Brian McGinn

The Climb

Film and television credits are the record here: Brian McGinn trained at Palo Alto High School and Duke University, then built a practice across directing, producing, and writing. That range shows up early in Llamas for Ken (from 2007), The Frozen City (from 2008), and Carry (from 2009), where he worked as director, producer, and writer; it continues through American Teacher (from 2011) as codirector, Funny or Die viral videos (2011–2014) as director, The Record Breaker (from 2012) as writer and director, Machine (from 2019) as producer, Trial By Media (from 2020) as executive producer and director, and The Bear, season 2 (from 2023) as co-executive producer. Today, Brian is executive producer, director, cast, and showrunner of Chef's Table (since 2015), producer, writer, and director of Amanda Knox, and executive producer of Street Food (since 2019).

Today

The core assignment has been Chef's Table, where Brian McGinn serves as executive producer, director, cast, and showrunner. In his own words, that work is built around "a kind of marriage of a life philosophy and a focus on excellence, and a commitment to doing something great." He has also said, "What we do is work with each chef to work out the best way to tell each story." That same credit pattern runs through Amanda Knox and Street Food: writer, producer, and director on the former, executive producer on the latter. Across the slate, the discipline is in structure, timing, and collaboration.

Career - executive producer, director, cast, and showrunner — Chef's Table (2015–present) - producer, writer, and director — Amanda Knox - executive producer — Street Food (2019–present) - director, producer, and writer — Llamas for Ken (from 2007) - director, producer, and writer — The Frozen City (from 2008) - director, producer, and writer — Carry (from 2009) - codirector — American Teacher (from 2011) - director — Funny or Die viral videos (2011–2014) - writer and director — The Record Breaker (from 2012) - producer — Machine (from 2019) - executive producer and director — Trial By Media (from 2020) Education: Palo Alto High School; Duke University

Signature

Brian's signature dishes include Chef's Table, Amanda Knox, Street Food, Trial By Media, and Ferrell Takes the Field.

In Their Words “What we do is work with each chef to work out the best way to tell each story.”

Recognition

Brian's honors include James Beard Awards.

FAQ What is Brian McGinn's current role? As of 2026, Brian McGinn is executive producer, director, cast, and showrunner of Chef's Table. Where did Brian McGinn train or study? Brian McGinn trained at Palo Alto High School and Duke University. What recognition has Brian McGinn received? James Beard Awards.