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The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: chad1m on August 11, 2011, 05:41:42 PM

Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on August 11, 2011, 05:41:42 PM
After auditioning in Chicago on July 15th, I have officially qualified to be a contestant on Who Wants to be a Millionaire! I tape August 31st and September 1st if need be! Ahhhhhh!

While I would of course like this to be a notification thread, I'd also like advice! For anyone who's been there before, thoughts on hotel stay, airports and anything else relevant for a 3 night stay? :D

Woooooooo!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: J.R. on August 11, 2011, 06:18:30 PM
Congratulations Chad!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Kevin Prather on August 11, 2011, 06:34:06 PM
Congrats and best of luck!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: PYLdude on August 11, 2011, 09:18:45 PM
Well done, sir.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Twentington on August 11, 2011, 10:39:34 PM
Best of luck to you, Chad. This is your third game show, right?
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: thewhammy_2000 on August 11, 2011, 10:45:43 PM
I guess you scored better than me on the testing because I was also there.

I wonder if they will air footage of the tryouts because while I was going to the room, a camera was shooting right in front of my face as I was going up the esclators.

I'll try again if they ever come to town again. (For the third time). Congratulations on another game show appearance.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: William_S. on August 12, 2011, 12:52:36 AM
Better than what I can do. I wish you all the luck. Kill the tower and make your way to Clas.. ahem FINAL Millionare!!
Again Congrats!!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Strikerz04 on August 12, 2011, 02:11:20 AM
I guess you scored better than me on the testing because I was also there.

I wonder if they will air footage of the tryouts because while I was going to the room, a camera was shooting right in front of my face as I was going up the esclators.

I'll try again if they ever come to town again. (For the third time). Congratulations on another game show appearance.

Considering I sat next to him during the exam, I'd knew he'd get it.
Congrats Chad!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Mr. Armadillo on August 12, 2011, 09:00:47 AM
Dammit Chad, stop being so awesome!

...why didn't I hear about this Chicago tryout sooner?  I definitely would have gone had I known about it.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Clay Zambo on August 12, 2011, 10:14:41 AM
Congratulations, Chad.

All three NYC airports have good options for transportation into midtown, but LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest.  Cabs can be pricey, but buses are available (and, from JFK, there's the AirTrain--an elevated train loop around the many terminals that also connects to the NYC subway system, so for $7 you can get from any terminal to almost anywhere in the five boroughs).

The hotel where ABC put us up when I did the show is closed, unfortunately, but there are plenty of others (http://"http://www.hotels-rates.com/hotels/locations/New_York/NY/usa/5472/") in the area; several are in walking distance of the studio.  You might want to try TripAdvisor (http://"http://www.tripadvisor.com/HACSearch?geo=60763&q=New+York+City%2C+New+York%2C+USA&inDay=31&inMonth=08%2F2011&checkIn=8%2F31%2F2011&outDay=01&outMonth=09%2F2011&checkOut=9%2F1%2F2011&searchAll=false&adults=1#02,1313158357938,bc_airports:S,bc_convention_centers:S,nameContains:S,distance:S0.5,distanceSelect:S0.5,cat:-1,tb:S0,nhOvly:Bf,l1price:S0|350,th_value:-136028,th_name:SLincoln%20Center%20for%20the%20Performing%20Arts|%20New%20York%20City|%20New%20York,th_type:SATTRACTION,th_coords:S40.773518|-73.98337,th_url:S/Attraction_Review-g60763-d136028-Reviews-Lincoln_Center_for_the_Performing_Arts-New_York_City_New_York.html,poi:S40.773518|-73.98337,newPoi:Bt,cb:Anear_1|near_2|near_3|near_4|near_5|near_6|near_7|near_8|near_9|near_10|near_11|near_12|near_13|near_14|near_15"), too (I've put in some wild-guess parameters, but you can adjust those to your liking.)

Good luck!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Jeremy Nelson on August 12, 2011, 11:00:48 AM
I guess you scored better than me on the testing because I was also there.

Same here! I didn't know that this many of you guys were at the tryout that day! I knew about 25 of them and was 50-50 on the rest- obviously my guesses didn't fall the right way. Oh well- next time.

Congrats Chad! Good luck!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on August 12, 2011, 01:02:45 PM
Thanks for everything so far, folks!

This is your third game show, right?
Third in-studio, yep.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: gameshowcrazy on August 12, 2011, 04:01:59 PM
That's the day I'll be there to watch!

Good Luck!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: gameshowcrazy on August 12, 2011, 04:15:30 PM
I’m curious about something—I’ve heard that when the initial testing and interviews happen, those that are picked to be in the contestant pool are being told right there that they are in the pool and they are given some papers to sign.  Did this happen with you, or did you get a postcard in the mail telling you that you were in the pool?
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on August 12, 2011, 04:58:32 PM
Did this happen with you, or did you get a postcard in the mail telling you that you were in the pool?
After the initial one-on-one interview, I was given a release to sign in order to be able to be video interviewed, the next step in the process. However, I didn't get any notification of success or failure until I got the "congratulations" postcard in the mail a little more than a week later.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: DoorNumberFour on August 12, 2011, 05:10:28 PM
A million congratulations, from one contestant to another! Take 'em for all they've got.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: wdm1219inpenna on August 12, 2011, 08:23:55 PM
Truly exciting news Chad!  Very best wishes to you!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: WhirlieBird74 on August 12, 2011, 08:56:01 PM
Congrats, Chad!  I wished I was in that contestant pool.  I auditioned for the show in Charlotte on 7/13, but broke a couple of cardinal rules.  One, not seeing there was a link (@ Millionairetv.com) to download the application.  I could have had that application printed, filled out, and ready to hand in (after passing the test, of course) to the staffer.  The second, was having a personality of a 'dead fish', which was a result of breaking Cardinal Rule #1.  After passing the test (on my 3rd try--since 2007), I had to hastily fill out the application for 'Millionaire'.  What could have been thoughtfully filled out in a couple of hours, was filled out in mere minutes.  By the time I was interviewed with the Staffer, I knew that I had already blown my 'golden opportunity' towards getting on my second game show in 13-1/2 years (the first being 'Wheel of Fortune', in 1998).  I was 100% responsible for NOT being selected for the show.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: gameshowcrazy on August 12, 2011, 10:20:06 PM
As far as I can tell, that video interview part of the process is new.

As far as the type of info you really asked for...

I've heard there is a Holiday Inn around the corner from the studio with good rates, but I don't remember where that is.

When you're there, on Columbus (the same street as the studio), there is a good pizza shop.  If you were standing at the ABC building and looking across the street at the Starbucks, cross the street and go right on Columbus.  The pizza place isn't too far from there.  There is also a great deli on the opposite side of the street as the pizza place.

Remember that you are in one of the richest zip codes in the country, so everything is expensive.  For a good sit-down meal, I would suggest walking up to Hell's Kitchen, that's about the best prices for food in Manhattan.  Again, starting at the ABC studio and looking across the street at Starbucks, go to your left on Columbus.  Columbus becomes 9th Street (Streets go east/west, avenues go north/south--the island is many miles long, but only two miles wide east/west).  when you get into the 50s on Avenues, find a place that you think will have good food and you'll probably be right.

If you want to see Times Square, take Columbus/9th to 42nd and turn left.  After Times Square, walk North on 5th to FAO Schwartz and the Apple Store.

If you need anything else, ask Carrie for my email, I'll get in touch.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: mathwhiz on August 12, 2011, 11:22:33 PM
Let me add my congratulations to Chad here as well on his success.  He and I did a road trip to Chicago for the try-outs.  His turned out a lot better than mine - I made it to the video interview, but didn't make it into the contestant pool.  Here's to next time!

Rich
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: vexer6 on August 15, 2011, 10:36:28 PM
I live within 20 miles of Chicago, but unfortunately I was too busy that day to go to the tryouts, oh well.  Good luck to you man!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on August 21, 2011, 09:48:04 PM
I need to get my guest list for Millionaire finalized pretty soon. If you know you'll be available in NYC the morning of the 31st and would like to come to my week's taping, I can guarantee admission for you and would love to have a forum member or five root me on. Just send me a message and I will hook you up.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: gameshowcrazy on August 22, 2011, 04:15:47 PM
I already happen to have tickets for the Wednesday afternoon taping session, so at least one of us will be there rooting for you!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: MrBuddwing on August 23, 2011, 10:32:56 AM
The strangest thing - I received an e-mail from Disney.com inviting me to try out for "Millionaire" again.

I tried six times - passing the written test the first four times but apparently failing in my charm offensive - before tossing in the towel. Now they want me to try again? Are they that strapped for contestants???
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Jimmy Owen on August 23, 2011, 11:40:05 AM
The strangest thing - I received an e-mail from Disney.com inviting me to try out for "Millionaire" again.

I tried six times - passing the written test the first four times but apparently failing in my charm offensive - before tossing in the towel. Now they want me to try again? Are they that strapped for contestants???
Give it a try and turn on the charm.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: GiraffeBoy on August 24, 2011, 01:14:46 AM
Wishing you all the best of luck. [font="Arial Black"]GO GET THAT MILLION![/font]

--Charlie
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: davemackey on August 24, 2011, 09:07:25 AM
When I did the show I stayed at the Hotel Lucerne, and they gave us a special rate because I was a Millionaire contestant. About 10 blocks from the studios. 212-875-1000
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: BillCullen1 on August 27, 2011, 09:29:45 PM
I'll miss you by a day Chad - I got tickets for the August 30th afternoon taping and I'm busy on the 31st. But the beat of luck - go get 'em soldier!!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Matt Ottinger on August 27, 2011, 10:32:29 PM
Here's hoping that the current unpleasantness heading toward the Big Apple doesn't do enough damage to throw everything for a loop.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on August 31, 2011, 10:05:17 PM
So, I did play my game today. I had a fantastic time taping. I *believe* my tentative air date is September 29 (and 30 if a carryover is needed.) The experience was incredible - here's a photo of me during rehearsal: sprintphotoe0rcuq.jpg (http://"http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8349/sprintphotoe0rcuq.jpg")
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: gameshowcrazy on September 01, 2011, 10:19:30 PM
Be glad you weren't part of the afternoon taping--all kinds of problems with the boom camera.  The two shows took almost as long as three did last year.

Interesting on your tentative airdates, the afternoon session told us airdates of October.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on September 06, 2011, 04:57:48 PM
If you want to see some of the other photos (http://"http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150266787806363.328474.664866362&l=b4824fc3e5&type=1") I took during rehearsal (plus the rest of my journey) or photos I (and Ryan, vtown7, one of my companions) took (http://"http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150285524571363.333493.664866362&l=3550ad79dd&type=1") during the other parts of my New York trip, click one of those links!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on September 29, 2011, 10:21:29 AM
For those who might be interested, I just wanted to post that this is indeed airing today. Thanks for all the support. :)
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Jimmy Owen on September 29, 2011, 10:27:24 AM
For those who might be interested, I just wanted to post that this is indeed airing today. Thanks for all the support. :)
Good luck, Chad!  Channel 12 at 12:30, right?
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on September 29, 2011, 10:28:49 AM
Good luck, Chad!  Channel 12 at 12:30, right?
Locally, yep. (And I might pop on the noon news too if you watch carefully...)
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Clay Zambo on September 29, 2011, 01:06:58 PM
For those who might be interested, I just wanted to post that this is indeed airing today. Thanks for all the support. :)

Looking forward to it!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Fedya on September 29, 2011, 01:32:00 PM
I haven't watched in a while, but: does Millionaire really need to use so many ^%$@^@%$! zooms?
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: J.R. on October 01, 2011, 01:45:13 AM
Just to be safe...

I must say, I was very impressed by the way Chad played his game. Really liked how he took his time and read each question carefully before jumping in. Enjoy the $43K, Chad! Certainly deserved it.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: gsnstooge on October 01, 2011, 04:15:39 AM
Chad, you were terrific!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Clay Zambo on October 01, 2011, 12:45:36 PM
Nicely done!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: GiraffeBoy on October 01, 2011, 04:14:50 PM
Great job, Chad! Well done!

--Charlie
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: gameshowcrazy on October 01, 2011, 09:02:17 PM
I find it to be such a sham they mixed liquid and dry measure...
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Fedya on October 01, 2011, 09:16:23 PM
Look for the mention of the dry gallon under dry measure (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_measure).  And every place I looked defined the bushel in terms of a number of gallons.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on October 01, 2011, 09:36:32 PM
I appreciate the comments so far, folks. :) I'll have an HD upload in the next few days but for now, Jeff Gross has uploaded both (http://"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmMMPoJYk1E") days (http://"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyZ-maojLR8") of my game if you missed it or would like to check it out again. I hope I did the community proud - no regrets!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Strikerz04 on October 01, 2011, 11:16:22 PM
I'm a man of few words, but Bravo to you sir!
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: dscungio on October 03, 2011, 08:33:55 PM
Great job!  I was hoping for a sweep of the First Ten, but you did us proud!  Way to go!




Dean
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on October 05, 2011, 11:58:22 AM
Again, thank you to all for your kind words and congratulations. I'll answer any other questions or comments you might have. I wanted to let you know that I've uploaded my whole game in HD, thanks to my friend Rich (mathwhiz here)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25Qe4pzVXs4[/youtube]
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: DoorNumberFour on October 05, 2011, 12:42:20 PM
Congrats again! Also, the show looks brilliant in HD - it's about time, amirite?
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: chad1m on October 05, 2011, 01:08:56 PM
Also, the show looks brilliant in HD - it's about time, amirite?
Exactly. It's only in SD where I live but it looks 10x better in the new format.
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: Tim L on October 05, 2011, 01:32:05 PM
You forgot Oklahoma..

Chad:
Awesome job..Good presence on stage..If I won no money, I'd settle for just getting a few hugs by Meredith..
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: vtown7 on October 05, 2011, 11:54:10 PM
If I won no money, I'd settle for just getting a few hugs by Meredith..

Tim: I certainly did!

Ryan
(the guy in the tie)
Title: I'm Going to Be on Millionaire!
Post by: vexer6 on October 06, 2011, 08:59:10 PM
Well played man!