Secrets of A&E's 'New House, No Debt' with Showrunner Dean Ollins
# Behind the Scenes of Reality TV: A Conversation with Executive Producer Dean Ollins
In the fast-paced world of reality television, few have navigated the industry's twists and turns as successfully as Dean Ollins. As the executive producer and showrunner of A&E's "New House, No Debt," Ollins recently sat down with the hosts of the Skip Town All Stars podcast to pull back the curtain on the making of unscripted television.
## The Journey to Showrunner
Ollins' path to becoming a top executive producer is as fascinating as the shows he creates. Starting his career in feature films and scripted comedy, he made the transition to unscripted television in his early thirties. This move, he explains, was partly motivated by a desire for stability as he started a family. It's a decision that has led to a diverse and successful career spanning various genres of reality TV.
One of Ollins' most notable strengths is his ability to adapt to different types of shows. Unlike many in the industry who get pigeonholed into specific genres, Ollins has successfully produced everything from food competitions like "The Great Food Truck Race" to home renovation shows like the "Brady Bunch" house project. This versatility has been key to his longevity in a notoriously fickle industry.
## The Making of "New House, No Debt"
The conversation delves deep into the production process of "New House, No Debt," offering viewers a rare glimpse into the complexities of creating a house hunting show. Ollins reveals that the biggest challenge was finding homes that not only fit the buyers' criteria and budget but were also available for filming on specific dates. This logistical puzzle is far more complex than most viewers realize, requiring a delicate balance of scheduling, permissions, and timing.
Casting, Ollins explains, is another crucial element that can make or break a show. For "New House, No Debt," the casting process hit some snags, leading to a six-week delay in production. However, this setback didn't change the air date, resulting in a compressed schedule that had the team delivering episodes just days before they were set to air. This behind-the-scenes pressure is a common but rarely discussed aspect of reality TV production.
## The Brady Bunch Renovation: A Career Highlight
One of the most captivating segments of the interview is Ollins' recounting of his work on the Brady Bunch house renovation project. As a lifelong fan of the show, Ollins found himself in the surreal position of not only working on the renovation but also becoming friends with the original cast members. His story of tracking down all six Brady kids for the project highlights the personal connections and nostalgia that can make reality TV so compelling.
This project stands out as a career highlight for Ollins, demonstrating how passion and opportunity can align to create truly special television moments. It's a reminder that behind every reality show is a team of people working to create memorable experiences not just for the audience, but for the participants as well.
## Advice for Aspiring Producers
For those looking to break into the industry, Ollins offers some unconventional but insightful advice. Rather than recommending a degree in film or television, he suggests aspiring producers focus on becoming well-rounded, educated individuals. Understanding storytelling, character development, and having a broad base of knowledge, he argues, are more valuable than technical skills that can be learned on the job.
Ollins also emphasizes the importance of "making your own luck" in the industry. His own career is peppered with examples of seizing opportunities, from cold-calling executives to jumping on emerging trends. This proactive approach, he believes, is essential in an industry where thousands of talented individuals are competing for the same positions.
## The Future of Unscripted Television
As the conversation turns to the current state of the industry, Ollins notes the ongoing consolidation in basic cable and the resulting slowdown in new show development. Despite these challenges, he sees certain genres – like home renovation, food, and dating shows – as perennial favorites that will continue to find audiences.
Ollins' own future plans reflect the adaptability that has defined his career. He mentions dabbling again in scripted writing and developing new unscripted concepts, including an intriguing project related to the cult classic film "The Lost Boys."
## Conclusion
Dean Ollins' journey through the world of reality television offers a fascinating look at an industry that is constantly evolving. From the high-pressure environment of delivering episodes just days before air to the joy of bringing beloved cultural icons together, his experiences highlight both the challenges and rewards of creating unscripted content.
For viewers, this peek behind the curtain adds a new layer of appreciation for the shows they love. For aspiring producers, Ollins' career path and advice serve as a valuable roadmap in a competitive industry. As reality TV continues to shape our cultural landscape, voices like Ollins' remind us of the creativity, adaptability, and sheer determination required to bring these stories to our screens.
# 10 Fun Facts about A&E Television Network:
1. A&E originally stood for "Arts & Entertainment Network" when it launched in 1984.
2. The network began as a commercial-free, pay cable channel.
3. A&E's longest-running series is "Biography," which premiered in 1987.
4. The network co-produced the award-winning "Pride and Prejudice" miniseries starring Colin Firth in 1995.
5. A&E launched the History Channel as a spin-off network in 1995.
6. "Duck Dynasty" became A&E's most-watched series ever, with its fourth season premiere attracting 11.8 million viewers.
7. A&E has won four Primetime Emmy Awards for its original programming.
8. The network entered the reality TV genre in 2005 with "Dog the Bounty Hunter."
9. A&E is part of A+E Networks, which is jointly owned by Hearst Communications and Disney.
10. In 2018, A&E launched a true crime spin-off network called A&E Crime Central.
# Top 10 House Hunting Shows as per Television Ratings:
1. House Hunters (HGTV)
2. Property Brothers (HGTV)
3. Love It or List It (HGTV)
4. Fixer Upper (HGTV)
5. Flip or Flop (HGTV)
6. My Lottery Dream Home (HGTV)
7. Home Town (HGTV)
8. Beachfront Bargain Hunt (HGTV)
9. House Hunters International (HGTV)
10. Tiny House Hunters (HGTV)
Note: This list is based on general popularity and ratings trends, as specific ratings can fluctuate over time and exact figures are not always publicly available. HGTV dominates the house hunting genre, which is why all top shows are from this network.