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‘Project Runway’ designers have sew little time

Plus: A very Brady wedding processional; ‘Apprentice’ moves to L.A.
/ Source: msnbc.com

Well, that "Survivor" race-divided tribe thing didn't last long, did it? As veteran observers of the show all knew it would, the much-publicized experiment lasted before the tribes were broken up and re-merged.

While some reality shows are still finding their stride in the new fall season, "Project Runway" is heating up and nearing its end. This week's "Runway" reunion show airs Wednesday, and should be full of dish. In case you haven't heard, that Laura Bennett accused Jeffrey Sebelia of not doing his own sewing. Tim Gunn seemed suspicious, too.

Have a question about reality TV? You can also — your answer may already be there.

Q: How long are the designers actually in New York for the filming of Project Runway? How much time do they have between challenges?    —Joan

A: Just over a month: 32 days. That's according to Tim Gunn, who said during a Washington Post chat that they "tape for 32 consecutive days — no breaks! We're all done in by the end, including me!"

With 11 episode to shoot in that time, that leaves about three days for each challenge. Other than the challenges and the runway shows, the production also must shoot interviews with the cast, which typically take place once for each episode. (There are also spontaneous interviews, called OTFs for "on the fly," that reality show producers like to conduct in the moment.)

The final four designers — all of whom made it to Fashion Week this year, unlike past years when one presented at Fashion Week even though they'd already been eliminated — then head home.

Since this season taped early in the summer, in June, they only had three months to design and create their collections, which they presented in New York at Fashion Week on Sept. 15.

Prior to the final runway show, "Project Runway" typically tapes the reunion of cast members, who by then have watched most of the season on TV. On the day of the runway show, the show taped its finale, so the designers now know who won. However, they won't be able to discuss it with the world until Oct. 18, the day the series concludes.

Q: On “My Fair Brady: A Brady Wedding,” what was the song playing when Adrianne walked down the aisle? It was playing instead of "Here comes the Bride". Thanks!    —Brooke, Michigan

A: A confession: I didn't watch the wedding of the former "Top Model" first-season winner to one of my childhood crushes, Peter Brady (OK, Christopher Knight). But I found an online video clip, and it sounds like Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" was used for their processional. Wikipedia's page on confirms my ears.

The wedding, held in Joliet, Ill. on May 29, had a gothic edge to it. Curry said she would have liked to have worn a black gown, but "knew it would break my grandmother's heart."

The reception had a "Phantom of the Opera" theme, with "Music of the Night," a hit from that musical, chosen as the couples' first dance. And Barry "Greg Brady/Johnny Bravo" Williams, Knight's co-star and good friend, serenaded the couple.  

You can browse through photos from the wedding and reception     —G.F.C.

Q: With all of the talk about the new season of shows, I have not heard anything about the return of “The Apprentice”? Do you have any idea when it will be back? And, is it the next season that will be filmed in LA or were those just rumors?    —Trace

A: NBC has renewed Donald Trump’s reality show for two more seasons, and the sixth was filmed this past summer in southern California.

However, because of its steady ratings decline over the past few seasons, NBC decided (wisely, I think) to hold off on a new season of the show until January. That season, “The Apprentice 6,” was shot in Los Angeles, which Donald Trump announced on last season’s finale. No specific debut date has been announced yet.

Trump also has mentioned that producers may move the show to a new city every season from now on, kind of other shows, such as “The Real World” and “Survivor,” change locations. He specifically mentioned Las Vegas and Miami as possibilities, and Las Vegas sources have reported that the entire season may be filmed at Trump’s new building there.    —A.D.

Gael Fashingbauer Cooper is MSNBC.com's Television Editor. is a writer and teacher who publishes , a daily summary of reality TV news.