Hostess of Fox TV’s ‘On the Lot’ on the lookout for new film talent




JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers RISING STAR- Adrianna Costa, the host of Fox Television's

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers RISING STAR- Adrianna Costa, the host of Fox Television’s “On The Lot,” with her pups, Gypsy and Shibuya, relaxes at home in Agoura Hills between show tapings. Costa comes to her new position from CNN’s “Headline News” in Atlanta.


Adrianna Costa, host of the Fox reality television show, “On the Lot,” which gives aspiring filmmakers from around the world the chance to earn a $1million development deal at DreamWorks, lives a dream of her own.

An Agoura Hills native, Costa was plucked from CNN’s “Headline News” to host the new show, created by television and film legends Mark Burnett and Steven Spielberg.

“We are so proud of it,” Costa said of the show. “It’s such an unbelievable show.”

Apparently Costa made quite an impression on Burnett, a producer of many successful television programs including “Survivor,” now in its 11th season. After Costa vied for a spot on another show, Burnett thought of her when it came time to cast a host for “On the Lot.”

But Costa was already making her mark in broadcast journalism in Atlanta as an entertainment anchor when the call came through.

“It was very last minute,” Costa said, explaining she started work just one week prior to the first broadcast of the show.

Costa dreamed of moving back to California. Luckily, CNN released Costa from her contract early.

Talented filmmakers from around the world submitted sample short films to the producers in the hopes of making the final cut. Out of 12,000 submissions, 18 people were chosen to participate in the weekly film challenges.

Costa, 26, is a fan of the show’s contestants and was sad to see all the women voted off. She especially enjoyed the work of Shira-Lee Shalit. “I thought she had so much talent,” she said.

Then there’s Kenny Luby, a young filmmaker judge Garry Marshall once urged Costa to date. “He’s hot, of course he is,” Costa said. But, long days at the studio and a laser sharp focus on her career doesn’t leave much room for a social life these days.

“I’m training nonstop,” Costa said of her idea of fun. Exercise keeps stress in check and the stylish clothing provided by the show fits her perfectly, she added.

“The wardrobe is sick, unreal,” Costa said. “I’d never be able to afford the clothes on my own,” she said. She was particularly impressed with a vintage Bob Mackey dress she wore.

Costa’s love of talk, coupled with her inherent interest in people, turned her dream into a reality. “I love what I do,” she said.

Costa, whose real surname is Heber, looks to the future with optimism.

“My goal is to do stuff like this for a really long time,” Costa said. But she has another, darker goal in mind to keep her on her toes. “I’d like to be in a horror film and killed off in a ridiculous way,” she joked.

The only downside to her job on the show is when she must eliminate a contestant. She delivered the bad news to cute Kenny on July 24.

“I really feel attached to the contestants,” Costa said. “When I have to eliminate them that’s a bummer.”

Guest judges also added attraction to Costa. Besides regular judges Marshall and Carrie Fisher, guest filmmakers like Wes Craven, Brad Siberling, Eli Roth, Antoine Fuqua, and others offer constructive criticism to the contestants.

Trevor Kress, Costa’s representative, explained how the show is produced. He said every short film takes five days to write, shoot and edit. Every contestant is provided with actors, a director of photography, production crews and other professionals to help them complete their film.

As for Costa’s name change, she said she wanted to separate herself from her father’s success as a doctor and chose Costa because it was a nickname in school. However, she wouldn’t tell why she got the nickname Costa. “It’s a secret,” she said.

Just days after graduating from the University of Boulder with a degree in broadcast journalism, Costa landed a job on “Access Hollywood.”

Within six months, she accepted a job at “E!” and met with stars on the red carpet of the Oscar and Emmy awards shows. Following this success, Costa hosted “E!”‘s newest show, “The 20 Hippest Hot Spots.” The final episodes of “On the Lot” will air on Aug. 14 and 15. The surprise finale will feature Spielberg on the lot.

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