*Please note: Due to a technical problem, this is only a partial log of our event from this evening. We apologize for any inconvenience.*
May 7, 1996
Welcome to Oprah's Game Show 101 with 5 time champion David Wagner! Jeopardy. The Price is Right. Wheel of Fortune. We all secretly wish we could win big on a game show, right? But how do we get there, and how can we increase our chances of coming out on top?
Meet David Wagner, author of "The TV Game Show Contestant Guidebook." He is here to share tips on how to win big money on the show of your choice. Do you wonder what the right show is for you? How about preparing for the audition, and how to play like a champion? When do shows tour looking for contestants? And what are they really looking for? Get answers to those questions and more!
Wagner has the inside scoop on contact numbers for game shows, tricks behind every game, and proven strategies to get the judges to notice you! Wonder what to avoid in your audition - ask about clothing and attitude don'ts! Did you know you can actually practice and "psych up" for your audition? You can! We welcome David Wagner!
Question: What if I don't think I am good looking enough to get on a game show? I'm certainly no model.
David Wagner: Beauty is not the issue. Nothing could be further from the truth. Game show producers want their programs to have broad appeal. They want Mr. and Mrs. Average American to watch the show. They want these average viewers see themselves in the players, and to wish and hope that maybe one day they may have a chance to be a contestant on their favorite show.
Question: If you are chosen for a game show, who pays the expenses of transportation?
David Wagner: Many of the shows with large budgets (Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy are two of them) may pay your expenses. The shows that appear on cable or during the daytime, don't have the same budgets as syndicated shows, so expenses are most often paid by contestants. If you are chosen for a show that does not pay, they can sometimes get you discounted air fare and hotels. They will be as helpful as possible in scheduling appearance time to meet both of your needs.
Question: I am a college student at WSU. I have a very outgoing personality, I love to laugh, and am extremely good at Wheel of Fortune. Do I have a better chance entering as a college student or as a regular contestant?
David Wagner: If you caught Oprah's "Game Show Winners" show, you saw one of her producers talk about being on Wheel. He first auditioned as a college student but was not chosen for the college tournament. He was later called to be on the regular show. (He won by the way!) It can't hurt your chances to try and get on any way that is possible!
Question: Where is your book available?
David Wagner: It is available at all local bookstores, and if they don't have it in stock, the clerk can order it for you. Or you can order it on your own by calling (800) 888-4741.
Question: This might be a little off subject, but was the movie, "Quiz Show," based on a true story and are shows rigged to any extent today?
David Wagner: The movie "Quiz Show" was based on a true story. Dan Enright who mentioned earlier tonight, was the same producer of the game show "21." At that time that show, and "The $64,000 Question" were being produced (in the 50's), giving contestants answers was NOT illegal. After the game show scandal in the 1950's, the FCC stepped in with laws regulating game shows and cheating became a felony. Game show producers today take great pains to keep their shows on the up and up. For instance, some people think that if you know someone who works for the producer, you have a greater chance of getting on. When in fact, the very opposite is true. You cannot know anyone associated with the show in any way to be a contestant. You are forbidden to appear.
Question: Do the game show recruiters check your income or financial background for tax purposes?
David Wagner: No, they do not. But the IRS is very interested in your game show winnings! Your winnings are taxed as ordinary income, right down to the box of CERTS that you receive as a parting gift! You can read a lot about prizes in my book. How to handle the money, the delivery of goods to you, which you want to accept and which to decline, and how to handle the taxes on it all.
Question: Can I please have the number to The Price Is Right?
David Wagner: Sure, just for you! TPIR is (213) 852-2449.
Question: I just made it for college week on Wheel! Any advice?!?! I have already beat the odds...300,000 people tried out and they picked less than 15!
David Wagner: Yes! I have lots of advice for you! Run and grab my book. I have extensive strategies to use on Wheel. It is very important to spin the wheel properly. You need to know the makeup of the wheel since it changes during the game. There are also lots of strategies on the choice of letters during certain parts of the game. If you've ever heard Pat say to a player, "Watch the board," you will know that the board is very important. I have an illustration of the wheel which is never seen by the television audience. Good luck to you!
Question: On which show do people win the most money?
David Wagner: Hands down - Wheel of Fortune! When I was on "Press Your Luck" a few years back, the maximum you could win was $32,000. After I reached that amount, I was not allowed to return as champion. On Wheel, the maximum is $125,000! You've probably seen a couple contestants each season reach that amount of winnings.
David Wagner: Goodnight everyone! Thanks for signing on! Good luck - and remember - game show producers are looking for people just like you!
Thanks so much for joining us this evening. We hope if any of you go onto Game Show fame and fortune - you will let us know! We wish you the very best of luck! For more tips, be sure and check out Wagner's book, "The TV Game Show Contestant Guidebook." We thank him so much for being here with us tonight. Good luck everyone! Goodnight from Harpo Studios!
