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.”