GAME SHOWS EXAM
CODES / CONVENTIONS
What makes a game show?
Game shows are an example of a television genre.
Try watching part of a game show without any sound
playing . Make a note of the visual features of the show
which make you aware that it is a game show you are
watching. :
Smartly dressed presenter- to present the show in a
smart way.
Dramatic tension- to make the audience engaged with
what’s happening.
Audience- to show people watch the show and help them
see it in real life.
Set design- helps attract the audience and makes them
want to go there.
Prizes- to show what the contestants are there for and
there is something to be won as there is no point going
without winning something.
Rounds- builds up the tension and makes it harder for the
contestants.
Contestants- to take part in the game show and have
different ones to not make it boring.
Assistant- helping the host.(usually has a lot of
knowledge)
Buzzers- makes it more louder and a bit frightening as it
shocks the contestants and the audience when the sound
hits.
What makes a game show?
Sound that makes the game
show.
Sound effects designed to increase
tension.
Game show buzzer-creates the buzzing
sound once pressed
Game show buzzer-creates the buzzing
sound once pressed
Theme tune-catchy-will bring a lot of
audience so people will remember it
Sting-creates tension-makes the
audience more interested
Audience cheering-makes it look more
fun
Dramatic effects-makes it feel more
mysterious
Quiz Show or Game Show?
Game shows are a close relative of another television genre called ‘Quiz
shows’. Below make a list of features that you would expect to find in a game
show and those you would expect to find in a quiz show.
Do the two genres have any conventions in common? What would you say
are the main
features that help us tell them apart? Fill in the table below to help you
decide.
Game Show
Quiz Show
Buzzers
Buzzers
Co presenters
Co presenters
Theme music
Theme music
Lighting
Lighting
Prizes
Prizes
Live set
Live set
Set design
Set design
Different sets
Different sets
Rounds
Rounds
Hosts
Hosts
Live audience
Live audience
Are they a game show?
Can you think of any examples of shows where it is difficult to decide
which genre they best fit? Make a list of these shows.
Block busters
Family fortune
Lets make a deal
Tipping point
Mastermind
Countdown
Who wants to be a millionaire?
Family feud
Jeopardy!
Conventions of the Genre
Now watch the two clips below and then fill in the grid on the next slide…
What do they have in common?
How are they different?
Which do you prefer & why?
SIMILARITIES
DIFFERENCES
Dramatic music
Dramatic effects
They have a theme tune
Audience
Some celebrities are there
Tipping point is a quiz show
They both have a set
Tipping point is cheaper and more basic
The music can be dramatic
Total wipe-out is a game show and more expensive
Both have British white males
Different set