The Fairytale in Game Shows
I was a lucky duck who got chosen to play for one of the segments of the game show. I nearly got the jackpot, but I guess that was for someone else’s dream-come-true story.
March 23, 2012: Saturday
We visited TV5’s kingdom and watched Wil Time Bigtime (a game show hosted by their generous king, Mr. Willie Revillame) as a part of our fieldtrip for our Broadcast Communication subject. I was one of the students who just ate at the briefing area, grumbled while waiting for hours at the line, went on party mode when the show started, got awed by the pretty and talented dancers and hosts, and the best part: I saw the truth behind the magic that they do on TV. Let me point out a couple of these magic tricks that help them entice the viewers to watch the show and prove to people that fairytales do come true.
1. Gifts and Goodies
The magical powers of the game show originates here. They enable the show to keep on going. Every segment has a different sponsor and they supply the money given to the winners. The audience are given paperbags with goodies as a part of their advertising.
2. Speakers and Huge LED Screens
The sound was really loud but it adds up to the fun. One would really have the partying spirit once the DJ hits the play music button. These colorful screens attached at all sides of the studio adds up to make the place look like a wonderland for everyone who is watching. It adds color and life to the set which would probably be less fun without the effects, lightings and colors. All your sadness will disappear because of the beautiful atmosphere.
3. Cameras
Video cameras are these magical boxes that transforms a small studio to a huge place when the images reach the TV screens. They can make people look thin or stout, small or tall, you name it- there’s an appropriate camera angle for everything.
4. Cue Cards
I thought game show audiences are just well coordinated when they react to certain parts of the show. Little did I know that there are people who control these reactions. There is an assigned person who tells the audience what to say or shout , when to keep quiet, and everyone enticingly follows the instructions commanded on these cards. We become puppet-like once we enter the studio.
5. Idiot Boards
Ever since I was a child, I thought that hosts are beings that are so amazing and hard to reach because of their mental capacity to memorize a lot of lines and instructions- I WAS WRONG. There are idiot boards and scripts everywhere, but they still say adlibs anyway.
6. The Fairest of Them All
If you want to feel insecure for a couple of hours, I guess this wonderland would be the perfect place to go to. Wil Time Bigtime was full of pretty dancers who wear outfits like Tinkerbell. The hosts are really petite and tall. But of course, Willie would be the fairest because he’s the star of the show and to whom the magical money are to be given to are for him to decide.
7. Treasure Hunt
Everyone wants a piece of that golden treasure we call “money.” Mr. Willie Revillame instantly turns into a prince charming by the start of the show. By saying that the he is “pogi”, we get an instant 5k, jacket, album or Cherry Mobile phone. It’s all about your strategy on how you’d be able to dig that gold.
8. Damsels in Distress
We are Aladin and Cinderella in our own little ways. We get the feeling that we are in need once Willie gives away money. Who wouldn’t want to have a fairy godmother or a genie that grants wishes anyway? With the powerful words of Mr. Willie Revillame, anything can happen. You can be granted a sack of rice for your family, money for your sick grandma, or instant cash just to buy what you need. Your life can have that fairytale “magical dream come true” moments.
I’m really happy that I was given this opportunity to visit TV5, and I thank Ma’am Faye and the other CA students who cheered and went berserk in the crowd with me. There’s just too much to say, but why don’t you try visiting the Wil Time Bigtime wonderland and see things for yourself? :)
