^{Behind-the-scenes of the professionals shaping the business of sports, media, and entertainment.}

How It Started

Rey began his TV journey at Marquette University, where he studied communications. After graduation, he joined local NBC affiliate WTMJ in Milwaukee, starting as a teleprompter operator then into stage manager, graphics operator, and eventually directing small shows.

After spotting an ad for a Spanish-bilingual Show Director role at Telemundo in Miami, his television career skyrocketed, directing shows across sports, media, entertainment, and news. He was later promoted to Manager of Show Directors, where his passion for storytelling evolved into leadership. In 2011, he directed his first Telemundo broadcast of the Billboard Latin Music Awards and has led 15 more since.

Behind the Scenes of the Biggest Shows

Rey’s work spans an impressive list of live productions including Telemundo’s broadcast of the Billboard Latin Music Awards, Billboard Women, Al Rojo Vivo, Miss Universe, and FIFA World Cup™ broadcasts.

With 300+ people working across lighting, sound, camera, scenery, staging, and directing, everyone must be in sync. For example, at Telemundo’s broadcast of the Billboard Latin Music Awards alongside the Main Show, there’s also the Red Carpet show and the Digital show, each playing an integral part in the 3-hour show overall.

Telemundo’s broadcast of the Billboard Latin Music Awards 2025 broke records this year with its highest rating since 2019, reaching 1.7M+ total viewers and #1 music awards show in Spanish-language TV year-to-date among adults 18-49.

Next stop: Rey and his team will be traveling to Thailand to direct the 74th Miss Universe® broadcast for Telemundo.

And with FIFA World Cup™ 26 coming to the U.S. next year, it marks a huge moment for Rey and the team. Telemundo holds the exclusive Spanish-language rights to the event, and is preparing for the most comprehensive coverage in history.

What It Takes to Be a Great Director

Rey says staying hands-on as a director has made him a better manager. He describes the role simply:

While the producer sets the vision, it’s the director’s job to bring it to life - deciding everything from shot framing, pacing, transitions and setting the overall feel of the show.

To do that well, Rey says directors need to be highly organized, creative, and able to connect the dots across dozens of moving parts. And above all, they need to stay calm under pressure.

When things go off script, and they often do, Rey sees it as a moment to lead where the whole team is adjusting in real time and when adaptability and trust become essential.

Advice for Aspiring Directors

Rey emphasizes the importance of learning the small things as you grow, like camera framing and movement, developing a strong relationship with producers to build a firm foundation and avoid burnout by jumping into huge projects too soon.

He also stresses the importance of passion working in Television.

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