Question
Hi, well, after watching zillions of lanscape shows on HGTV and PBS, I see, homeowners on TV getting their projects done. So how do I get on one of these shows, and do I have to pay anything or have a minimum cost project and/or do they offer perks like discounts on products and design? Thanks! Sandee

Answer
I grew up on This Old House Classics & Hometime, and my beautiful bride had to endure watching all my archived videos over and over and over卬ow TOH is a 搑etired?program, and their cast have risen to 揷ult?status.  Ah, the Bob Villa days ?not that young pup with the rainbow tool belt!  They ended up doing some 50 houses, when all was said & done.   But, Hometime is still around: Go Dean! 20 years and counting.

So, you wanna be on HGTV?:  http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/be_on_hgtv/0,1783,HGTV_3222,00.html

Or you can ask them via their Q/A section if your project may qualify?http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/pac_ctnt_lnb_gutter/text/0,2595,HPRO_20199_41162,00....

Their editorial staff is always looking for a cool project or product to showcase匢ts not just backyards, but kitchens, bathrooms, home remodels, etc.

You might also want to contact their sister programming unit, Do It Yourself Network:
DIY: http://diynetwork.com/

I looked into getting a project on 揋roundbreakers? but they only tape out of Atlanta, GA, so similar geographic restrictions may apply to where you live.  

Plus, they had a minimum amount that the project homeowner needs to shell out (I think the total improvement value was $35K, plus YOU paid for the designer)...thats why all their shows seem to have heavy clay soils and abundant pine-filled backyards!  Each show requirement is going to be different.

As far as Hometime, it just takes a little effort on your part to let them know who you are, and what YOU have to offer them.  

Their website:
Hometime:  http://www.hometime.com/

Also consider (gasp!) hiring a PR firm or talent promoter to 搒ell?your home improvement projects, just like there are professional game show contestants, who go from program to program.  Yes, they do 揷asting?calls, but your home could be THAT next project that everyone has seen of TV.

Also, don抰 forget about magazines卨ike Handyman, Home & Garden, Sunset, etc.  

But, like most stuff, it isn抰 FREE & EASY.  You, the homeowner, usually will get to pay for the pleasure, or work at getting it on the air.  

Good luck & get busy chasing that dream! -Marc