Ask the Producer: Episode 9
Lindsey Weidhorn (Manager, HGTV), Loren and Genevieve goofing around with a cardboard cutout of Vern Yip on the set!
Each week we ask Design Star producer Loren Ruch our burning questions from the last episode. This week: What made the producers choose a tiny house challenge? Plus, what we didn’t see on the show.
How did you come up with the idea to do a tiny house challenge?
We really wanted to update and reinvent our Glass House challenge from previous seasons, and with the popularity of the tiny house movement, we thought that this would be a natural! A member of our staff had seen a coffee table book about tiny houses, and we were sold! The rest is history.
Did the tiny houses seem bigger or smaller than they did on TV?
Honestly, this depends on which of the tiny houses we’re talking about. Mark’s tiny house seemed really, really small in person because of the very busy argyle print pattern on the walls. However, Meg’s open foyer made hers seem much larger. I’d say that Karl’s felt like it was somewhere in between theirs in terms of perceived size.
What did the designers and carpenters struggle most with in the tiny houses?
The hardest part of the challenge was what you didn’t see — pouring rain during about 80 percent of the challenge! Battery Park was a big, muddy mess — and this wasn’t a nice cool rain, it was a warm, sticky, humid mess, where everyone was overheating. Not sure if you saw Mark’s shirt by the end of the challenge, but I was seriously afraid that he was going to end up dehydrated due to excessive perspiration! The other tricky part for the designers was working in such close quarters with another person (their carpenter) in addition to cameras following them. This was a very challenging challenge for many reasons.
It looked like the contestants had a great time with the HGTV and DIY carpenters. Were there any fun moments that didn’t make it into the show?
There were so many funny moments that didn’t make it into the show, but my favorite was when Mark and Carmen spontaneously started to salsa dance in front of their house! The chemistry all the way around was wonderful – and the carpenters added exactly what our designers needed at this point of the competition…motivation, talent, and the great attitudes.
What questions do you have about the tiny house challenge or Design Star as a whole? As in the comments below — Loren may just answer your questions next week!
dutch door add light, chair and flowers outside to match inspiration daffs etc, paint soooo messy and camera challende right next to it (opps), cottage cute brakets with glass shelves w/ light from above, meg woodblock counter and the table and chairs were real diff no cohesion round mat, mirror entrance wall meg, more available they worried about what????? flower box attached meg, welcome mat, cool chandelier or modern silver floor arching over…
In what language are you writing?
I think she's writing in tongues.
as the producer of the show what will you do with the growing numbers of viewers who are very disappointed with the decision made by your panel , they really created a mess . If you really care for your viewers, really huge numbers of them including myself and big clan back home you have to correct their mistakes in sending Mark home , you can't just ignore us, this is not an ordinary movie fan craze we're fighting for to be heard by your network .. this is about a person that has the real talent , personality and professionalism that is worth fighting for .. correct the injustice for sure you will lose lots of your viewers . We are not kids to be fooled in believing that your judges made the right decision . Look at the numbers of the angry people on all the blogs regarding the last episode they keep on growing .. Mark should be in the final and not Meg READ Them
I have no problem with Mark going home, besides as I told someone else, I truly believe he will be be back…Like Casey last year, he has star appeal.
To keep the show fair and authentic, we put our trust in our esteemed design panel to decide on who stays each week. Design is super-subjective, so it's hard to please all of our viewers. However, if you'd like to see more Mark, you should vote for him as your fan favorite at hgtv.com. He can still win his own online show. Thanks for watching…and sorry that you were disappointed by their decision…we really do care about what our viewers think.
KARL ALL THE WAY!!!
MEG ALL THE WAY!!!
Loren, with all due respect, design is not super-subjective in all aspects. Design Style is subjective, but form and function have their fundamental rules and is NOT subjective at all. And speaking of rules, a competition should have some. They should be shared with the viewers at the beginning of each episode so we know what you expect from the designers and we know too. Anyway, making blanket statements about the subjectivity of design only make decisions seem random and more about favoritism of the judges rather than fairness and consistency.
you fail to mention that the FIRST and only truly successful star of this show was selected BY THE VIEWERS and not the judges in the finals. Ever sence you removed Clive, the viewers have no vote on who wins – allowing people to vote multiple times for on-line show does not cut it.
also, why is it that your network never responds unless you give glowing praise for the network? hmmmmmmm
Mark G I wish you're the producer of the show coz you gave me hope and inspiration ( hmm lyrics from a song ) instead of telling me he respect the decisions of his judges wanna think he's trying to tell me " Take it or Leave it " thanks for a nice reply
Not everyone believes Mark should be in the final; Meg does have her supporters. I like Marks designs, but, not the way he is on camera. Meg has grown both ways as the weeks have progressed. Many designers who haven't won HAVE gotten their own shows on TV.
I think all three had their strengths. Marks creativity was impressive, but he had problems managing time and pulling it together in the end. However what it did finish was excellent. He totally failed the tv portions. I do lean toward Karl because his work is polished and complete. His eye for style is excellent. He also is growing in this filming portions. Meg would be great in a home and crafts type of show. Maybe a $1000.00 room make over. However, she is not a prime time type of designer life Vern, Candace or David. It is becoming more difficult to watch just anything when the three of them are out there…..OMG!
I must agree. Mark is obviously an extremely talented designer but design is not the only component of hosting a TV show. It's also hosting ability. Mark just simply did not come through. And those belt buckles, what was he thinking? That was about the only time I wasn't impressed with his work.
the show does PUSH for each designer to have a nitch – Mark's the go to guy for inventive art (according to vern). Also, other then his confussion of what was expected in the camera challenge with carpenter and the demo on Nate Burk show his hosting scenes have consistently been MUCH MORE entertaining then others. If he had his own show – with reasonable time to design then all his designs and on-air hosting would be spot on
I did not agree with the judges' decision, but I do recognize it's a TV show.
Mark did not win but he sure has quite the following for his work now.
And thousands of viewers for the past 6 weeks(?) have been watching.
I'm sure that's why all these designers sign up in the first place.
So they can get their name out there. Mission accomplished!
It won't be the last we see of Mark Diaz, I am sure of that.
Now, on with the show! And I HOPE KARL WINS! Woo hoo! Go Karl!
And sorry, I know you all work hard like the rest of us,
but if you picked Meg, I cannot watch her show for all the reasons already mentioned.
For NEXT season, I DO expect better for the record.
But thanks for listening to us, obviously you have made some changes we suggested already.
Marks creativity with wood was amazing. He will have his place….
mark needed to go home
I do not understand all this Mark support. He consistently messed up on his camera challenges and on time management. Those are key skills that he did not evolve or grow. He would get bogged down on details every time. No perspective at all. Maybe he was counting on his Chicklets grin to blind everybody to his faults.
I personaly want a designer who IS concerned with DETAIL!!!!! I am not so excited about someone who can throw something together in two days that can not stand up to day to day living in reality. And let's face it, most every host of any HGTV show have a staff of others who do all the grunt work that, be honest, Mark did do as well as his special projects.
Angry Bird, I agree
Hanna thanks angry bird no more I'm a humming bird now lol
I love Meg I think all three are great
swivel book rack for cook book, towel holder typ holder, outside shower w/ semicircle rod and some curtain…
I am a HGTV fan forever…I love the challenges…I am however dissapointed that so many of the other HGTV shows have gone by the wayside…If I have to watch another show on rich people buying houses in foreign countries, I think I'll scream. I want to watch makeovers and learn how to do things I can do in my own house.
I SO agree with this. Too many shows with the same format…My First Place, House Hunters, House Hunters Internat'l, For Rent, Property Virgins, The UnSellables; even Selling New York, although different because of the location, is still just about selling properties. I miss the shows where you could actually apply information and techniques you learned from the show, like Decorating Cents, Designer's Challenge, and the designing show with Sherry & Matt.
I don't mind the shows you listed, I just wish they wouldn't repeat them so often…The For Rent Lady does a nice job making an apartment more stylish…As for The UnSellables, it seems like it's no different than the Designed to Sell shows…Property Virgins, is entertaining, if it's not a repeat…Sandra brings these property virgins back to Earth…She's cool.
I don't agree. I love "House Hunter International". I used to travel overseas. I don't get to much anymore and watching this show kind of takes me back to the places. Also I like to see how people around the world live there lives.
I agree Brenda. House Hunter’s International is educational. In the United States we sometimes become complacent and lose awareness on just how fortunate we are. I enjoy watching homes and condominiums from faraway places and making comparisons to my own lifestyle. It sometimes reveals standard of living that makes me cringe and become more grateful of my own blessings. I see homes with small refrigerators, no dishwasher, homes with very limited resources. I am also fascinated at the cost of living. Some of those homes are definitely (for me) are not worth the money although I assume they have no other choice. Bottom line—Please keep House Hunter’s International!!!!
How about one or two HHI a week instead of a continual barrage? Some new and diverse programming is a long time coming.
Travel Channel.
The Travel Channel has very informative programs and I view it all the time. Nevertheless, It is not directed toward realestate. House Hunter's International gives the viewers a much more detailed and visual insight on the native's cost/lifestyle/customs/ sometimes their traditional practices and real estate laws.
I agree w/ Linda 100%. A little bit of House Hunters Internationals is OK, but it seems to be on way too much. Even though I like Mike Holmes, he gets to be a bit much after awhile too. I would like more shows like the one Sherry & Matt had on, they showed how they did things. Mix it up in the evenings more.
I enjoy some of the real estate shows, but, unless I am mistaken, it's the Home and GARDEN NETWORK. Where's the Garden portion? I DVR the few design shows that are left on this channel, but go to DIY Network or Lifetime for Picker Sisters for real inspiration.
Just saw they have yet a new another new variation of House Hunters on tonight at 9 p.m. It is called House Hunters: Urban Living. Seems the powers that be at HGTV just really do not care what we want to watch on the network.
Real Estate market is not good right now. Hasn't been for several years. Their sponsors are probably really pushing for it. Get people to think about buying.
Plus, it's easy and cost effective to produce this type of show.
That's probably why.
that is the same excuse every network takes the cheap so-called reality route. Most ALL TV viewers have to pay for the luxery through cable or satiline/direct TV. When it was free on antena airwaves their seemed to be better quality. If the network is so hard up for cash then maybe they shouldn't be in telecast of seasonal parades that every other netowork already airs and maybe building and giving away dream houses is too much money spent at self-promotion. And come on, most all shows have 'built in' product placement commercial support.
I agree. If the network can't deliver what they are supposed to be about then it's time to shut it down! But let's be real. There's no network that can just 'give up' sponsors right now. And plus, I think give aways might also have some exemption value since they are just giving it away. Not sure how it all works. But I am sure they are not just 'giving' it away for no benefit other than self promotion.
I like design shows, but as a renter who is saving to buy my first house, the real estate shows are what I watch. I agree that they run the reruns too often, but I still want to watch them. I think that could pare down the number (why do they need my first place and property virgins? Property virgins is way more informative for those of us who are trying to learn about home buying). I also hate the house hunters international shows and would much rather watch the domestic ones. To me its interesting to see what you money will buy you in different areas of the country. For Rent is the ONLY show on for renters. When I own my own house and can actually decorate/renovate, I will watch more of those shows. I think what you want to watch depends on where you are in life.
THANK you Linda for pointing this out. Evening HGTV is simply about selling/buying real estate. 'Selling New York" glorifies extravagance and greed and an its-all-about-me attitude. One real estate broker said, as she gently smiled, that a couple's divorce would benefit her because then she'd get three potential listings (as she's sitting in her posh NY apt with her three white poodles). I've never watched it since. Yes, bring back more shows that we 'regular' people find enjoyable and useful. HH international does provide cultural education but every darn night during prime time?
Yes! Where is Sherry and Matt today? I LOVED that show!
They have a show on the PBS digital channel called Create. It's free, digital broadcast TV, but you need to buy a digital box.
Sherry and Matt! I forgot about Sherry and Matt! Loved them!
I have to agree with you there, as much as I enjoy seeing the scenery, I'm so sick of seeing the same house hunting episodes over and over again…I wish they would bring back Homes Across America back.
Oops one too many backs.
Speaking of the same old shows being repeated for YEARS, what about Cash in the Attic? When was the last time they produced a new one of those?
I so agree with you. I love HGTV but some of the shows I simply cannot stand and turn to the food network. I like to see how things are done and the easiest and least expensive way to accomplish a project, like the good old days. Please Please no more house hunters!!!!!
Please bring back Small Space, Big Style. That was such an informative, fascinating, and inspiring show about how real people deal with real spaces. And it would go great with the downsizing trend that inspired this tiny house challenge.
The shows/talent they run ad naseum are Canadian. Look at the credits…they can run them forever and not worry about broadcast rights…I'm just sayin'.
1 show I really miss is 'Designer Finals.' I LOVE seeing students in action! Whether it's interior design or the medical field.
I remember that show! That was fun. I wish they would bring it back.
I agree! And do you notice it is basically Euro buying Euro….the USD cannot buy over in Europe anymore…so why do they keep it on????
I love house hunters international, but local ones I hate and I hate Bang for your Buck! I wish they would come to Texas and do a bathroom make over for me.
I'm sorry, I LOVE Bank for your Buck! It's great to see what ordinary people have done, and how differently the designs are for the same amount of money. You can get a good idea of how you need to balance what YOU like as well as potential RESALE value.
Agree strongly. I'd like to see down to earth, affordable decor ideas. Something for rented spaces too would be great since not everyone wants to foot a decorating bill that Landlord won't deduct from rent!
I absolutely agree!! Where are the design shows? I am tired, tired, tired of house hunters, house hunters international, my first place, etc. I used to watch HGTV all the time. But now it's down to Mike Holmes (if I'm not working that night) and design star. Please do something about this.
I agree! I'm sooo tired of hearing about kids who can't share a bedroom or even a bathroom! How did we ever survive childhood with 4 kids and 1 bath?
You are so very right! In this economy, we need more practical design shows. I love the new High Low Project. We need more ideas for people with small budgets and big dreams. Have you considered that many people have already lost their home and are now trying to decorate a rental home or condo? Do you have any quick and inexpensive ideas for their situations? Get practical and you will gain more viewers!
I miss mission organization
what happened to the 3 houses ?I loved Karl's
what did yall do with the 3 houses?
I think the judges' tight facelifts have impaired their brains.
LOL Sharon thanks for the laugh I need it
Have you ever considered making Design Star longer than one hour? A longer format would allow you to display more of the designer working and some of those funny times you have mentioned.
Bring on the bloopers, laughs and practical jokes! It would be fun to watch. Or maybe you could do a show at the end dedicated to all those things through the competition.
We have considered it…I just know that it's a lot to ask people to give us more than an hour per show, but I'll definitely consider it for next year!
Maybe you could do those online, Loren
I would like to see what Candice would do with a tiny house challenge. I didn't like Meg's choice of color either or the argyle pattern Mark used or the red in Karl's tiny house that did not read red on my TV. Candice has such a great eye and if these three attempts were analyzed as less than right then I would like a glimpse at perfection through her eyes. Candice I can't wait to see more episodes of your new hit show. You really deliver!
I also want to know what happens to the tiny houses after the designers finish decorating them? Sure hope they are not torn down. If I ever had to pick a designer to do one of my rooms it would be Candice! She is fantastic
They were designed to be model homes to be displayed in different places in New York. I don't know if any of them are in NYC itself but I think I read in parts of Upstate NY. Someone posted a link to their site.
But I think all you have to do is an internet search for Tiny House and you should get some results.
Big mistake getting rid of Mark. He was such a joy to watch. He had as much talent as the other two, & I really think he would have gotten used to the cameras quickly. I liked all three of the last contestants and theyn were my choice, but I think Mark would have caught on like David Brumstead. I am not so sure about Karl or Meg. They both do great work but are not as watchable as Mark.
I love your passion – vote for Mark as your fan favorite at hgtv.com. If so, he'll win his own online show!
2nd best doesn't cut it and that is what the online show is in my opinion. I'm not gonna check the web every day to see what his online show is about. We wanted to watch him in person on tv. I've voted for him but I won't deal with an online show.
Mark is from Miami and I"m here in Miami, lived here all my life. He had a pleasantness which is reminiscent of old Miami when folks were friendly and kind. Miami doesn't have that reputation anymore.
He made me proud. Too bad you guys don't understand when a person has "it"—a screen presence. Evidently it has to do with design, decorating and camera presence. And it ain't like Meg's got 2 out of 3 here…she just shopped and is kinda loud and phony. Mark was sincere and engaging and charming. I think he had design and camera presence down pack….he had 2.5 out of 3 with camera presence and design down pack & only .5 for decorating…..Meg has 0 out of 3 …and Karl has 2.5 out of 3…design and decorating excellence with .5 for camera presence.
@ sagebrush thank you so much there's a big difference between going on line and watching it on TV so sad that all he can say is vote on line for Mark I like Karl too and these two deserves each other on the final Battle of the Talents the producer said he cares for their viewers and respect the decisions of his judges I got the message TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT
I agree – this was another epic mistake by the judges. I like Karl a lot too – but if the judges REALLY judged on ALL of their past work, then Mark would have won over Meg hand's down! A lot of her work was disappointing or unfinished, where Mark's was always beautiful and well done.