Bruce Gowers
Bruce Gowers was an English television director and producer, best known for work on large scale live music and event productions. He started his career in his native England where his landmark music video for Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" brought him international recognition leading to his relocation to the U.S. in the late 1970s.
Bruce’s varied career includes credits for the live episodes of American Idol (2001–2010) which he has directed from the start, and awards shows including the Emmys, The MTV Awards, the Billboard Awards and the American Music Awards, event specials including Live Earth, Live 8 and President Bill Clinton’s Inaugural Concert at the Lincoln Memorial and music specials for Michael Jackson and The Jacksons, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart and Britney Spears. See credits below.
HBO and Showtime provided the opportunity to direct comedy specials with the biggest names in the business: Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Eddie Murphy and Jerry Seinfeld. For Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and PBS Bruce turned his attention to the popular kids series’ Roundhouse, The Kidsongs TV Show (co-creator), The Amanda Show, All That and the Teen Choice Awards.
In the first wave of reality shows, Bruce executive produced and directed The Spectacular World of Guinness Records, America’s Funniest People (co-creator) and This is Your Life.
Along the way Bruce has directed documentaries (for the Rolling Stones and Salvador Dali), ice shows, magic shows (Penn and Teller), comedy series (Whose Line is it Anyway), sports (wrestling, soccer and horse racing), talk shows (Tony Tenille), game shows (Family Feud), sitcoms (The Life and Times of Edgar Briggs) and interviews specials (David Frost with various heads of state).
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Movies (53)
The 10 Faces of Michael Jackson
2015 · Self
The Best British Rock Concert of All Time: Live at Knebworth
2010 · Director
I Walk the Line: A Night for Johnny Cash
2005 · Director
The Story of Bohemian Rhapsody
2004 · Self
Kelly, Ruben & Fantasia: Home for Christmas
2004 · Director
Genius. A Night for Ray Charles
2004 · Director
Prince : Musicology Live 2004ever (Live in Los Angeles)
2004 · Director
American Idol: The Search For A Superstar
2002 · Director
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration
2001 · Director
Sarah Brightman: La Luna - Live in Concert
2001 · Director
Jennifer Lopez | Feelin' So Good
2000 · Director
Arista Records' 25th Anniversary Celebration
2000 · Director
Britney Spears: Live and More!
2000 · Director
The Rolling Stones: Bridges to Babylon Tour '97-98
1997 · Production Director
Fleetwood Mac: The Dance
1997 · Director
Kidsongs: I Can Do It
1997 · Director, Executive Producer
Rodney Dangerfield's 75th Birthday Toast
1997 · Director
Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard
1996 · Director
Michael Jackson Video Greatest Hits: HIStory
1995 · Director
Woodstock 94
1995 · Director
Kidsongs: Country Sing-Along
1994 · Director, Executive Producer
Nine Inch Nails: Woodstock 94
1994 · Director
Primus: Woodstock 94
1994 · Director
Mickey's Fun Songs: Campout at Walt Disney World
1994 · Executive Producer
Prince: The Hits Collection
1993 · Director
Pete Townshend Live in New York Featuring Psychoderelict
1993 · Director
Rod Stewart Vagabond Heart Tour
1992 · Director
The 14th Annual Young Comedians Show
1991 · Director
Paul McCartney: Unplugged
1991 · Director
The Cure: MTV Unplugged
1991 · Director
Kidsongs: Very Silly Songs
1991 · Director
Paula Poundstone: Cats, Cops and Stuff
1990 · Director
Madonna: The Immaculate Collection
1990 · Director
Richard Lewis: I'm Doomed
1990 · Director
Kidsongs: Ride the Roller Coaster
1990 · Director, Producer
The Best of All Star Band: Live in Concert
1990 · Director
Legends of Rock 'n' Roll
1989 · Director
Richard Lewis: I'm Exhausted
1988 · Director
George Carlin: What Am I Doing in New Jersey?
1988 · Director
Harry Anderson's Sideshow
1987 · Director
Jerry Seinfeld: Stand-Up Confidential
1987 · Director
Robin Williams: An Evening at the Met
1986 · Director
Kidsongs: A Day at Old MacDonald's Farm
1985 · Director
Huey Lewis and the News: The Heart of Rock and Roll
1985 · Director
Rush: Through the Camera Eye
1985 · Director
Billy Crystal: A Comic's Line
1984 · Director
Eddie Murphy: Delirious
1983 · Director
The Doobie Brothers: Live At The Greek Theatre
1982 · Director
Rod Stewart: Tonight He's Yours
1981 · Director
This Is Your Life: 30th Anniversary Special
1981 · Director
Bob Welch & Friends: Live from the Roxy
1981 · Director
Queen: Live at the Rainbow '74
1974 · Director
The Rolling Stones: The Marquee Club 1971
1971 · Director
