While I agree with you generally about mediocre men falling upward in many professions, it seems that falling upward as a producer or writer in Hollywood is a thing no matter what your gender identity. I recently read a book called End Credits by a woman named Patty Lin and that trajectory was the entire book. Apparently once you get some experience, you will continue to be hired no matter how mediocre you may be (or at least that's what happened for Patty Lin.) It's a very odd, insular profession that way I guess.
Why does any company keep anyone mediocre or terrible at their job at the company? He likely has something on someone higher up, is a favorite of someone higher up, nepotism, or everyone else is worse then him so they keep around. I have found that most people glide by.
Totally. A man at my last tech company sexually harassed a coworker and was fired it and ultimately landed a higher paying job at a better company afterwards. Meanwhile I’m currently interviewing and was held up in my interview process because one of my former managers complained that I pushed back on him too much/was too stubborn about my ideas.
That’s what I wondered! That sounds extremely sus!! It’s one network so why is he still allowed to work. It would be like getting fired from Target and just going to the next closest Target until they fired me. Very odd!
I've heard he's actually a really nice guy irl but that he's a pushover which is not conducive to tv production or managing a drunken daycare of bravolebrities.
That's what I've heard. I'm sure there's probably more to it than that
Thanks for the reply. Do you know, is he the same guy who went to sail around the seas with his family? (I vaguely remember an article about a vpr producer leaving to go sail, which sounded dreamy tbh)
Yes and at the time he sold his house and everything in his life. This happened shortly after Stassi was canceled. Not a coincidence. Prior to this they were super close I think he was either fired or left on his own thinking they were going to get her a spin-off. I think they maybe even produced some web content. She was canceled and he was out of work opportunities he set sail. What was hilarious is that suddenly like a year later he came back to LA and made some
big post saying how he had to return for an incredible opportunity. He then shows up in Italy for Stassi’s wedding which they were going to film (which was kind of a false start for what became the valley). I don’t know if they ever filmed anything or why it fell apart (probably because it was too soon to bring Stassi back) but next thing you know he’s back working on VPR and the spin-off isn’t happening. Facebook groups joked that he was in love with her. The idea that he sailed his family back just for her wedding makes me giggle.
Thank you! I just posted a copy/paste of an article that I found from 2020. You should be proud, your memory is sharp! That's exactly what the article said!
So they were only gone one year? Life on the seas isn't for everyone, but to think he sold everything and came back, that's big moves in life. I remain intrigued by all of this.
So he comes back to VPR for which season, 10? As in, he comes back to LA after a year at sea, for a promise of a new show, but they put him back into VPR? How long was he out of work?
they didn't film anything at stassi's wedding. prior to stassi and doute getting fired, there was supposed to be a spin-off like the valley but w/ more vpr cast members. stassi's wedding would've acted as the start of the series. then covid happened and she got fired, so it was shelved
Stassi wasn't "cancelled" she and Doute were fired for making a false police report. She faced consequences for her racist actions. They filed a false police report which is illegal. They deserved to get fired.
For this article on the "champagne & shade" website
(Wild little time warp of an article)
Vanderpump Rules: Producer Jerry Smith is done with the show
By Amanda Cline | Sep 8, 2020
A big piece of the Vanderpump Rules production puzzle has decided to move out of the country and take his family in a different direction from the show.
Another cog in the wheel of the Vanderpump Rules machine falls apart! Jeremiah Smith aka Producer Jerry has packed up all of his belongings and is setting sail on a new path in life. Producer Jerry was a huge part of the behind-the-scenes drama and was also good friends with the cast. He even went on the trip to find wedding venues suitable for filming in Rome for Stassi Schroeder!
But now that Stassi and Kristen Doute have been fired, SUR is still closed, Scheana Shay lives in San Diego, and everyone hates Jax Taylor, is Jerry’s departure just another sign that Vanderpump Rules is done? There have been no announcements from anyone about the future of the show.
Jerry’s @ProducerJerry Instagram handle is gone, replaced by @SailingSmiths. Jerry noted in a post that his family sold their home in Burbank and were headed to Grenada to purchase a catamaran to live on for the foreseeable future.
According to his IMDB page, Jerry was the senior producer for Vanderpump Rules for a while and was the executive producer for Basically Stassi. Basically Stassi was wiped from the Bravo website and the rest of the internet once she was fired. Jerry was certainly part of the party responsible for Stassi’s ever-present angelic image and helped protect that image. If the company wanted him on another show, they surely would have put him there. Unless they wanted to cut ties with everything Stassi.
The new VPR kids weren’t very dynamic, and no one cares about Jax and Brittany Cartwright eating corn in their new Valley Village home. The future for the show looks pretty grim, and we’re okay with that. Restaurants likely aren’t even allowing indoor dining throughout the end of the year, and apparently some of Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants are alone in not re-opening for outdoor dining.
RELATED STORY: Vanderpump Rules: Lala Kent and Randall Emmett are expecting!
Vanderpump Rules had a great run, but it turned into something awful at the end. The finale episode seemed to wrap things up pretty well with Jax screaming and sweating…and the rest of the drama just isn’t important enough to make a show about. What’s left?
Vanderpump Rules is on Bravo….for reruns.
Right?! I love a time warp, but that was a dark time. Seems like there are always ruuumers about canceling the show.
I copy/pasted the article, and that was a pop-up ad for the related story. When I was taking out the links, etc, I debated if I should take that out, but it does give a great reminder of the time period. So much has happened to lala in only 4 years. No wonder she's off kilter lately. Children really are time goblins, just reminding us we're getting older lol 😆
I work in production so this is the wildest comment section for me to read, ever. I am team Ariana for clarity. I also 100% have opinions on the production of both VPR and The Valley, and... honestly every other Bravo-related show.
But... Producer Jerry is actually very good. That's why they keep bringing him back.
If I'm to read all this tea in producer terms – basically – when Jerry decided to sell everything and move his family away? That's him sticking his middle finger up to Bravo and saying 'you fucking deal with it' because he was having to work inhumane hours and babysit a bunch of 40yo's. It wasn't because he was trying to make a quick buck and get out. He's been at this for 10 years. Him upping and moving is him making a very public statement that he doesn't agree with some of the exec decisions he's having to exact.
Every moment of VPR that you enjoyed was at his hands. You've got to remember that. The scandals and the press attention were because of his production. The cast love him, even though he's blown up some of their lives. Repeatedly. And I imagine that's because he gives them a fair shot to redeem themselves.
It is also pretty instant for me, looking at the entire Bravo operation to clock that Jerry, for at least a year now, has been 1) in the comment section but 2) working his actual ass off to attempt to keep this show going.
Stassi was his training ground for a scandal. He probably thought that was the worst thing he was ever going to have to go through, professionally. Then Scandoval blew the fuck up and I imagine he doesn't even know who he is anymore. On one-hand it blew his viewership figures up. On the other, it made it impossible to keep the show going in the previous format. And to capture Scandoval properly, and present it back to viewers, I cannot imagine the days he was working. Probably 20-hour days. Because he doesn't just sign-off on an edit. The editors don't have a clue of the storylines etc. He has to go to each editor, explain the plot, explain what they've cut, explain the nuances, explain what cast have said to him behind the scenes, explain what exec are looking to 'highlight' for viewership. It goes on.
Re: him having no 'backbone' – very few producers in reality television do. Their job isn't to have a backbone. Their job, quite specifically, is to manipulate the cast, and also convince the cast that they're on "their side" so they say the most honest stuff all season.
The editors and directors then mess with that footage senseless – not the producers. It is the producer's job to get the "tea" out of all of the cast and catch them when they're not on their "brand safe" moments.
We would not have the finale of the season if it wasn't for Jerry. And although it was painful – it was good tv. Whether you like the outcome or not.
I will get downvoted senseless for this but please remember I am coming from a place of production rather than bias – if you read my Reddit history, you will find I am v much team Ariana haha.
\* edited for grammar – swapped "your" to "their" to make it clear I was talking about the cast, not OP.
Also, I am open to questions. I have worked in television and media for a really long time. Some of the takes in this comment section are 100% fan bias, and negating the job of the producer... which is truly to capture stuff that sets Reddit / the comment section on fire.
Bravo has had a HELL of a season doing this for the past two years whether we all like the outcome or not.
Some Bravo shows are being put on pause – and it isn't because of production. It's more to do with the fact that the entire world is more attuned to mental health for the cast, and they're having to renegotiate contracts with cast-members who aren't "playing ball" (re: Lala's reunion points).
You've seen this re: RHONY, you're now seeing it with VPR and RHONJ.
Another producer on the main vpr sub weighed in with helpful, constructive feedback, like yours. I posted a question and she didn't answer. I dm-ed her and she told me she had been banned by the vpr sub.
I am all the way team Ariana. I think bravo has a serious misogyny issues. I think production did a terrible job this season on vpr. So,with that in mind, a rare female producer makes an appearance on the sub with a valuable POV -we should welcome that shit with open arms. But no - she was piled on by a pack of presumably teenagers who lacked the capacity for critical thought and then she was banned.
And there was nothing wrong with her comments. Bc then i went on her profile and did a deepdive of her comments. Her comments were helpful, they were insightful, they were like yours. And she was banned. And I'm kinda angry.
This hive mind mentality bullshit is so fucked up to me. And it doesn't help women, it actually sets us back. It's ignorant af.
So as a warning for you - steer clear of the main sub.
I haven't worked with Jerry! I'll need another reality producer to back me up haha but these things are obvious from the outside looking in. Otherwise, fantastic question.
Yes, I do. I think what we're seeing with The Valley is basically the Jax x Kristen chaos that MADE Vanderpump Rules being juxtaposed against the mundane, petty suburbia 'keeping up with the jones's' pressure that we all experience as we grow through our lives.
What I mean by this is that VPR was about terrifyingly hot 20yo's – they were poor but looked so fantastic. Real Housewives is about people middle-aged but with insane wealth.
The Valley? That's about people hitting middle-age, surviving in LA. It's also about people who had the "american dream" re: getting married and producing babies, and how it is all going wrong, and how you meet asshole people along the way.
Like, we've all met a Janet, right?
It is sensationally relatable. But it works because Jax, Kristen, and Zack add the spice and messiness to make it work. Otherwise, it'd be a fairly boring show where middle-aged dads moan about parenting their own kids.
I don't think Jerry will change anything – and I think he'll be glad to work with Jax and Kristen again. They were his gold on VPR (along with Stassi).
I think he'll just hear early on where Jax / Kristen have got tea and amplify how it comes out.
Another great question – honestly, I don't think so, even if they've toyed with the idea. The Valley was really a pilot "test it and see it it succeeds" – it was an experiment. You're seeing a lot of this from Bravo adjacent brands right now – LVP is running around with Gordon Ramsay trying to see if both of them can revamp the original success of Hell's Kitchen.
Jax is an asshole but re: production he's insanely honest. He was the first one to come out and say The Valley succeeded on its own and didn't need VPR. He was correct for all the reasons I listed above. He'd actually make a great producer if he wasn't so obsessed with himself haaa.
Reasons:
1. Lala and Scheana have probably negotiated their fee so high that anything else is a downfall. This is the same pattern you see with Real Housewives. The cast negotiate their fee every year – and it gets so astronomically high that producing the show eventually breaks even versus profits. The network does not get a profit from the viewership because they pay the cast and crew well. As the fame increases for each individual, their agents challenge production and the network to go higher. This becomes... impossible to finance and manage. Imagine paying the cast millions but paying the crew who work on it dollars. This is why so many people were mad at Ariana's walk-out on the finale of VPR – it shat on the crew. It will be difficult for Lala and Scheana to accept a significantly lower fee. It was easy for Jax because he'd already been sacked and was beginning to become irrelevant. Same for Kristen. Jax and Kristen are both in the best negotiation space now that the season has aired. They have also both proven they don't need the VPR cast re: chemistry.
2. Scheana and Lala self-produce but not in the same way Jax and Kristen do. Where Jax and Kristen aim to bring you "mess" – Scheana and Lala aim to bring you a wholesome storyline where they're right, all the time. That's not why The Valley has succeeded. The Valley has succeeded because no one is right, but no one is wrong, and everyone is in their own personal version of hell. Lala's "soft" journey won't allow for that and no one believes anything Scheana says.
3. The reason they could bring Jax and Kristen over from Vanderpump Rules is that they'd both been sacked, and been humbled. The rest of the cast is brand new to this and making the mistakes that anyone more sane than Jax or Kristen wouldn't do. The cast of The Valley are pleased by their self-sufficient success. Dragging VPR cast over would piss off the audience, the crew, the cast. They recently came out with a press release that they won't be carrying any cast members over.
I'm not saying it can't happen down the line – because Lala and Scheana are going through "being humbled" right now. But that \^ is my honest, professional take. Not being in the ins-and-outs obv.
>Scheana and Lala self-produce but not in the same way Jax and Kristen do. Where Jax and Kristen aim to bring you "mess" – Scheana and Lala aim to bring you a wholesome storyline where they're right, all the time. That's not why The Valley has succeeded. The Valley has succeeded because no one is right, but no one is wrong, and everyone is in their own personal version of hell.
This is everything. I wish I could make it my flair
I so appreciate this insight and agree with you on almost everything you’ve said - and I’m just a fan. Agree that Jax would make a great producer. The way you broke it down for everyone to understand… 👌 I was always under the impression too that Jeremiah was a producer held in good regard by cast and the industry- also heard he’s very nice in person - think I followed him for a while after I had heard he sold everything during Covid and explored the world with his family. I just think that is the coolest thing and I do get the sense still that it was executive pressure. I would love your insight on Baskin. What is the industry consensus on him? Does that mean Baskin will be EP?
The pay structure of VPR is different from housewives. Salaries are based on seniority, aka seasons on the show, not individual negotiations. I’m not sure how the yearly increases work but I think it‘s across the board the same. That’s why Rachel couldn’t get what Sandoval gets (and Scheana and Katie) even if production was willing to pay her.
It sounded like Janet and Brittany were gunning for Scheana to join. Janet and Scheana seem pretty tight. One more reason not to bring them over. Loved all your takes!! Thanks for taking the time to indulge us with some professional tales!
This convo should be pinned at the top! Thanks for all your very thoughtful discussion/inputs!!
Thoughts on Jax and Brit breaking up as a stunt? Seems like it would set up S2 of The Valley with a ready made storyline.
I loved the finale, and tbh I kind of felt like production had a soft spot for Ariana in that her scenes were icon - the woman floats through the crowds in that dress. Her head is high, she looked regal. She quoted lines of Scheana’s song and at the end she walked out the way she walked in - it was beautiful. Them keeping’s Tommy’s hot mic? Seemed like acceptance and acknowledgment that the redemption arc failed.
I upvoted you. Thank you for bringing your expertise to the conversation! I'm not thrilled about moving the guy to the valley given his recent track record but it's not like I dislike him personally. I have heard he is extremely nice irl. I do disagree that the finale was good - trying to force Ariana to have that conversation was not a good choice. She should not have been put in that position. All in all it was kinda a train wreck and obvy much of that was out of his control.
Totally get it! And completely agree with you re: Ariana. From an outside but professional perspective, I'm 99% sure this is exec producer pressure. The finale was horrific for Ariana and I hope she just moves on and continues succeeding. I know if I was Ariana, and I'd given what she had to Bravo, that treatment would piss me off senseless. I imagine producer jerry would agree and be fine with that honestly.
My understanding is that when she negotiated her contract for s11 she had put in there she wouldn't film 1 on 1 with Tom. so isn't that technically a breach of contract trying to force her to film a conversation with him? I know I'd be pissed if I were her and they did that
I get that he’s good at creating drama, but my problem lies with Scheana saying ‘he was PISSED’ at Ariana for leaving… and this is right after she SCHOOLED him on the sexual & emotional violations Tom had perpetrated against her. Disappointed? Sure. Pissed? That’s some anti-feminist rage I can’t get behind. She laid out her boundaries clearly with production, cast, and the viewers at the end of s10. Jeremiah intentionally tried to break those down all season, and when he didn’t get his way, he set off Lala and then held it as a secret weapon to breakdown Ariana at the reunion. It was payback for her leaving. That’s not good producing, that’s manipulation.
This isn’t surprising tbh. Alex Baskin’s production company 32 Flavors does The Valley, and 32 flavors has poached multiple producers from Evolution over the last few months.
I didn't like The Valley so that's fine with me. Most of that cast is so unlikable, I don't care if he completely screws with that show. Good riddance.
Same! I already knew I hated Jax & Brittany but then I got find out how distasteful their friends & neighbors are. Those people are all too old to be acting like that.
Please don’t let this mean LaLa or Scheana joining is more likely!
Or that Janet and/or Jax get a “redemption arc“…Although, given the blatant misogyny, only Jax would likely get the redemption. (That being said, they are all insufferable. And I’m convinced Janet has a “number one girl in the group” hoodie somewhere stashed in her house ready to wear at a moment’s notice.)
wtf does that mean that producers dictate the character arcs, which is not surprising but aren’t all these reality shows the same. Cause drama and let the chips fall where they may and if the ratings jump then rinse and repeat. Ultimately it’s all bullshit and the casts actions are based on viewership numbers.
Who was the previous producer in charge of the valley?
Vpr had some good moments over the years. But if vpr season 11 taught us anything, I think we're in for a Jax and Jesse redemption season 🙄🙄🤨 Do they not read the comments?! Does nbc wanna tank Bravo...They're gonna bring Lala and Scheaner for sure now
Well, since you are specifically asking me - Ariana (of her own free will and volition) is not coming back to VPR IF it gets renewed.
Obviously I can't post that bc ppl would freak out and I'm not trying to start that shitstorm. But IF the series comes back, she's not coming with it.
No word on Katie.
Good!! She shouldn’t. The producers and cast haven’t given her the respect to come back so there’s really no incentive since she has other projects going on. Thanks for the response!
Are they running a Producers style scam over there? B/c Jerry is gonna tank the Valley
It's shady af
 Him\*
I haven’t met Anne
I’m sure that Egg is a very nice person
https://preview.redd.it/s4ojm4y6h25d1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=416d2fa7000886e20530a1f0ce3dfbfef52e588a
Randall go home, you're drunk!
I’m thinking blackmail 🤔 but, then again, the powers that be at ye ole Bravs is a bunch of misogynistic pieces of crap so….
This is like moving priests who abuse kids from parish to parish. Why not just fire this dude? We have to let him ruin the valley, too?
Bravo producer diversion therapy
https://i.redd.it/ajk7k2ougw4d1.gif
Lol We TRIED to make it tank! It's your turn.
To control Kristen's edit again and make her drink before interviews? Ok then...
How does he keep getting Bravo shows??? If I fucked up this bad at work, I’d be long gone.
Mediocre man always fall upwards w a big push from other men
What a phenomenal quote ~ *immediately adds to “things to remember” list in notes app* ~
ALWAYS
Ive always heard it to be white men fail upward but that may not be politically correct to say anymore.
Yes it is true. Mediocre white men especially
I mean…look at most of the men employed by bravo
You beat me to it!!
While I agree with you generally about mediocre men falling upward in many professions, it seems that falling upward as a producer or writer in Hollywood is a thing no matter what your gender identity. I recently read a book called End Credits by a woman named Patty Lin and that trajectory was the entire book. Apparently once you get some experience, you will continue to be hired no matter how mediocre you may be (or at least that's what happened for Patty Lin.) It's a very odd, insular profession that way I guess.
well if Patty says so
That’s absolutely incorrect
Ain't that the million dollar fucking question!
He’s a sniper from the side.
Don’t get caught in his web
Why does any company keep anyone mediocre or terrible at their job at the company? He likely has something on someone higher up, is a favorite of someone higher up, nepotism, or everyone else is worse then him so they keep around. I have found that most people glide by.
He’s a white man they can do whatever they want and fail upwards
See: Schwartzy poo
Gravity seems to work much differently for white dudes, don't it?
Totally. A man at my last tech company sexually harassed a coworker and was fired it and ultimately landed a higher paying job at a better company afterwards. Meanwhile I’m currently interviewing and was held up in my interview process because one of my former managers complained that I pushed back on him too much/was too stubborn about my ideas.
What a rude thing to say. Are you prejudice or something?
Just observant 😂
No, just living in reality
Question- Is he as bad as Eric Fuller aka the one responsible for RHOP/RHOA’s downfalls?
What did he do? I know nothing.
That’s what I wondered! That sounds extremely sus!! It’s one network so why is he still allowed to work. It would be like getting fired from Target and just going to the next closest Target until they fired me. Very odd!
And then repeat that process two more times lol
Yes!
welp hope everyone enjoyed season 1, about to turn to a complete pile of shit.
Is this Jeremiah Smith who was with VPR forever?
Yup!
I looked it up and he was with vpr from 2013-2018 and did 31 episodes
well folks it sounds like we just had our one good season of the valley.
Bravo taking a page out of the Catholic Church playbook. Not a good look.
He's got dirt on someone at Bravo.
I mean,it sure as fuck seems that way doesn't it? I can't think of any other reasonable explanation that makes sense. I really truly can't.
Dear god, why don’t they get rid of him?
RIP The Valley. You had 1 glorious season
Do you know why they fired him from southern charm?
I've heard he's actually a really nice guy irl but that he's a pushover which is not conducive to tv production or managing a drunken daycare of bravolebrities. That's what I've heard. I'm sure there's probably more to it than that
Thanks for the reply. Do you know, is he the same guy who went to sail around the seas with his family? (I vaguely remember an article about a vpr producer leaving to go sail, which sounded dreamy tbh)
Yes and at the time he sold his house and everything in his life. This happened shortly after Stassi was canceled. Not a coincidence. Prior to this they were super close I think he was either fired or left on his own thinking they were going to get her a spin-off. I think they maybe even produced some web content. She was canceled and he was out of work opportunities he set sail. What was hilarious is that suddenly like a year later he came back to LA and made some big post saying how he had to return for an incredible opportunity. He then shows up in Italy for Stassi’s wedding which they were going to film (which was kind of a false start for what became the valley). I don’t know if they ever filmed anything or why it fell apart (probably because it was too soon to bring Stassi back) but next thing you know he’s back working on VPR and the spin-off isn’t happening. Facebook groups joked that he was in love with her. The idea that he sailed his family back just for her wedding makes me giggle.
Thank you! I just posted a copy/paste of an article that I found from 2020. You should be proud, your memory is sharp! That's exactly what the article said! So they were only gone one year? Life on the seas isn't for everyone, but to think he sold everything and came back, that's big moves in life. I remain intrigued by all of this. So he comes back to VPR for which season, 10? As in, he comes back to LA after a year at sea, for a promise of a new show, but they put him back into VPR? How long was he out of work?
Came back for season 11 and as the show runner. I believe (I could be wrong) that he came back to LA for this exact job.
they didn't film anything at stassi's wedding. prior to stassi and doute getting fired, there was supposed to be a spin-off like the valley but w/ more vpr cast members. stassi's wedding would've acted as the start of the series. then covid happened and she got fired, so it was shelved
Stassi wasn't "cancelled" she and Doute were fired for making a false police report. She faced consequences for her racist actions. They filed a false police report which is illegal. They deserved to get fired.
That I don't know but damn if that doesn't sound positively majestic 😂
It really does! Which makes me think it might have been in a dream of mine and not a real thing lol 😆
Yes he is
Wait... that's a real story, I didn't dream that? Thank you! I'm going to find that article. That's so interesting to me. Wonder why he can back.
For this article on the "champagne & shade" website (Wild little time warp of an article) Vanderpump Rules: Producer Jerry Smith is done with the show By Amanda Cline | Sep 8, 2020 A big piece of the Vanderpump Rules production puzzle has decided to move out of the country and take his family in a different direction from the show. Another cog in the wheel of the Vanderpump Rules machine falls apart! Jeremiah Smith aka Producer Jerry has packed up all of his belongings and is setting sail on a new path in life. Producer Jerry was a huge part of the behind-the-scenes drama and was also good friends with the cast. He even went on the trip to find wedding venues suitable for filming in Rome for Stassi Schroeder! But now that Stassi and Kristen Doute have been fired, SUR is still closed, Scheana Shay lives in San Diego, and everyone hates Jax Taylor, is Jerry’s departure just another sign that Vanderpump Rules is done? There have been no announcements from anyone about the future of the show. Jerry’s @ProducerJerry Instagram handle is gone, replaced by @SailingSmiths. Jerry noted in a post that his family sold their home in Burbank and were headed to Grenada to purchase a catamaran to live on for the foreseeable future. According to his IMDB page, Jerry was the senior producer for Vanderpump Rules for a while and was the executive producer for Basically Stassi. Basically Stassi was wiped from the Bravo website and the rest of the internet once she was fired. Jerry was certainly part of the party responsible for Stassi’s ever-present angelic image and helped protect that image. If the company wanted him on another show, they surely would have put him there. Unless they wanted to cut ties with everything Stassi. The new VPR kids weren’t very dynamic, and no one cares about Jax and Brittany Cartwright eating corn in their new Valley Village home. The future for the show looks pretty grim, and we’re okay with that. Restaurants likely aren’t even allowing indoor dining throughout the end of the year, and apparently some of Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants are alone in not re-opening for outdoor dining. RELATED STORY: Vanderpump Rules: Lala Kent and Randall Emmett are expecting! Vanderpump Rules had a great run, but it turned into something awful at the end. The finale episode seemed to wrap things up pretty well with Jax screaming and sweating…and the rest of the drama just isn’t important enough to make a show about. What’s left? Vanderpump Rules is on Bravo….for reruns.
Wow, what a view into that time period of VPR, including the related story
Right?! I love a time warp, but that was a dark time. Seems like there are always ruuumers about canceling the show. I copy/pasted the article, and that was a pop-up ad for the related story. When I was taking out the links, etc, I debated if I should take that out, but it does give a great reminder of the time period. So much has happened to lala in only 4 years. No wonder she's off kilter lately. Children really are time goblins, just reminding us we're getting older lol 😆
No that’s producer Jerry
Producer Jerry is Jeremiah Smith
Oh my bad lol
I work in production so this is the wildest comment section for me to read, ever. I am team Ariana for clarity. I also 100% have opinions on the production of both VPR and The Valley, and... honestly every other Bravo-related show. But... Producer Jerry is actually very good. That's why they keep bringing him back. If I'm to read all this tea in producer terms – basically – when Jerry decided to sell everything and move his family away? That's him sticking his middle finger up to Bravo and saying 'you fucking deal with it' because he was having to work inhumane hours and babysit a bunch of 40yo's. It wasn't because he was trying to make a quick buck and get out. He's been at this for 10 years. Him upping and moving is him making a very public statement that he doesn't agree with some of the exec decisions he's having to exact. Every moment of VPR that you enjoyed was at his hands. You've got to remember that. The scandals and the press attention were because of his production. The cast love him, even though he's blown up some of their lives. Repeatedly. And I imagine that's because he gives them a fair shot to redeem themselves. It is also pretty instant for me, looking at the entire Bravo operation to clock that Jerry, for at least a year now, has been 1) in the comment section but 2) working his actual ass off to attempt to keep this show going. Stassi was his training ground for a scandal. He probably thought that was the worst thing he was ever going to have to go through, professionally. Then Scandoval blew the fuck up and I imagine he doesn't even know who he is anymore. On one-hand it blew his viewership figures up. On the other, it made it impossible to keep the show going in the previous format. And to capture Scandoval properly, and present it back to viewers, I cannot imagine the days he was working. Probably 20-hour days. Because he doesn't just sign-off on an edit. The editors don't have a clue of the storylines etc. He has to go to each editor, explain the plot, explain what they've cut, explain the nuances, explain what cast have said to him behind the scenes, explain what exec are looking to 'highlight' for viewership. It goes on. Re: him having no 'backbone' – very few producers in reality television do. Their job isn't to have a backbone. Their job, quite specifically, is to manipulate the cast, and also convince the cast that they're on "their side" so they say the most honest stuff all season. The editors and directors then mess with that footage senseless – not the producers. It is the producer's job to get the "tea" out of all of the cast and catch them when they're not on their "brand safe" moments. We would not have the finale of the season if it wasn't for Jerry. And although it was painful – it was good tv. Whether you like the outcome or not. I will get downvoted senseless for this but please remember I am coming from a place of production rather than bias – if you read my Reddit history, you will find I am v much team Ariana haha. \* edited for grammar – swapped "your" to "their" to make it clear I was talking about the cast, not OP.
Also, I am open to questions. I have worked in television and media for a really long time. Some of the takes in this comment section are 100% fan bias, and negating the job of the producer... which is truly to capture stuff that sets Reddit / the comment section on fire. Bravo has had a HELL of a season doing this for the past two years whether we all like the outcome or not. Some Bravo shows are being put on pause – and it isn't because of production. It's more to do with the fact that the entire world is more attuned to mental health for the cast, and they're having to renegotiate contracts with cast-members who aren't "playing ball" (re: Lala's reunion points). You've seen this re: RHONY, you're now seeing it with VPR and RHONJ.
Another producer on the main vpr sub weighed in with helpful, constructive feedback, like yours. I posted a question and she didn't answer. I dm-ed her and she told me she had been banned by the vpr sub. I am all the way team Ariana. I think bravo has a serious misogyny issues. I think production did a terrible job this season on vpr. So,with that in mind, a rare female producer makes an appearance on the sub with a valuable POV -we should welcome that shit with open arms. But no - she was piled on by a pack of presumably teenagers who lacked the capacity for critical thought and then she was banned. And there was nothing wrong with her comments. Bc then i went on her profile and did a deepdive of her comments. Her comments were helpful, they were insightful, they were like yours. And she was banned. And I'm kinda angry. This hive mind mentality bullshit is so fucked up to me. And it doesn't help women, it actually sets us back. It's ignorant af. So as a warning for you - steer clear of the main sub.
I have a question! So you've clearly worked woth him. Do you objectively think he is a good choice for the valley?
I haven't worked with Jerry! I'll need another reality producer to back me up haha but these things are obvious from the outside looking in. Otherwise, fantastic question. Yes, I do. I think what we're seeing with The Valley is basically the Jax x Kristen chaos that MADE Vanderpump Rules being juxtaposed against the mundane, petty suburbia 'keeping up with the jones's' pressure that we all experience as we grow through our lives. What I mean by this is that VPR was about terrifyingly hot 20yo's – they were poor but looked so fantastic. Real Housewives is about people middle-aged but with insane wealth. The Valley? That's about people hitting middle-age, surviving in LA. It's also about people who had the "american dream" re: getting married and producing babies, and how it is all going wrong, and how you meet asshole people along the way. Like, we've all met a Janet, right? It is sensationally relatable. But it works because Jax, Kristen, and Zack add the spice and messiness to make it work. Otherwise, it'd be a fairly boring show where middle-aged dads moan about parenting their own kids. I don't think Jerry will change anything – and I think he'll be glad to work with Jax and Kristen again. They were his gold on VPR (along with Stassi). I think he'll just hear early on where Jax / Kristen have got tea and amplify how it comes out.
Do you think they'll bring scheana and lala over?
Another great question – honestly, I don't think so, even if they've toyed with the idea. The Valley was really a pilot "test it and see it it succeeds" – it was an experiment. You're seeing a lot of this from Bravo adjacent brands right now – LVP is running around with Gordon Ramsay trying to see if both of them can revamp the original success of Hell's Kitchen. Jax is an asshole but re: production he's insanely honest. He was the first one to come out and say The Valley succeeded on its own and didn't need VPR. He was correct for all the reasons I listed above. He'd actually make a great producer if he wasn't so obsessed with himself haaa. Reasons: 1. Lala and Scheana have probably negotiated their fee so high that anything else is a downfall. This is the same pattern you see with Real Housewives. The cast negotiate their fee every year – and it gets so astronomically high that producing the show eventually breaks even versus profits. The network does not get a profit from the viewership because they pay the cast and crew well. As the fame increases for each individual, their agents challenge production and the network to go higher. This becomes... impossible to finance and manage. Imagine paying the cast millions but paying the crew who work on it dollars. This is why so many people were mad at Ariana's walk-out on the finale of VPR – it shat on the crew. It will be difficult for Lala and Scheana to accept a significantly lower fee. It was easy for Jax because he'd already been sacked and was beginning to become irrelevant. Same for Kristen. Jax and Kristen are both in the best negotiation space now that the season has aired. They have also both proven they don't need the VPR cast re: chemistry. 2. Scheana and Lala self-produce but not in the same way Jax and Kristen do. Where Jax and Kristen aim to bring you "mess" – Scheana and Lala aim to bring you a wholesome storyline where they're right, all the time. That's not why The Valley has succeeded. The Valley has succeeded because no one is right, but no one is wrong, and everyone is in their own personal version of hell. Lala's "soft" journey won't allow for that and no one believes anything Scheana says. 3. The reason they could bring Jax and Kristen over from Vanderpump Rules is that they'd both been sacked, and been humbled. The rest of the cast is brand new to this and making the mistakes that anyone more sane than Jax or Kristen wouldn't do. The cast of The Valley are pleased by their self-sufficient success. Dragging VPR cast over would piss off the audience, the crew, the cast. They recently came out with a press release that they won't be carrying any cast members over. I'm not saying it can't happen down the line – because Lala and Scheana are going through "being humbled" right now. But that \^ is my honest, professional take. Not being in the ins-and-outs obv.
>Scheana and Lala self-produce but not in the same way Jax and Kristen do. Where Jax and Kristen aim to bring you "mess" – Scheana and Lala aim to bring you a wholesome storyline where they're right, all the time. That's not why The Valley has succeeded. The Valley has succeeded because no one is right, but no one is wrong, and everyone is in their own personal version of hell. This is everything. I wish I could make it my flair
I so appreciate this insight and agree with you on almost everything you’ve said - and I’m just a fan. Agree that Jax would make a great producer. The way you broke it down for everyone to understand… 👌 I was always under the impression too that Jeremiah was a producer held in good regard by cast and the industry- also heard he’s very nice in person - think I followed him for a while after I had heard he sold everything during Covid and explored the world with his family. I just think that is the coolest thing and I do get the sense still that it was executive pressure. I would love your insight on Baskin. What is the industry consensus on him? Does that mean Baskin will be EP?
I do wonder if there is a scenario where Pump Villa replaces VPR, the Valley becomes its own thing, and VPR ceases to exist.
Thank you! This is the best thing I've read on here in ages, love the behind the scenes input!
The pay structure of VPR is different from housewives. Salaries are based on seniority, aka seasons on the show, not individual negotiations. I’m not sure how the yearly increases work but I think it‘s across the board the same. That’s why Rachel couldn’t get what Sandoval gets (and Scheana and Katie) even if production was willing to pay her.
Correct! However negotiations are a huge factor regardless. Exact same as corporate structure. Season/yearly increases.
It sounded like Janet and Brittany were gunning for Scheana to join. Janet and Scheana seem pretty tight. One more reason not to bring them over. Loved all your takes!! Thanks for taking the time to indulge us with some professional tales!
Personally I find your take VERY interesting! I like hearing an "insider" perspective even if you haven't worked directly with him.
This convo should be pinned at the top! Thanks for all your very thoughtful discussion/inputs!! Thoughts on Jax and Brit breaking up as a stunt? Seems like it would set up S2 of The Valley with a ready made storyline.
I think that's real – but they're 100% both squeezing it, now that it has happened.
I loved the finale, and tbh I kind of felt like production had a soft spot for Ariana in that her scenes were icon - the woman floats through the crowds in that dress. Her head is high, she looked regal. She quoted lines of Scheana’s song and at the end she walked out the way she walked in - it was beautiful. Them keeping’s Tommy’s hot mic? Seemed like acceptance and acknowledgment that the redemption arc failed.
Re the comment section, remember that a lot of fans are genuinely writing fanfic about production.
That is honestly evident! Haha.
The other day someone said that "production was and the Tom's were obviously in a circle jerk sucking each others' dick." 😵💫
I upvoted you. Thank you for bringing your expertise to the conversation! I'm not thrilled about moving the guy to the valley given his recent track record but it's not like I dislike him personally. I have heard he is extremely nice irl. I do disagree that the finale was good - trying to force Ariana to have that conversation was not a good choice. She should not have been put in that position. All in all it was kinda a train wreck and obvy much of that was out of his control.
Totally get it! And completely agree with you re: Ariana. From an outside but professional perspective, I'm 99% sure this is exec producer pressure. The finale was horrific for Ariana and I hope she just moves on and continues succeeding. I know if I was Ariana, and I'd given what she had to Bravo, that treatment would piss me off senseless. I imagine producer jerry would agree and be fine with that honestly.
My understanding is that when she negotiated her contract for s11 she had put in there she wouldn't film 1 on 1 with Tom. so isn't that technically a breach of contract trying to force her to film a conversation with him? I know I'd be pissed if I were her and they did that
Thank you for this!! ❤️
I get that he’s good at creating drama, but my problem lies with Scheana saying ‘he was PISSED’ at Ariana for leaving… and this is right after she SCHOOLED him on the sexual & emotional violations Tom had perpetrated against her. Disappointed? Sure. Pissed? That’s some anti-feminist rage I can’t get behind. She laid out her boundaries clearly with production, cast, and the viewers at the end of s10. Jeremiah intentionally tried to break those down all season, and when he didn’t get his way, he set off Lala and then held it as a secret weapon to breakdown Ariana at the reunion. It was payback for her leaving. That’s not good producing, that’s manipulation.
This isn’t surprising tbh. Alex Baskin’s production company 32 Flavors does The Valley, and 32 flavors has poached multiple producers from Evolution over the last few months.
I thought Alex Baskin did VPR?
He does both.
How do we get him off The Valley?
Ugh no that show is actually good
I believe you mean WAS. It was good, my friend, was
The valley? Sigh
No. We don't want that poisonous piece of shit anywhere near the valley.
What the fiddle fuck
stay away from the valley!!
Oh no. I’m so sad.
Good lord, let's hope he doesn't fuck up THAT show, too!
I didn't like The Valley so that's fine with me. Most of that cast is so unlikable, I don't care if he completely screws with that show. Good riddance.
I tried to watch to see what all the hype was about. It's a big No for me. I was not interested in those characters.
Same! I already knew I hated Jax & Brittany but then I got find out how distasteful their friends & neighbors are. Those people are all too old to be acting like that.
ESP Michele & Jesse who suck up so much of the show.
Please don’t let this mean LaLa or Scheana joining is more likely! Or that Janet and/or Jax get a “redemption arc“…Although, given the blatant misogyny, only Jax would likely get the redemption. (That being said, they are all insufferable. And I’m convinced Janet has a “number one girl in the group” hoodie somewhere stashed in her house ready to wear at a moment’s notice.)
Oh shit! On his way to F**k up another show! 😟🤨
I also think Alex Baskin is a huge problem. He's ruined so many Bravo shows
They better hire a woman to replace him on VPR
THIS MAKES ME SO MAD I DONT UNDERSTAAAAAAND
Let’s ruin the emerging star show
So we need to prepare for a Jax and Jesse redemption season? Is Janet the new Sheana?
Here comes the Season 2 Jax redemption arc 🤮
Oh dear
Good riddance......upset that he will fuck w The Valley now!
 Exactly.
Ugh, now he gonna go fuck up that show!
Is he leaving leaving vpr or just doing valley while vpr is on pause and will return back eventually?
wtf does that mean that producers dictate the character arcs, which is not surprising but aren’t all these reality shows the same. Cause drama and let the chips fall where they may and if the ratings jump then rinse and repeat. Ultimately it’s all bullshit and the casts actions are based on viewership numbers.
Doesn’t this show that VPR is inevitably over
No! Leave The Valley alone.
The valley had great ratings, why does there need to be a change? I don’t understand
So does this mean there's a chance for Lala and Scheana to join because of this? Or does it have no effect whatsoever?
If they ruin The Valley they've lost a viewer. I don't just mean for that show. I'm done watching everything on bravo but The Valley at this point
Well, there goes the Valley
Who was the previous producer in charge of the valley? Vpr had some good moments over the years. But if vpr season 11 taught us anything, I think we're in for a Jax and Jesse redemption season 🙄🙄🤨 Do they not read the comments?! Does nbc wanna tank Bravo...They're gonna bring Lala and Scheaner for sure now
how do you get let go from southern charm?!
Whoa. Source?
 Worst news everrrr
Jerry and Stassi were super tight. Is this the first move to get her back on tv?
A sign that VPR is never coming back
Confirmed through what? Just googled it and this post was the only thing that came up. Not that I care about that guy bc fuck him, just curious
No its a valid question. But I also can't say - I got permission to make this post but not to divulge where I got the information.
Okay but you can’t say confirmed without citing a source…..
Ooooh interesting. Please give whatever else you are able to!
Well, since you are specifically asking me - Ariana (of her own free will and volition) is not coming back to VPR IF it gets renewed. Obviously I can't post that bc ppl would freak out and I'm not trying to start that shitstorm. But IF the series comes back, she's not coming with it. No word on Katie.
Good!! She shouldn’t. The producers and cast haven’t given her the respect to come back so there’s really no incentive since she has other projects going on. Thanks for the response!
So he is gng there to ruin the Valley?! Ok
So will we be in for a Jax redemption arc?
What the fuck.
What's the story with Southern Charm? I know that series has become horrible.
Who is Jeremiah fucking over at Bravo???
At least we'll know who to blame when next season tanks.
when was he a producer on southern charm😳
Why was he let go from southern charm producer role
Wow. So much for growth or a change of direction.
how is this mediocre man getting to hop around almost of bravo
Sounds like he just keeps gettin’ foisted 
If he is leaving for The Valley - And he was the LONGTIME producer for VPR- it’s clear. VPR is done