I chat with Design Star producer Loren Ruch each week about behind-the-scenes moments we didn’t see on the show. This week: How do the designers keep the winner’s identity secret after the finale? Plus, how big is the DS crew? Read on to find out.
This question comes from Parkebernet on the blog: Loren, how are the city locations chosen each season? Would you ever consider moving from a huge city like LA or NYC to, say, Billings, Montana?
We actually choose the locations for a variety of reasons. This year, we wanted to get the show on the air earlier than in the past because we wanted it to wrap before the Olympics. That meant that we needed to shoot in January and February (instead of March and April), so I thought New York City would just be too cold during that time frame especially for outdoor shoots. We also take into consideration where it’s the most convenient to find a good crew to work on the show (which tends to be LA or NY). That said, I would definitely be open to trying other cities provided there are enough shopping options, decent weather, and good accommodations for a huge crew plus our designers and panel. Design Star is a huge commitment for David, Vern and Gen, too, because they need to move to the destination of our choice for over two months. That means packing up kids, spouses, pets and lots and lots of wardrobe options!
How large is the Design Star crew compared to the typical HGTV crew?
Great question, and no one has ever asked me that before! Design Star is SIGNIFICANTLY larger than any other show on the network. We have roughly 150 people working on it as compared to a typical show, which may have 15 to 20. There are just so many departments on a show like this including challenge producers, reality producers, production assistants, talent coordinators, makeup artists — the list goes on and on!
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Britany fell just short of her goal, but she says she’s not done yet. Hear why she wouldn’t change a thing and what she sees herself doing next.
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The mentor and host joined the design panel this week as guest judge. See his critiques of the designs + why the panel chose Danielle.
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Last year’s winner gives the newest Design Star her best advice (“You have just won the most amazing career out there!”), plus her words of wisdom for Britany.
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All the drama and design of season seven came down to the final moment of truth: Britany and Danielle made their TV pilots and then stood in front of the panel for one final elimination. Wanna know what else happened? Read on.
Major spoiler alert: If you don’t want to know the winner, don’t keep reading. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
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Britany and Danielle may be friends, but only one can go home the Design Star. Find out who wins it all, tonight at 9/8c! Here’s a peek at the two finalists’ road to the last challenge.
Who do you think will win? Voice your opinion in the comments below.
Who will be HGTV’s next Design Star? We’re only a day away from the big reveal. All that’s left: Britany and Danielle must film their show pilots and prove they have what it takes to design and host. Get a sneak peek of the action.
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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.
See Loren’s Answers From Episode 9
David dishes on why Mark failed this week and who the mentor thinks could “sell anything to anybody.” Plus, who surprised him the most? Hear his from-the-set take.
Get David’s Take on Episode 9
Emily breaks down the tiny house challenge: Why she couldn’t choose a winner and loser, who she felt bad for and her favorite things about the final two.
Emily Dishes on Episode 9
