It Could Happen Tomorrow'' (The Weather Channel), ''Factory Floor'' (National Geographic Channel), and ''Top 5'' and ''Behind The Bash with Giada DeLaurentiis'' (Food Network).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-08-24 |title=The Importance of Staying Power: Atlas Media founder Klein knows success, and learns from the failures |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6589743.html?q=bruce+david+klein |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923114454/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/115127-The_Importance_of_Staying_Power.php |archive-date=2012-09-23 |access-date= |website=broadcastingcable.com |language=en}}</ref> More recently, he has been responsible for producing and/or executive producing hundreds of hours of television including ''5 Star Secrets'' and ''Hotel Impossible'' (in its 8th season for Travel Channel),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/8-new-series-more-anthony-267096|title = 8 New Series, More Anthony Bourdain Among Travel Channel's 2012 Slate|website = The Hollywood Reporter|date = 29 November 2011}}</ref> ''Playing with Fire'' (E!), ''Epic Win'' (MTV), ''Stalked: Someone's Watching'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://investigation.discovery.com/tv/stalked/someones-watching.html|title=Investigation Discovery - Official Site|access-date=2012-01-06|archive-date=2011-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229101143/http://investigation.discovery.com/tv/stalked/someones-watching.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and ''The Mind of a Murderer'' (Investigation Discovery), ''Brainwashed'' and ''Alien Invasion: Are We Ready?'' (Discovery Channel),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alien Invasion: Are We Ready |url=http://curiosity.discovery.com/topic/space-exploration/alien-invasion-are-we-ready-episode.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210175515/http://curiosity.discovery.com/topic/space-exploration/alien-invasion-are-we-ready-episode.htm |archive-date=2012-02-10 |access-date= |website=go.discovery.com}}</ref> ''Phowned!'' (Spike TV),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huff |first=Richard |date=2010-12-13 |title=Spike TV signs on 'Phowned,' televised version of prank calls from 'Elvis Duran' morning radio show |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-12-13/entertainment/27084073_1_prank-radio-show-elvis-duran |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109015629/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/spike-tv-signs-phowned-televised-version-prank-calls-elvis-duran-morning-radio-show-article-1.474848 |archive-date=2014-01-09 |website=NYDailyNews.com}}</ref> ''Mary Knows Best'' (SyFy),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/maryknowsbest/|title = Home}}</ref> ''Big Brian: The Fortune Seller'' (TruTV),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Big Brian: The Fortune Seller |url=http://www.trutv.com/shows/big-brian-fortune-seller/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316205154/http://www.trutv.com/shows/big-brian-fortune-seller/index.html |archive-date=2011-03-16}}</ref> and ''What History Forgot'' (AHC).
On the theatrical documentary front, Klein directed ''Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise'' (2008) and produced ''Robert Blecker Wants Me Dead''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dempsey |first=John |title=Atlas sets up documentary unit |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117964841.html?categoryid=16&cs=1&query=atlas+media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113063144/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117964841?refCatId=16 |archive-date=2012-11-13 |website=Variety.com}}</ref> He also co-wrote and directed the independent film ''The Stranger'', starring William Atherton and Roxana Zal.
In Fall 2016, the Klein-produced theatrical documentary ''Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened'' <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3282712/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt|title = Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened (2016) - IMDb|website = IMDb}}</ref> directed by Lonny Price, executive produced by Scott Rudin, and featuring Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Jason Alexander, Mandy Patinkin and others was an official selection of the New York Film Festival. The film was released in theaters on November 18, 2016 to rave reviews—Entertainment Weekly called it "A Triumph",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nashawaty |first=Chris |title='Best Worst Thing That Could Ever Have Happened': EW review |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/11/27/best-worst-thing-could-ever-happen-ew-review/ |access-date= |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref> the Washington Post "Heart-piercing",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Horwitz |first=Jane |date=2016-12-08 |title='Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened' revisits a legendary flop |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/best-worst-thing-that-ever-could-have-happened-revisits-a-legendary-flop/2016/12/08/16d22b5a-bb3e-11e6-91ee-1adddfe36cbe_story.html |access-date= |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Rolling Stone "Mesmerizing"<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Travers |first=Peter |date=2016-12-02 |title='Best Worst Thing' Movie Review: Broadway-Flop Doc Is a Success |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-reviews/best-worst-thing-that-ever-could-have-happened-broadway-flop-doc-is-a-success-114204/ |access-date= |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>—and the NY Times said "a sense of wonder animates every frame and leaves you with a misty-eyed glow."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Holden |first=Stephen |date=2016-11-17 |title=Review: Merrily (and Ruefully) Recalling an Epic Broadway Flop |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/18/movies/best-worst-thing-that-ever-could-have-happened-review-stephen-sondheim.html |access-date= |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The film was included lists of the Best Films of 2016 by the New York Times ,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Dargis |first1=Manohla |last2=Scott |first2=A. O. |last3=Holden |first3=Stephen |date=2016-12-07 |title=Best Movies of 2016 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/07/movies/the-best-movies-of-2016.html?_r=0 |access-date= |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Wrap, and Newsweek <ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ziv |first1=Stav |last2=Schonfeld |first2=Zach |last3=Main |first3=Douglas |last4=Westcott |first4=Lucy |last5=Cooper |first5=Matthew |last6=Westerfield |first6=Joe |last7=Janicke |first7=Bruce |last8=Moore |first8=Jack |last9=Khorsandi |first9=Yasaman |date=2016-12-09 |title=The Best Documentaries of 2016 |url=https://www.newsweek.com/our-favorite-documentaries-2016-529744 |access-date= |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref>—and is currently 94% "Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened (2016) {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/best_worst_thing_that_ever_could_have_happened_2016 |access-date= |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref>
In 2021, press reports announced that Klein was working on a feature documentary on screen and stage icon Liza Minnelli.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlas Media preps Liza Minnelli feature doc |url=https://realscreen.com/2021/07/08/atlas-media-preps-liza-minnelli-feature-doc/ |access-date=}}</ref>
In 2022, Klein wrote, produced, and directed the HBO feature documentary ''Icahn: The Restless Billionaire'' that captures the life and work of the billionaire corporate raider/activist investor Carl Icahn. It premiered on February 15, 2022 to rave reviews. The NY Times called it a "deft documentary portrait" and "right on the money".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rapold |first=Nicolas |date=2022-02-15 |title='Icahn: The Restless Billionaire' Review: Right on the Money |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/15/movies/icahn-the-restless-billionaire-review.html |access-date= |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On July 27, 2023 the film was nominated for an Emmy Award as Best Business & Economic Documentary.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-27 |title=The 44th News & Documentary Nominations - The Emmys |url=https://theemmys.tv/news-44th-nominations/ |access-date= |website=theemmys.tv |language=en-US}}</ref>
On June 12, 2024, ''Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story'', a feature documentary about stage and screen legend Liza Minnelli that was written, produced and directed by Klein, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival to outstanding reviews. The Hollywood Reporter called it a "gorgeous portrait",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rooney |first=David |date=2024-06-12 |title='Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story' Review: Liza Minnelli Doc Is a Full-Hearted Celebration That Will Hit Fans' Sweet Spot |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/liza-a-truly-terrific-absolutely-true-story-review-liza-minnelli-doc-1235918222/ |access-date= |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> Deadline called it a "must-see",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hammond |first=Pete |date=2024-06-12 |title='Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story' Review: Minnelli Docu Benefits From Unseen Footage, Compelling Interviews And The Star Herself – Tribeca Festival |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/liza-a-truly-terrific-absolutely-true-story-review-minnelli-documentary-tribeca-film-festival-world-premiere-1235971978/ |access-date= |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> and The Wrap said it is "delightful."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weitzman |first=Elizabeth |date=2024-06-12 |title='Liza: A Truly Terrific, Absolutely True Story' Review: Delightful Doc Celebrates the Extraordinary Career of a Rare Icon |url=https://www.thewrap.com/liza-minnelli-documentary-a-truly-terrific-absolutely-true-story-review/ |access-date= |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}}</ref> The New York Times published an extensive Q&A with Klein about the film.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nayeri |first=Farah |date=2024-06-03 |title=The Story of 'How Liza Became Liza' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/03/movies/liza-minnelli-tribeca-documentary.html |access-date= |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Klein has moderated and appeared on numerous panels for organizations such as NATPE, ''RealScreen'', the Producers Guild, the USA Film Festival and NYU Film School. His work has been featured and reviewed in publications such as ''The New York Times'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/29/nyregion/long-island-journal-ding-dong-ready-for-a-shopping-spree.html|title=LONG ISLAND JOURNAL; Ding-Dong. Ready for a Shopping Spree?|newspaper=The New York Times|date=29 September 2002|last1=Fischler|first1=Marcelle S.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/movies/12para.html?scp=3&sq=meat%20loaf:%20in%20search%20of%20paradise&st=cse|title = That Dashboard Light Now Casts Its Glow on Nostalgia|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 12 March 2008|last1 = Seitz|first1 = Matt Zoller}}</ref> ''Variety'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117934586.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |title=Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise Review - Film Reviews-Montreal World Film Fest, Entertainment - Variety |website=www.variety.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106063035/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117934586.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |archive-date=2007-11-06}}</ref> ''Crain’s New York Business'', ''Entertainment Weekly'', ''TelevisionWeek'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/trial-and-error/2008/10/check_out_atlas_digitals_busin.php |title=Trial and Error - Check out Atlas Digital's Business Model - TVWeek - Blogs |accessdate=2008-11-14 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019121842/http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/trial-and-error/2008/10/check_out_atlas_digitals_busin.php |archivedate=2008-10-19 }}</ref> and ''World Screen News''.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=http://www.worldscreen.com/newscurrent.php?filename=atlas052307.htm |website=worldscreen.com}}{{dead link|date=May 2024}}</ref> Klein is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, a founding member of the Non-Fiction Producers Association (NPA), and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Board of Directors - NATPE |url=https://www.natpe.com/contact/board |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528195715/https://www.natpe.com/about/board-of-directors/ |archive-date=2019-05-28}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *[http://www.atlasmediacorp.com Atlas Media Corp. Website] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20110727113044/http://www.natpe.org/natpe/index.php/NATPE-Bios/bruce.html Bruce David Klein NATPE bio] *[http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6589743.html?q=bruce+david+klein Bruce David Klein feature] in Broadcasting & Cable
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Klein, Bruce David}} Category:American television directors Category:American television producers Category:American television writers Category:American male television writers Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Living people