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Game Show Companies
tvrandywest:
[quote name=\'melman1\' date=\'Jul 20 2003, 01:50 PM\'] So some people worked for the networks (I assume Johnny O. was a staff announcer for CBS?), some for G/T, others for \"The Blockbusters Co.\"?
If anyone can explain how this worked, I'd appreciate it. [/quote]
In the most simplistic terms (Can I actually write a short post?):
Network needs programming, production company pitches new show that the net likes, a budget is negotiated. Rather than pay cash for the production company to provide stuff the net already owns (like studio space, equipment, crew, etc.), the net simply provides those things.
Those things the net already has or is already paying for that it agrees to provide for the show are generally \"below the line\" items (facilities, crew, etc.). The production company brings the \"above the line\" items (producers, directors, talent, writers, etc.).
So yes, some people work for the net (camera op., audience page, etc.) and some work for the production company and/or its subsidiary (Johnny O, make-up, etc.), and others work for outside companies that are hired to provide stuff for the show (electronic scoring, catering, etc.).
That's a general and simplistic example. As each show is different, a million exceptions can be listed for individual shows. Do we really need to go there? ;-)
Randy
tvrandywest.com
chris319:
--- Quote ---Rather than pay cash for the production company to provide stuff the net already owns (like studio space, equipment, crew, etc.), the net simply provides those things.
--- End quote ---
Unless it's changed, the network does charge for below the line against a show's below-the-line budget. A show may be budgeted for only a certain size crew (say, four cameras instead of six) based on an eight-hour taping day. That's why producers get nervous if a taping goes into overtime.
melman1:
[quote name=\'chris319\' date=\'Jul 21 2003, 09:31 AM\'] based on an eight-hour taping day. That's why producers get nervous if a taping goes into overtime. [/quote]
During a typical day (5 shows, or 6 for shows like MG that had a PM version too), how many times did they switch audiences - never, every show, every other show?
uncamark:
--- Quote ---During a typical day (5 shows, or 6 for shows like MG that had a PM version too), how many times did they switch audiences - never, every show, every other show?
--- End quote ---
Most shows do two audience seatings--generally, there's a meal break between shows three and four where the audience changes. I believe \"MG\" followed the same schedule--or did they have three audience seatings, with the breaks after shows two and four?
tvrandywest:
[quote name=\'chris319\' date=\'Jul 21 2003, 11:31 AM\'] Unless it's changed, the network does charge for below the line against a show's below-the-line budget. A show may be budgeted for only a certain size crew (say, four cameras instead of six) based on an eight-hour taping day. That's why producers get nervous if a taping goes into overtime. [/quote]
Well that's the last time I try to write a short post!
You're right, Chris. Of course extra time, equipment and personnel will exceed what was budgeted for below the line costs, and that may result in a chargeback by the network to the production company. In the same way, if Bob Boden shows up for lunch the catering budget will be exceeded. And if the set catches on fire and needs to be rebuilt, set construction will go over budget.
As stated, I was just outlining a simplistic explanation about how things work for someone apparently not at all familiar with the business end of the biz. Chris, if you indeed spotted an error, please let me know.
On my next day off I'm staying off the net and going to the beach! ;-)
Oh, about audiences...
In the late 60s / early 70s when \"gang banging\"episodes to tape (as opposed to live broadcasting shows one at a time) was still relatively new, one GT show in New York taped 2 episodes on Tuesday and 3 episodes on Wednesday. Three audiences were used, none seeing more than 2 shows, one group seeing only one episode.
Back then there was no shortage of folks who were excited to sit in an audience and see a television show come together. It was a novelty for most people, tourists especially. Just look at those audience shots - people actually dressed up to see a TV show! And there were few delays as talent and crews had all come up in the era of live TV, and production values were simpler.
It all evolved. Iirc, Match Game 7x taped 6 episodes and utilized 2 audiences. Dick's Pyramid on that same stage 33 taped 10 episodes some days and loaded 4 audiences (with members who wished they were \"loaded\").
Today it seems that everybody has seen a show tape and many have memories of a night at a sitcom that never ended. So with fewer willing participants, audiences are \"sweetened\" with paid members, and everyone is expected to stay through more episodes. Warm-up has become a more important job as producers try to keep bodies in the seats for hours on end as 3, 4 or even more episodes are taped. Sometimes it's more like adult daycare as we play games, have talent competitions and even order pizza for the audience!
It's not just \"killing\" time, it's now escalated to first degree murder! Gene Wood once had a group of Marines in an audience. During a delay in taping he had them march in formation as he shouted \"left face\", \"right face\", etc.!
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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