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[itvt] recently visited a live broadcast of GSN’s pioneering participation TV show, "PlayMania." Click on the images below to play behind-the-scenes video from the show, as well as video interviews with GSN’s SVP of digital media and entertainment, John P. Roberts, with Optimistic Entertainment founder and chairman, Jasper Smith, with Optimistic managing director, Carolyn Maze, and with members of the show’s production staff.

The Crew

GSN’s John P. Roberts gives [itvt] a tour of the GSN studios and of the "PlayMania" set, and introduces the team behind the show. Don’t miss Roberts’ impression of UK-born host, Mel Peachey.

Format Creators

[itvt] talks to Jasper Smith, founder and chairman of Optimistic Entertainment, the company that originated the "PlayMania" format, and to Optimistic’s managing director, Carolyn Maze, about current trends and future directions in the participation TV space.

Finding Talented Participation TV Hosts

GSN’s John P. Roberts talks about the challenges of finding talented participation TV hosts and also briefly explains how the "PlayMania" format was adapted from its UK predecessor, "QuizNation."

Live!

[itvt] goes behind the screens during "PlayMania’s" live broadcast. Places visited include the sound effects room, the studio set, the broadcast room, and the call-in center.

Why Interactive TV?

Later in the evening, Optimistic’s Jasper Smith talks about why he got involved in the interactive TV business. GSN’s John P. Roberts then briefly turns the tables on [itvt]’s Tracy Swedlow, who then passes the question back to Roberts. Roberts also talks briefly about emerging competition in the participation TV space.

So You Think You Can Drive, Mel?

[itvt]’s GSN visit concludes with GSN, Optimistic and [itvt] executives playing a new game on GSN’s Web site that pokes fun at actor Mel Gibson’s recent drunk-driving arrest and subsequent racist comments. The goal of the game is to acquire as many Tequila bottles as possible while trying not to run over policemen and avoiding being struck by Stars of David thrown by orthodox rabbis.

Originally Published: September 15, 2006 in [itvt] Issue 6.94

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