Quiz show's - Task one!...x

Year 11 Media Studies Mock Exam (Quiz Shows)


Task one

The existing quiz show I have chosen is,
‘Who wants to be a Millionaire?’

I have studied and analysed the quiz show and have outlined the codes and conventions of the programme.
Codes and conventions are the main features that quiz shows are consisted of. For example every quiz show has questions, answers, host and prizes etc!
The codes and conventions really make the show and without them it would be a normal broadcasting programme.

The questions in this quiz show start very easy then gradually get to a more harder level, this is to challenge the contestant and is the vital ingredient in making any quiz show. The contestants and audience especially enjoy answer questions weather it be at home or on the show as it is a chance to see people succeed or fail, gamble or not to take a chance, the audience will also like the chance to gain facts asked by the questions.
The questions are also multiple choice, so there is more of a possibility of getting the answer correct!
The programme also uses CGI to engage the audience at home to get involved and to feel like they are in the show, questions are placed upon the screen also lifelines and amount of money.

The contestants are also a major code and convention. In some spin-off programmes of
‘Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?’ celebrities are used to play the game and any money won will go to a charity of choice. In the clip that we analysed a pair of celebrities from ‘Coronation Street’ were used. This quiz show is very different from many shows about, as there is no time limit to answer questions, therefore contestants are free to deliberate their answer with one another or if a single contestant with them self. This really engages the audience at home and on the show as they are also aloud to vote in the ‘Ask the audience’ part of the show. People at home are either agreeing or disagreeing with the answer the contestant (s) are going with and this creates tension and mirrors audiences feelings.

The Host is a vital element in the quiz show, he is Chris Tarrant.
Chris’s attire is very formal; he dresses in a suit and tie and is presented as in charge of the show. Toward the contestants he acts friendly but also aware of his surrounds and the show. He is aware of the time, rules and prize giving’s. He constantly assures the contestants about the gamble options and how they can win.

Finally the last code and convention are the prizes. The cash prizes are banked as they get the correct answer. They are shown also using CGI and show on the screen. The score board is split to show contestants reaction and to create excitement at home. When contestants win amount of money cheques are shown to entice contestants. Also when the answer is wrong the stakes are high but safety net amounts are shown.


Audio and Visual presentation

The set of ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’

There is always a spotlight placed on Chris Tarrant and the contestant. When there is a correct answer, a yellow spotlight with white tones are used to give an up lifting feel and sense of hope. The studio audience are located in all black to focus the audience’s attention. The seating is arranged in a ‘Gladiatorial’ arena so all audience is in the round. The competition is all about knowledge and the fight to win one million pounds. The lights are used to create tension.

The music during the show is low-key with a heartbeat pulsing through whilst questions are being asked. Drama and tension creates suspense and adrenalin. The music is fat and upbeat on easy questions and slow and pensive on the harder questions. Drum rolls are used when waiting for an answer, but the signature theme runs throughout.

The Camera Shots

The camera shots show the gradational audience. The close up camera shot is permanently on Chris Tarrant to engage the reader on looking at him and if he was asking the question to him or her.