CELEBRITY HOLIDAY HOMES - A Producer's Scrapbook
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Transcript of CELEBRITY HOLIDAY HOMES - A Producer's Scrapbook
A PRODUCERS SCRAPBOOK
B Y K A T H R Y N C R I M A N I
Associate Producer
Celebrity Holiday Homes
On CELEBRITY HOLIDAY HOMES, celebrities' homes are transformed into holiday spectaculars when HGTV designers step in to create the ultimate festive looks. The program, now in its 5th season, is produced by AL ROKER ENTERTAINMENT and we asked Associate Producer, Kathryn Crimani to give us a little insight as to how this festive program comes together. ____________________________________________________________________________________
WE OUR STARS! “This year, we capture the holiday designs of four celebrity homes – last year we did three homes. There was no specific reason why, it’s just what the network (HGTV) wanted. So the production company must accommodate this new change accordingly.”
“When we select celebrities for the show, one of the criteria we use to determine if we can use them is
that they have a beautiful, camera-ready house and it must be a space we can transform easily. They also must be open and available – good on camera, and
ready to let us do our thing. We’ve had to turn down a few celebs in the past. Speaking of which, and
without mentioning any names, a rapper who just got out of prison was interested in our show, but clearly
wasn't a top choice for HGTV, so we had to pass.”
IT WAS SO “For this year’s program, we primarily shot in Los
Angeles. We use a local crew out in LA, usually the same
people from year to year. They know our whole process
and don’t mind being covered in glitter! It’s a great team. Working in LA
on a Christmas program can be a hoot. First of all, we’re usually
shooting while it’s hot outside – anytime between August and
November, and this year was particularly hot. While filming Christina
Milian’s segment, it was unbelievably hot in LA. One of the decorations
we used was a life-sized unicorn that was so hot to even touch. But of
course, someone did touch it and the horn broke off. That’s our Segment Producer, Mary Forrest above
goofing with the broken unicorn horn. “
WE OUR DESIGNERS!
“Our designers
are chosen
based on their
previous design
and TV
experience.
They must be
comfortable on
TV, and HGTV
Programming
Director Brian
Balthazar must
approve our using them. Brian will veto any idea he
feel doesn’t fit the audience of HGTV. We use a
talent booker for this task. It also helps that our
Executive Producer, Dawn Smith, is highly
knowledgeable of the design world and has a
tremendous network of designer and celebrity
contacts. Sometimes our celebrities turn us on to other potential subjects. For example, last year we
profiled Twisted Sister singer, Dee Snider. Dee’s manager had a connection with Lorenzo Lamas and
recommended we use him so this year Lorenzo is part of our program.”
“When we get to work, we go over the basic
design plans with the celebrity, but for the
most art, the “reveal” is a totally surprise.
They have no idea that the transformation is
so incredible. You just have to see it to believe
it!”
“As busy as we get, we always remember why we’re
doing the show and that’s to spread some holiday joy.
When we were shooting at Joely Fisher’s home, we
had decorated the fireplace with glittery branches. As
beautiful as this looked, it didn’t stop her daughter
from worrying if Santa would be able to fit past these
on Christmas Eve! The kids are what make it special for
me.”
“The show is produced by three people –
Dawn Smith is our Executive Producer and
Director, Mary Forrest is our Segment
Producer, and I am the Associate Producer.
Dawn is amazing. She has so much talent and
can do twenty things at once! I not only give
her credit as a talented Producer/Director but
also as a woman. Everyone knows she’s the
boss!
Mary is also great to work with. She has an
amazing eye for design – we call her our
Martha Stewart. When she gets into Martha
mode, it adds a tremendous creative vision to
the show.
As the Associate Producer, I handle the bulk of
the production coordinating duties –
everything from researching the celebrities to planning the logistics of the shoot.”
“We all love working with Al Roker Entertainment because they let us do our thing. I formally interned here so I know all the editors and post production people. I worked on the last season of Celebrity Holiday Homes in 2012 and (Executive Producer) Dawn Smith had asked if I would be interested in working on the next. I was recommended by Al Roker Entertainment Executive Vice President, Tracie Brennan after I interned there during that season. Al is also very supportive”
“In addition to Dawn, Mary, and me, we have an incredible crew that works on this show… Brian D'Amico is our Editor who works very closely with Dawn. Jay Lafayette is our very talented Director Of Photography in California, and Sean Martinez is our ever smiling Production Coordinator for LA shoots. He has such a great positive attitude! And I need to give a shout out to Kelli Ellis- one of my favorite designers to work with. Designer Nathan Turner was recommended to us by Kelli and got cast on the show! Such a pleasure to work with.”