Ilse Fernandez has produced and directed over 200 hours of non-fiction docu-series and reality shows for networks including ABC, NBC, VICE, MTV, Netflix, Univision, Discovery Channel, A&E, National Geographic, History Channel, and TLC.

 

Most notably, she worked as a Director and Field Producer on five seasons of the A&E series “Intervention,” including the 2009 "Outstanding Reality Program" Emmy Award winning season. In 2010, the "Rachel” episode she directed about a homeless NYC heroin addict whose boyfriend is unexpectedly imprisoned was nominated for both an Emmy and Producer’s Guild Award.

 

Ilse works as an Executive Producer and Director overseeing documentary series that have her signature visual style fused with the highest journalistic integrity and storytelling. She was the Showrunner on Viceland’s cutting edge 8-part documentary series called “Cyberwar,” that investigates geopolitical digital landscape from NSA whistleblowers to hackers like Anonymous. On Spotify’s documentary series “Music Happens Here” about pivotal locations in music history she was the showrunner and director. The series won 3 Clio awards. 

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Ilse is currently working on her first feature documentary "Exodus Stories" that follows the journey of three immigrants traveling with the migrant caravan who seek asylum. The film has received the International Documentary Association/Logan Elevate Grant, the PBS/Firelight William Greaves Production Fund, the SSFILM/Catapult Documentary Fellowship, and both the Latino Public Broadcasting Current Issues and Public Media grants. Ilse is a Logan and WIF Fellow. 

 

Outside of work, Ilse is on the Board of Directors of “Colombia Progresa”, a non-profit she helped create that raises funds for scholarships and educational programs in underserved communities in her birth country Colombia. She is an active member of the Producers Guild, the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences, and NALIP.