Quiz and Game Shows

By now, you will have recognized how some show formats share common features. There are, for instance, basic similarities between an illustrated talk and a demonstration; although the practical emphasis is different. You will find that the staging and camera treatment for most ‘quiz shows’ bear a close resemblance to those we met earlier for ‘talk shows’.

Game shows

Here the contestants compete individually or in teams, to carry out tasks of some kind – from party tricks to acrobatic feats. They are usually working against the clock.

The usual arrangement is for contestants to enter, and stand at certain prearranged positions, where they are questioned by the MC or quizmaster. They then go to meet their particular challenge.

There are variations on this theme, but typically, the main action areas include:

• The entrance.

• ‘The interview area’ where the MC greets the contestants.

• A display area with gimmicks to operate or select, subjects to name, etc.

• The Scoreboard and/or a countdown clock,

• The prize area.

If the staging area is fairly limited, you can arrange lighting in an overall ‘three-point’ pattern, with a single main key light, balanced against soft light from the other direction, and appropriate back lights (the scenery being lit separately). When the action is more widespread, treat the various action areas separately.

The sound pickup arrangements depend on what is going to happen. Occasionally, you might be able to get by with just a single hand mike held by the MC, pointed to contestants in turn. But in most situations you will need more comprehensive arrangements, such as a sound boom, wireless mikes, or operators pointing shotgun/rifle mikes.

Quiz shows

In most quiz shows, the contestants are seated behind some form of desks. The MC/quizmaster may walk around, or be seated behind a similar desk. The shots and lighting are essentially as in a ‘talks’ setup, with desk mikes or personal mikes for sound pickup.

Organization

The MC is the central figure in the show: friendly but firm, and totally impartial. Using answer cards, a timing sheet, or intercom guidance, he keeps a brisk pace, and controls the running time.

In order to check shots before recording, it is useful to have a brief ‘rehearsal’ with ‘dummy questions’. This helps the contestants to overcome their initial nervousness, and allows lighting, sound and makeup to be checked with the actual people involved.

Typical shot allocation

Most quiz shows tend to follow a similar style format. Consequently regular shooting patterns develop. Where the contest is between two panels, with the chairperson as adjudicator, the panel shots are duplicated.