Hal grant biography

Hal Grant has been directing television for more than 40 years, including many of your favorite Game Show Network programs. But he has no plans to slow down any time soon.

“Why would I retire? I love what I do,” the veteran director told the Game Show Insider recently. “I’m like a kid when I get up in the morning!”   

Grant got his start as a stage actor, before switching to TV directing in the late 1970s. He’s been at it ever since, recently helming hit game shows like America Says, Master Minds, and Tug of Words (which returns to Game Show Network this fall).  

“Not only does Hal have a ton of experience he has a great attitude,” showrunner Rane Laymance added. “If you’re making something fun like a game show, you should have fun making it, and that’s the vibe Hal brings.”

I had the honor of chatting with the Emmy-nominated director recently at his home in San Diego, California. The following are highlights of our conversation, edited and condensed for space and clarity.

GAME SHOW INSIDER: When does your work on a game show begin?

HAL GRANT: If it’s a new show, from the beginning. I meet with the producers and go over the game and how its played. Then I work closely with the set designer and lay out camera positions that work for everyone.

Is it unique for a director to be involved from the ground up?

It’s unique to GSN, yes. They really like having me involved early, because who knows better what the show’s going to look like than the director?

Game shows have a ton of moving parts: hosts, contestants, titles, scores, sound effects, etc.  Is all of this done live or edited later? 

I’m a live-show director. So, when I do a game show, I do it as if we were live. I hate hearing “we’ll fix it in post.”

You must have nerves of steel!

I’ve been doing it a long time. A lot of people wonder how I manage to do all that. I usually say, “With a lot of help.” I’m blessed with a very good crew.

What does a typical production day look?

I come in around 9 a.m. We make sure all the cameras are working and our lighting people check all the lights. At 10:30 we start shooting our first show. Then we have about 30 minutes between shows to regroup and bring in the next set of contestants.

How many shows do you shoot in a day?

Generally, we do five shows: three in the morning, then lunch, then two in the afternoon.   

So, you do a whole week of shows in one day!

All the shows are a little bit different, but a half hour episode usually only takes about 35 to 45 minutes to shoot. I can do them all day long, but it’s more challenging for the host because they have to be charming!

Where do you sit? And how do you communicate with the crew and the host?

Sometimes I have a control room on-stage. Sometimes I’m in a truck parked alongside the studio. I’m on headset with my crew and I talk to the host with an earpiece.

Game Show Network hosts come from a variety of backgrounds. Is there an acclimation process with a new host?

Sometimes. But I usually just say, “When you’re talking to America, look into the camera. When you’re talking to the contestants, just have a conversation. Ignore the cameras.” And they get it right away.

What type of performer makes the best host?

Actors or comedians. John Michael Higgins, the host of America Says, had never done a game show in his life. I said, “How are you going to approach this?” And he said, “I’m an actor, so I’m going to play the part of a game show host.” Brilliant. I love working with him.

What’s one thing viewers would be surprised to learn about game show directing?

There’s no script and no rehearsal. I don’t know what they’re going to say, who’s going to say it, or who they’re going to say it to. Directing game shows is like chess: you have to anticipate the next move.

Are people ever surprised that you’ve been doing this as long as you have and are still as passionate as you are?

No. The ones who know me well and have worked with me for years know I’m addicted to it.

What’s your favorite thing about directing game shows?

It’s the camaraderie. We all like each other, laugh together, socialize together. I’ve worked at all these different companies, but Game Show Network is more like a family.

If you could say something to the viewers, what would it be?

We’re here to make you forget your troubles. I think the most rewarding thing is to be able to entertain America in a good way, a happy way. I hope you enjoy watching these shows as much as I enjoy directing them.

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