INTERVIEW: Check out these ‘Animal Cribs’
Photo: Jared Pedea, Grace Lee and Antonio Ballatore enjoy a day on an Animal Cribs build. Photo courtesy of Animal Planet / Provided by press website with permission.
Redeveloping homes is one of the great pastimes of reality television. Millions of viewers tune in to see the big reveals and how a shabby house has been turned into a palatial estate.
Putting a unique spin on the home renovation genre is Animal Cribs, which follows Antonio Ballatore and his team of designers as they build new living spaces for pets and pet owners alike. The results are every bit as thrilling as the home décor shows, but the dimensions he works with are a little more dog and cat-friendly.
Ballatore rose to prominence after he won HGTV’s Design Star competition, and that transitioned into The Antonio Treatment. Now the TV star is on Animal Planet with Animal Cribs, which premieres new episodes Fridays at 9 p.m.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Ballatore about the new season. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect on the new season of Animal Cribs?
We definitely stepped it up this year! We have everything from a jungle waterfall basement for a firefighter and his 20-foot python, a rolling barn on wheels for two mini horses, goats and goat yoga, just to name a few. I’m definitely excited for this season.
Where did the idea for this show come from?
The producers of the show came to me with a rough idea for the show, and I added my own flavor and creativity to make it what it is today.
How do families get selected for the series?
You can apply by emailing animal@punchdrunkpictures.com . We love helping rescue families.
Why is it so important to have the right ‘animal crib’ for pets? How can it improve their life?
Every animal has its different needs, and it’s important to enrich their lives and keep them happy, healthy and stimulated. After all, they are our family members.
How many pets do you currently have? Do you find yourself wanting to add more?
We currently have three rescue dogs: Edie, part Chupacabra and part baby goat; Paolo, a xolo/ terrier mix; and our dramatic senior chihuahua Nessie who was a stray for six years before we rescued her. We love seeing their personalities come out as they get more comfortable. You can follow #teamweirdo on Instagram @aballatore. And, yes, I can see some more rescues in the future!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Animal Cribs airs new episodes Fridays at 9 p.m. on Animal Planet. Click here for more information.
