Gary R. Benz stands as a visionary entrepreneur who significantly shaped the landscape of documentary and unscripted television programming. Recognized early on for the global potential of this burgeoning genre, Gary R. Benz established GRB Entertainment in 1986, transforming it into a leading force in television production and international distribution. Today, GRB Entertainment’s reach extends across more than 160 territories worldwide, a testament to the enduring vision of Gary R. Benz. Over his impressive career, Mr. Benz has been the driving force behind over 3,000 hours of programming for broadcast, cable, and syndication, encompassing live events, specials, and numerous critically acclaimed, award-winning series.
The Architect of Award-Winning Unscripted Hits
As Executive Producer, Gary R. Benz has personally guided some of television’s most impactful unscripted programs. Foremost among these is A&E’s landmark series, Intervention. Having overseen 230 episodes, Gary R. Benz led Intervention to critical acclaim, including the prestigious 2009 Emmy® Award for Outstanding Reality Program. His dedication to quality programming has been further recognized through multiple PRISM Awards, CINE Awards, Telly Awards, and BANFF Film awards, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in unscripted television.
Beyond Intervention, the diverse portfolio of Gary R. Benz includes a range of successful and innovative programs. He is credited with the creation and executive production of Showdown of the Unbeatables for National Geographic, showcasing extraordinary feats and abilities. His collaboration with Silver Pictures Television and NBC resulted in Next Action Star, a dynamic unscripted series accompanied by a two-hour movie. Further highlighting his versatility, Gary R. Benz has also executive produced programs such as Princes of Malibu (Fox), offering a glimpse into celebrity lifestyles; Aftermath with William Shatner (Bio), exploring intriguing narratives; and Alter-Eco with Adrian Grenier (Planet Green), focusing on environmental themes. His credits also include high-octane entertainment with Cannonball Run (USA), historical documentaries like True Caribbean Pirates (History), and the long-running medical drama series, Untold Stories of The ER (TLC), each reflecting the breadth of Gary R. Benz’s creative vision.
Global Partnerships and Industry Recognition
From its base in Los Angeles, GRB Entertainment, under the leadership of Gary R. Benz, has forged significant international co-productions and strategic partnerships worldwide. These collaborations have resulted in globally recognized series, including the 200-episode primetime hit Echt Wahr for Germany’s Sat 1, demonstrating the international appeal of GRB formats. Other successful global ventures include Now See This! (France’s TF1 and Discovery Channel), Stuntmasters (Canal +, Alliance Atlantis, and U.S. syndication), and AXN: Action TV (Columbia Tri-Star, the Fox Family Channel, and Sony’s AXN networks globally), showcasing the widespread demand for GRB Entertainment’s content spearheaded by Gary R. Benz.
The financial stability and industry standing of GRB Entertainment, under Gary R. Benz’s stewardship, are further underscored by the investment from Allen & Co., a prestigious New York-based investment bank with a long and respected history in the entertainment sector. Allen & Co. has been a significant shareholder in GRB for over 15 years, a testament to the enduring value and success of the company founded and led by Gary R. Benz.
Mr. Gary R. Benz’s commitment to the entertainment industry extends beyond his executive role at GRB Entertainment. He is an active member of several prominent industry organizations, including the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America, and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Furthermore, Gary R. Benz is involved with The Caucus for Television Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors for the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc., reflecting his dedication to the broader television and entertainment community.
