Mark Burnett has agreed to take over as executive producer of HGTV’s "Design Star."
Yes, THAT Mark Burnett.
The "Survivor" guru, who has been expanding his cable operations lately, will produce season five of the show via his Mark Burnett Productions banner. While Burnett has helped create shows for MTV and TV Land, it does seem a bit odd that he’d agree to take over an HGTV series in its fifth season.
Nonetheless, the move is a coup for HGTV, which can now use Burnett’s name to tout the series.
Here’s an edited version of the release:
HGTV has signed Mark Burnett, executive producer of reality competitions such as Survivor and The Apprentice, and his production team to produce season five of the hit primetime series HGTV Design Star. Viewers and online users who want to be considered for the show can visit HGTV.com/designstar to find out how to apply. Submissions must be postmarked by Tuesday, January 19, 2010.
“The Mark Burnett team is extremely creative and talented — masters at crafting entertaining reality programming,” said Freddy James, senior vice president, programming development and production, HGTV. “We expect that they will infuse HGTV Design Star with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will serve as a blueprint for a successful fifth season.”
With Burnett on board, the casting and production for the series are expected to move quickly.
“We are thrilled to have our first program with HGTV and the Scripps family of networks,” said Mark Burnett, “We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and making HGTV Design Star even bigger, better, and more exciting than it has been in seasons past.”
