Contestant on WWTBAM earlier this week. New format review

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Eddington · #1 Post by **Eddington** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:09 am

Hi All!

First time post, long-time lurker. I auditioned in NYC in early May, receiving my happy postcard three weeks to the day after auditioning. After passing the test, I interviewed twice, the second time being the "on camera" interview. I thought it went pretty well. My advice to those who just interviewed and are trying to figure out how they did is to follow your instincts...if you think you nailed it, you probably did. If you think you flubbed it...try again! It's a fun process, and beats working.

Anyway, the qualifying call came about nine weeks later!! I was so thrilled. They gave me three weeks lead-time between qualifying call and tape date. My tape date was in the last few weeks (i dont want to get too specific here). This post is to try to shine a *little* light on the process, so that future contestants - and I feel that we have some in our midst on this board - might have a slightly better feel for the show process and the new rule changes than I did!

First of all..the day is a loooong day, especially if you aren't among the first few contestants to be picked! I arrived around 7 am and didn't leave until 12 hours later. The contestant isolation in the green room (actually a small room, not green, with NO live feed of the tapings) is grueling as a marathon, but lasts longer than a typical 26-mile run. The food was good and I found the staff to be extremely supportive and upbeat. I bonded with the other contestants, and I wish I knew how they fared. However, with no live feed, I don't know much about their results.

As for the hot seat, they do a fairly good job of introducing you to the hot seat and monitor. They instruct everyone on how to enter the seat and get settled (not as easy as it sounds). I felt confident after our "dry run" that I had a good mastery of the room, as did most people. The new format looks somewhat different. Here's a run down of my first-hand experience with the rule changes:

Time Clock: Everyone was worried about the timer, since it changes such a fundamental part of gameplay. The truth is that it didn't faze me much. Perhaps there were a few questions that I would have "talked out" more than I did if I hadn't had a clock on me, but I generally felt that it didn't affect play much. Besides, once you pass the $1K question, you have 30 seconds. Also, lifelines stop the clock for a bit and give you time to focus if you are really drawing a blank.

Menu of Categories: These weren't much help. They are cleverly written, and sometimes humorous, but generally they aren't as useful as, say, the categories on Jeopardy. My advice to future players, IMHO, is to read them, but not put any emphasis on them. The menu is displayed on your monitor during the entire gameplay. I'm not sure if the menu will be displayed for viewers at home...I'm looking forward to seeing how the new format looks in its edited form on TV.

Lifelines: I thought that the Ask The Expert was a cute idea, and that the Skype feature generally works to make it a cool lifeline. It's usefulness is obviously correlated to the expertise of the "expert". Bill Nye wouldn't be much use on a pop culture question, probably. I get the impression that they are generally looking for former players who have won $250K+. This is just a guess on my part. The Double Dip is risky if you are simply guessing, and most players agreed that, barring a question where you've definitely narrowed it down to two, it's best used at 50K. I guess this means it's the rough equivalent to the old Switch the Question. ATA and PAF work almost exactly as they used to.

I didn't really feel any nerves when I was backstage or in the hot seat. My strategy was to focus on the monitor and the host, and let the rest of the room fade into a blur. This helped me focus. I am more than happy about my results. Tune in and see! I don't know my definitive tape date yet, though. The key, my producers told me, was that I was there to have fun. People who go into this with a serious demeanor tend to explode before the process is over. If you go into it like it's found money, you'll do better. Maybe that's just me...your mileage may vary.

I know I had a million questions before I went to the show, and I'm sure others do too. I will try to answer any follow-ups as completely as I can. Good luck to everyone in the Contestant Pool...trust me, be patient and you'll have your chance!

Thanks, and cheers!

Eddington

T_Bone0806 · #2 Post by **T_Bone0806** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:35 am

A good and very helpful post, Eddington! Thank you.

One thing to feed my curiousity...on the menu, are the topics listed in the order in which you get the questions, or are the items listed randomly? I'm just curious more than anything else. I have no plans to go out of my way to audition anymore.

Rexer25 · #3 Post by **Rexer25** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:36 am

Welcome to the "bored", as we call it, and thanks for giving us a view of the new rules from the hot seat. You may feel like sharing more after your air date, but what you've posted is a big help already.

It says under your handle your located on the Gulf Coast. Are you getting ready for Gustav?

Eddington · #4 Post by **Eddington** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:58 am

My air date is still up in the air - tentatively next summer (!) but due to some things that I can't get into, it's subject to change. When I know for sure, I'll pass it on though!

Someone asked about the Millionaire "menu". It is listed on the player monitor (in front of the hot seat) in order..an example of a few lines that you would see would be:

$1 Million -- Presidential Homes
$500,000 -- The Beatles

etc., all the way down to the first question

You do get to see the entire menu, in other words, and they are linked to the value of the question that they pertain to.

Keep asking, I'm sure I left out a lot. I just want future players (and casual fans!) to know what it's like..I think it enhances the show.

Cheers,

Eddington

Eddington · #5 Post by **Eddington** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:00 am

I don't know what to make of Gustav yet, but yes...I'm about 30% sure that I'll miss a few days of work due to the storm next week. It's still too far out for the computer models to have much meaning though...

T_Bone0806 · #6 Post by **T_Bone0806** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:13 am

Eddington wrote: $500,000 -- The Beatles

To be sitting in the Hot Seat and see this...Talk about a T-Bone fantasy.....

AnnieCamaro · #7 Post by **AnnieCamaro** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:15 am

At what stage of the process do they tell you who the "Ask an Expert" expert is? I mean, do they tell you while you're still in the green room, or when you reach the hot seat, or not until you say you want to use that lifeline?

silverscreenselect · #8 Post by **silverscreenselect** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:26 am

Eddington wrote:My air date is still up in the air - tentatively next summer (!) but due to some things that I can't get into, it's subject to change. When I know for sure, I'll pass it on though!

Someone asked about the Millionaire "menu". It is listed on the player monitor (in front of the hot seat) in order..an example of a few lines that you would see would be:

$1 Million -- Presidential Homes
$500,000 -- The Beatles

I just have a feeling based on Eddington's answer that he may have had a chance to see those last couple of categories up close and personal.

Eddington · #9 Post by **Eddington** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:45 am

AnnieCamaro --- Hi! They tell you who your Skype expert is during the briefing in the green room, several hours before you go on stage. They give you a short (3 sentences) bio, strengths, weaknesses, and their claim to fame (for example, if it's a former contestant, how much they won).

Also in regards to the Ask the Expert lifeline: You get the lifeline after you cross the $1000 threshold, so it's pretty early on. The question is sent via Skype to the Expert, who is not at the studio, and you get to videoconference with the Expert about the answers. It's very interactive. There's no time clock on this lifeline either, which gives a nice respite from the time-crunch of the questions.

Hope that helps!

themanintheseersuckersuit · #10 Post by **themanintheseersuckersuit** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 10:02 am

Welcome and thanks for the view from the inside.

MarleysGh0st · #11 Post by **MarleysGh0st** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:16 pm

Welcome to the Bored, Eddington, and congratulations!

Was this your first audition attempt? I'm just curious because one's opinion about it being a fun process and one's optimism that we can all get our chance may change after one's second or third...or twentieth...try.

gsabc · #12 Post by **gsabc** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:53 pm

Eddington wrote:Hi All!

First time post, long-time lurker. I auditioned in NYC in early May, receiving my happy postcard three weeks to the day after auditioning. After passing the test, I interviewed twice, the second time being the "on camera" interview. I thought it went pretty well. My advice to those who just interviewed and are trying to figure out how they did is to follow your instincts...if you think you nailed it, you probably did.

Yeah, well, maybe not so much.

In any case, congratulations on The Call and a retroactive good luck!

AnnieCamaro · #13 Post by **AnnieCamaro** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:07 pm

Eddington wrote:AnnieCamaro --- Hi! They tell you who your Skype expert is during the briefing in the green room, several hours before you go on stage. They give you a short (3 sentences) bio, strengths, weaknesses, and their claim to fame (for example, if it's a former contestant, how much they won).

Thank you very much, Mr. Eddington. Although I'll never get to use this information personally, as apparently I am ineligible, I have been wondering about the Ask an Expert lifeline since it was announced.

Welcome to the Bored. (We spell it that way on purpose, just because.) I'm glad you had a great experience at your taping, and I hope the fun you had at your taping reflects great winnings.

/:P\

frogman042 · #14 Post by **frogman042** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:12 pm

Eddington, you have a PM

Evil Squirrel · #15 Post by **Evil Squirrel** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:16 pm

AnnieCamaro wrote:Thank you very much, Mr. Eddington. Although I'll never get to use this information personally, as apparently I am ineligible,

I can't imagine why. Maybe it's your attitude towards small animals. Since Sonny left, the AP's have had a soft spot for me....

Squashed Hamster · #16 Post by **Squashed Hamster** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:19 pm

Evil Squirrel wrote:
AnnieCamaro wrote:Thank you very much, Mr. Eddington. Although I'll never get to use this information personally, as apparently I am ineligible,

I can't imagine why. Maybe it's your attitude towards small animals. Since Sonny left, the AP's have had a soft spot for me....

Yeah, let me show you the soft spot they had for ME. It used to be my spine....

Mr. Hamster

Snaxx · #17 Post by **Snaxx** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:12 pm

Congrats on making it to the show! Best of luck with that storm; it looks ferocious right now!

________
The last season at Yankee Stadium

Eddington · #18 Post by **Eddington** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 8:13 am

Someone asked about my audition history. I've auditioned three times, roughly in 2005, July 2006, and May, 2008. I passed the test each time. The first time I got the unhappy postcard, the second time I got the happy one but no call, and two years later I decided that I was a more interesting interview, so I went back to try again. This time I got the on-camera interview, and I felt like I had a lot more to talk about...I figured I had nailed it, and ended up getting the call. I was also MUCH more relaxed.

That's my audition history!

peacock2121 · #19 Post by **peacock2121** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:09 am

Welcome to the bored.

I am glad you de-lurked.

Eddington · #20 Post by **Eddington** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:21 am

Thanks! it's fun to be here. Lots of good questions. I just want to contribute

It'll be a lot more fun when I can give my air date

Thanks for the positive feedback.

Winnamill · #21 Post by **Winnamill** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 6:55 pm

Welcome to the Bored and Congratulations on your show success. I'm heading out in a week so every little bit helps. Frogman has been very helpful, and you added a few more tidbits. I'm trying to keep my attitude in line to match how you went in. My only nightmare is not covering my trip expenses. After that, I can relax and just hope for good things.

Good luck with the newest hurricane. I hope it does not create new havoc for the residents of the Gulf Coast.

Eddington · #22 Post by **Eddington** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 12:09 pm

Congrats, and have a great trip! You'll do great! Just remember to smile, relax, breathe, and be ready for a long day in the green room!

Cheers

Eddington

Winnamill · #23 Post by **Winnamill** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 2:58 pm

Since the green room sounds like a different location than when I was on the Regis version in 2001, I am wondering if bringing anything (a book, etc.) is a good idea or even allowed? I'm assuming most of the time is spent conversing with other contestants, but what does the last person do?

Also, I know you can come in casual clothes in the a.m., but at what point do you change into the show clothes? Is most of the time spent in show clothes or casual clothes? Might make a difference in what I choose to wear.

Anybody know why the green room does not get to watch the taping of the other contestants? Seems like that would be simple entertainment for the waiting horde. We were able to watch the previous show taping from backstage in 2001. Is the risk of word getting out because of so many shows taping probably the reason?

sunflower · #24 Post by **sunflower** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 3:05 pm

Winnamill wrote:Since the green room sounds like a different location than when I was on the Regis version in 2001, I am wondering if bringing anything (a book, etc.) is a good idea or even allowed? I'm assuming most of the time is spent conversing with other contestants, but what does the last person do?

Also, I know you can come in casual clothes in the a.m., but at what point do you change into the show clothes? Is most of the time spent in show clothes or casual clothes? Might make a difference in what I choose to wear.

Anybody know why the green room does not get to watch the taping of the other contestants? Seems like that would be simple entertainment for the waiting horde. We were able to watch the previous show taping from backstage in 2001. Is the risk of word getting out because of so many shows taping probably the reason?

I was on last season but I'll throw in my two cents. The green room was actually Tony Danza's dressing room when the Tony Danza show was on! As far as location, I can't tell you where it was, that place is a maze!!

As of last season, no materials were allowed, if you brought them, they had to go in your locker.

We changed into show clothes around 10 or 11. Right before they do your makeup, basically. I liked the casual clothes on the first day because you're eating breakfast and listening to the lawyers, PR, etc. But I'm also a slob and the less chance I have to spill anything on myself the better.

As of last season we were able to watch the shows. I have no reason why they took it away. It was fun to cheer for everyone and passed the time. I can't imagine how they spend the day now.

frogman042 · #25 Post by **frogman042** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 3:30 pm

sunflower wrote:
Winnamill wrote:Since the green room sounds like a different location than when I was on the Regis version in 2001, I am wondering if bringing anything (a book, etc.) is a good idea or even allowed? I'm assuming most of the time is spent conversing with other contestants, but what does the last person do?

Also, I know you can come in casual clothes in the a.m., but at what point do you change into the show clothes? Is most of the time spent in show clothes or casual clothes? Might make a difference in what I choose to wear.

Anybody know why the green room does not get to watch the taping of the other contestants? Seems like that would be simple entertainment for the waiting horde. We were able to watch the previous show taping from backstage in 2001. Is the risk of word getting out because of so many shows taping probably the reason?
I was on last season but I'll throw in my two cents. The green room was actually Tony Danza's dressing room when the Tony Danza show was on! As far as location, I can't tell you where it was, that place is a maze!!

As of last season, no materials were allowed, if you brought them, they had to go in your locker.

We changed into show clothes around 10 or 11. Right before they do your makeup, basically. I liked the casual clothes on the first day because you're eating breakfast and listening to the lawyers, PR, etc. But I'm also a slob and the less chance I have to spill anything on myself the better.

As of last season we were able to watch the shows. I have no reason why they took it away. It was fun to cheer for everyone and passed the time. I can't imagine how they spend the day now.

I'm going to break my vow of silience just to help out here - technically I broke it already with my urinal update - so for all you detectives out there looking for clues - good luck.

Sunflower is right about the general timeline, wear comfortable clothes and then about 3-4 hours into the experience you'll change into your show clothes.

As far as any materials go, you can bring what you want but the only time you'll get to review them is when you are on the street prior to entering at 7:30 AM, after a quick security check your first stop is the locker room where everything other then the clothes on you back are deposted - including the clothes you will change into. You are allowed to have no other objects, including pens or paper with you while you wait in the green room. The only things other then the clothes are any items that you might want with you on the show..I know items such as photos, good luck charms (btw, my 'good luck' blackberry didn't pass the sniff test), etc - clear each and all of those items with your producer so that they know you have them - unless it is a miniture version of the Guiness Book of World Records, it should meet their approval. Be aware, if you do have some personal item that you would like to have with you in the hot seat - it is possible Meridith might ask about it or want to see it.

Unless you want to have a book to read on the subway to and from the studio (and that really doesn't apply to you since you will be in walking distance), there is no need to carry really anything around except your required ID's, paperwork and any personal items that you need or will take with you into the studio.

As far as a live feed into the studio goes, we were told that the reason it was discontinued was that a special bond forms among all the contestents in the green room. If there is a run of really poor showings (llama's or being knocked out on the 4 figure or less questions, etc.) then that was putting a real damper on everyones spirits and they wanted to avoid that effect. E.g. that person who was really smart in the green room just bombed out - I'm dooomed, DOOMED! - I guess they ddn't think that added to the vibe and energy level of the later contestants.

The result is while you are in the green room you are treated to a series of DVD's playing old episodes. Everyone in the room is pretty friendly so you really spend a lot of time swapping personal stories, learning of the other contestants backgrounds and lives so it is not nearly as boring as you might think to be stuck in a room for up to 13 hours with no outside stimuli.

That is all for now.

---Jay

WWTBAM Bored

Contestant on WWTBAM earlier this week. New format review

Contestant on WWTBAM earlier this week. New format review

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