'Extreme Makeover' has UF connection

February 16, 2010

(Note: This story appeared as a feature story in today’s biweekly print edition of InsideUF, page 3 of the Alligator.)

Most college students can’t claim to have worked on the set of a national television show.

Ryan McGinn and Aaron Wilbur can.

Both students at the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning volunteered their time as production assistants for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” during its Gainesville build.

McGinn, from Sebastian, Fla., is a master’s student studying architecture. Wilbur, from Melbourne, Fla., is a fifth-year senior in landscape architecture.

They assisted with security, beverages and food, and moving television cameras and furniture. As fans of the show, it gave them a chance to see things from the other side.

“There is more to that show than what TV viewers might think actually happens,” McGinn said.

According to Wilbur, the house wasn’t the only thing they built.

“You’re around those people a lot and you develop friendships with them,” Wilbur said.

He is already making plans to work with the show again someday.