[jshilan]

Very diplomatic billyD and thanks for the explanation.

[billyD]

Originally Posted by papercutter

Damn, I love the internet. My first reaction when I got the email notification was "no effing way!"

So there's seriously no discussion of budget whatsoever before you start the design process? That's insane! I guess you may or may not know the answer, but are the homeowners at least somewhat prequalified by the producers beforehand- as in, the may think they'll spend $30K but they're liquid enough and potentially willing to to bump that significantly higher to get what they want?

Nice presentation graphics, by the way. They're part of the reason I remembered your name.

PC;

Nice quick reply, thanks! Here is the process as I recall (it has been about 2 years since the "Bergman episode" our last HGTV project):

1-Owners contact Pie Town production via internet website
2-scout team goes to site to meet Owner and look at property
3-Owner gives them a "range" they can afford
4-Producers pick Owners/property/project
5-designers (all 3) meet Owners off-camera first time to discuss real-world desires
6-producers give you a budget range (usually very wide..."they can afford $50-$100K but are willing to spend more to get what they want"!)
7-we meet client on-camera
8-we present design plans
9-they pick "winner"
10-we build project for OUR EXACT COST (that is the deal for the publicity)
11-HGTV gives erroneous cost information as the voiceover
12-we spend the next 2-3 years talking our way out of the low-ball misrepresentation

Having said all this, the shows did help our local business tremendously and led to my hosting gig and minor TV career.

Thanks for the attention and compliment about the plans/design graphics.

BTW, I was not offended about any comments, I agree with the concept that frustrated you!

Billy D-out

[billyD]

Originally Posted by jshilan

Very diplomatic billyD and thanks for the explanation.

Thanks, my pleasure...BTW cool FJ in your avatar!

[TrickyDick]

Not to beat a dead horse here butthat all just brings me back to my central point which is....WHY? Why include all this BS about the budget if the designers aren't even aware of it? What does the show gain from that? Why not show people making some decisions about what they can and can't afford and working with a professional to help them make the most of it? Obviously it's a hit show so they don't need my advice but to me that would be much more compelling.

[billyD]

Originally Posted by TrickyDick

Not to beat a dead horse here butthat all just brings me back to my central point which is....WHY? Why include all this BS about the budget if the designers aren't even aware of it? What does the show gain from that? Why not show people making some decisions about what they can and can't afford and working with a professional to help them make the most of it? Obviously it's a hit show so they don't need my advice but to me that would be much more compelling.

Even though I risk being a "yes man", I agree....part of the process should be a confidential (with a camera in their face) conversation between clients about how much they can afford, where the funds will come from, what sacrifices will be made for the project, the intrinsic value realized by doing the work, etc., etc. The show would be much more "real" to me too!

[Malrex]

I found this thread pretty interesting. I enjoy the show, in fact my wife and I try to watch it each Sunday. I enjoy hearing what the landowners want, then trying to picture what I would do, then seeing what is actually done. Pretty neat we have some celebrities on the forum! I think the exposure would definately be worth it.

[billyD]

Originally Posted by Malrex

I found this thread pretty interesting. I enjoy the show, in fact my wife and I try to watch it each Sunday. I enjoy hearing what the landowners want, then trying to picture what I would do, then seeing what is actually done. Pretty neat we have some celebrities on the forum! I think the exposure would definately be worth it.

The term "celebrity" should be used loosely around me!!!! Lucky schmuck (sp?) is more like it!!!

I did host Backyard Brigade on Discovery for a 2 year run.....that was fun...I got my own EZ-up and Purple Gatorade.....star treatment for sure!!!

Be good ya'all-