Behind the Scenes: The Makings of an HGTV Show

Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite HGTV shows are produced? Wonder no more! We sat down with show producers and video editors to find out exactly what it takes to make an entire HGTV show. Spoiler: It's a lot. Keep scrolling for all the details and never-before-seen film photos from behind the scenes. Pictured: HGTV stars film 100 Day Hotel Challenge in the rain.

A full day on set usually starts early and ends late. According to Liz Kerrigan and Michael Matsumoto, two of HGTV's most seasoned executive producers, shoot days can take anywhere from eight to 14 hours. The producers arrive early to set up the equipment and the talent arrives early to prepare for a day on camera (i.e. sitting for hair and makeup, enjoying a big breakfast and getting organized for the day ahead). Pictured: Ty Pennington and Alison Victoria on set of Battle on the Beach.

"Sometimes the crew and talent go out for nice dinners after shoot days," Michael says — but of course fun happens on set, too. Brock Zych, social video producer and editor for HGTV, remembers when Ben Napier had the opportunity to drive a racecar on the Sebring Raceway in Florida while shooting Home Town Takeover. "It all depends on what's going on in the city or area we shoot in," Michael tells HGTV. Some shoot locations have more action than others (think Los Angeles versus rural Alabama), but HGTV stars and crews always find something to get into.

Many HGTV shows are shot all over the country — and sometimes, the world! — which means the crew often spends weeks at a time away from their families while working on set. Many crew members also produce multiple seasons of the same show and, over time, become very close with the talent. For example, Liz has worked with Jasmine Roth since her first season of Help! I Wrecked My House and plans to fly to Utah and direct Season 5. As Liz and Michael put it: "Everyone starts to feel like they belong to a second travel family." Pictured: Erin Napier enjoys filming with the Home Town crew.

Liz shares her secret to how they keep recurring shows exciting: "We capture reality. Reality is everything." Fans know: Many of HGTV's shows involve ambitious, beautiful and suspenseful renovations. The always-captivating reality of pulling these undertakings off is how producers keep it fresh. "It's fascinating, because there's so much that goes into any one project," Liz says. "Contracting, creativity, organization, hardships and design execution." Pictured: The 100 Day Hotel Challenge crew stays busy on set.

Creativity and quick-thinking are crucial traits for producing or starring in a renovation show. While Liz looks for new and different ways to tell the stories in each episode, Michael thinks outside the budget. Then they assess what is possible within the budget and execute it. "Competition shows are a great way to keep things exciting," Michael adds. Pictured: Some of the magic happens at the Warner Brothers backlot in Los Angeles.

"Producers are strong and supportive leaders who remain calm and kind above all else," Liz says. They need to coordinate with their crew and the talent to capture the reality of everything happening around them — in real time, that is! Pictured: This incredibly lively scene in front of the Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge shoot shows just how many people are on set. There's a lot of talent and crew members to wrangle.

All HGTV producers agree: Working with talent is one the better parts of the gig. No HGTV star is the same, but they're all fun to be around. Brock has worked on set for the last three seasons of Battle on the Beach and feels like it's "a little reunion of old friends" when everyone is together for filming. Pictured: Moments before Ashley Graham announced Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt (100 Day Dream Home) as the winners of Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge.

HGTV producers prepare for as much as they can beforehand. For example, competition show Battle on the Mountain was shot in Breckenridge, Colorado, but despite the remote beauty of shooting a show on the cusp of the Colorado Rockies, the crew had to spend hours working at a high elevation, which put them at risk of developing altitude sickness. To be proactive, they brought supplemental oxygen for anyone who began to feel unwell.

Home Town Takeover hosted by Erin and Ben is one of the more satisfying shows to produce, according to Liz, because "we have the opportunity to positively impact an entire town." However, balancing the budget with the needs and priorities of the town can get tricky, she tells HGTV — not to mention all the humidity down South. "Dehydration is real," Brock says. Pictured: Sebring, Florida, locals gather for the big announcement that HGTV has chosen their town for Season 3 of Home Town Takeover.

Battle on the Beach is another show where filming can get tough, according to Brock and Michael. Ocean water, unforeseen storms, sand and sun can all funk the jam of shooting on the beach. But Brock doesn't mind, the Battle on the Beach set is still one of his favorites. "Everything is a fun balancing act," Michael agrees.

The days are long, and filming keeps everyone on their toes. HGTV producers are always grateful to work with lively talent. Cast and crew alike appreciate the privilege of experiencing new places together. Pictured: Brian and Mika on the set of 100 Day Hotel Challenge in North Carolina.