Quizmania

:"For the Australian version of the show, please see Quizmania (Australia)"Infobox Television
show_name = Quizmania


caption = Quizmania logo
format = Live phone-in quiz
runtime = 3 hours per episode
creator = Chuck Thomas,
Debbie King,
Simone Thorogood
presenter = Debbie King (2005-7),
Greg Scott (2005-7),
Lee Baldry (2005-7),
Chuck Thomas (2005-6),
Nigel Mitchell (2005-7),
Kirsty Duffy (2006, 2008-),
Lottie Mayor (2005-7, 2008),
Tim Lichfield (2006-7, 2008-),
Lee Clark (2005),
Andy Jaye (2008),
Stuart Headlam (stand-in)
channel = Information TV, ITV, ITV2, ITV Play
country = UK
first_aired = 12 August 2005 - 15 January 2007
(televised version)
17 July 2008
last_aired = present (online version)
num_episodes =
producer = FremantleMedia
(televised version)
Screen Pop Ltd.
Illuma Digital
(online version)
related = "My Games Fever"

"Quizmania" is a popular British interactive gameshow. The show was devised by Chuck Thomas, Debbie King, and Simone Thorogood (formerly of 9Live and Bowling For Bucks) and produced by Fremantle Media for Information TV (between August 2005 and March 2006) and ITV (between December 2005 and January 2007). Currently, the online revival is produced by Screen Pop Ltd. in association with Illumina Digital. In a similar vein to other premium-line call-in shows, viewers on the TV version of Quizmania were encouraged to phone a premium-rate number in order to provide an answer to a quiz question.

Quizmania's most recent television broadcast was made on 14 January–15 January 2007, presented by Greg Scott and Debbie King. The show closed with a highlights montage and an emotional farewell sign off from Scott and King.

The series returned on Thursday 17 July 2008 as an online-only show on Quizmania's official website. Prior to official confirmation of the relaunch, rumour and hype had been escalating about the new series since December 2007 when the show's presenters and devisors were contacted about the then-possible revival.

Overview

The original run of "Quizmania" was broadcast from 22.00 to 01.00, weeknights on ITV Play. In order to win money, viewers had to ring in at a cost of 75p from a BT landline (previously 60p). If they were successful they would be placed on hold, then transferred live to the studio if they were lucky, where they went on to deliver their answers. Prizes usually ranged from £50 to £25,000. The biggest prize to be won was £28,000 on March 22 2006. Once £100,000 was available as a prize, but was not won. According to an article in "The Times", "Quizmania" earned ITV over £1.2million during the first two weeks of transmission on ITV1.

The original TV series ended on January 14th 2007 but due to high demand from fans, the show was revived some 18 months later with a new mass partcipation format, streamed online.

Broadcast times

"Quizmania" originally began broadcasting on 12 August 2005 on Sky channels 139 ("Life Showcase") and 181 ("Information TV") and completed a three-month run on terrestrial channel ITV from December 16 2005 to March 30 2006. After its last show on March 31 2006, the show became solely shown on ITV as it disappeared from the schedules of the two Sky channels. The series began airing overnight on ITV2 from April 1 2006. On May 26 2006, "Quizmania" returned to ITV1, airing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from midnight until around 4am. The programme also appeared on ITV Play and Men & Motors during weekday afternoons from 15:00 until 18:00. On 27 August 2006, "Quizmania" concluded what was to be its last run on ITV1 and from the week beginning 4 September 2006, began broadcasting exclusively on ITV Play in the evening between 10:00pm and 1:00am. This arrangement continued until the last edition of the original series on January 14, 2007.

For the first four weeks of the new online series (intended as a test run), the programme was broadcast online from Thursday to Saturday from 9pm until 12am via the programme's official website. From Thursday 14 August, "Quizmania" has been cut to one weekly show on Thursdays between 9pm and midnight. The programme is available worldwide, although only UK residents are allowed to play for money.

Crew

Presenters

*Debbie King (2005 - 2007)
*Greg Scott (2005 - 2007)
*Lee Baldry (2005 - 2007)
*Chuck Thomas (2005 - 2006)
*Nigel Mitchell (2005 - 2007)
*Kirsty Duffy (2006, 2008)
*Lottie Mayor (2005 - 2007, 2008)
*Tim Lichfield (2006 - 2007, 2008)
*Lee Clark (2005)
*Andy Jaye (2008)
*Stuart Headlam (stand-in)

Chuck Thomas and Stuart Headlam, two of the programme's producers, presented only occasionally. Chuck Thomas's voice could sometimes be heard speaking or giving away clues, when invited by a presenter.

On the night of 9 November 2006, Greg Scott announced live on-air that Kirsty Duffy had left the series though she has since returned to Quizmania for the second series.

The presentation team for the online revival consists of previous presenters Tim Lichfield, Lottie Mayor & Kirsty Duffy and former CITV continuity presenter Andy Jaye.

On 27 June 2008, Greg Scott announced via his official website that he would not participate in the online revival of the series.

Special guests include cardboard cut-outs of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sir Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Lieutenant Columbo, a shark's head called "Fergal Le Sharkey" and an ape called Boris wearing a cut out of Boris Johnson's face, all voiced and performed by cameraman Flash.

Technical staff

Camera operator "Flash" (Ben Sawyer) was the most popular technical staff member and spent much on-air time in-vision. From May 2006, he did not appear in front of the camera for four months for reasons unknown. In compromise, "Zool" (voiced by Flash) was often heard by acting out studio made props (such as Michael Jackson and Morgan Freeman cutouts) and hand puppets sent in by fans of the show. He later returned and was heard playing a character called "Zool" with his face covered by a cape, and operates camera two. On the night of his return he was called the Emperor and not mentioned by the name Flash. The next night his name was reverted back to "Zool". He was later referred to as the "Mystery Guest". However, on the evening of September 21 2006, Flash at last reappeared in front of the camera, referred to again as Flash.

Flash and fellow camera operator Sky London (Stephen Ferret) are both members of a rock band called King Lizard along with Martin Francis, a fact which was often mentioned on the show.

Other in-vision technical operators during the original run included:
*Ben Birch
*Phil Bligh
*Dave Hayes
*Debbie Collins
*Deloris Collins
*Jess Corfield
*Shaun Etienne
*Oli Frappe
*Emma Hardman
*Neil Horsman
*Paul Manzi

Flash and Sky returned to Quizmania for the online-only second series in July 2008. Camera operator Flash regularly appears inbetween games with Sky producing and directing. Technical operators Ben Birch and Paul Manzi stand in for the duo on camera, producing and directing duties.

Jingles and sound effects

The female voice often heard singing "It's a Speed Round!" during the show is that of Lottie Mayor. The male voice also heard singing "It's a Speed Round!" in a deep voice is in fact presenter Greg Scott. Camera operator Flash provides the voice of the strange laugh sound effect, and the "b-b-b-b-bonus!" noise. Lee Baldry provides the voice for the "Triple Money" sound effect. A caller named Linda was asked if she wanted to make a jingle for Chuck A Duck and she sang the words and was used as a jingle.

When the set was again changed in December 2006, Flash added sound effects as Father Christmas. These included, ' lets go and roast my chestnuts' and ' have you been a good little boy' which were played throughout the show. Everytime they were played when presenter Lottie was on air she would smile and say ' That's our Flash' followed by a statement like ' pretending to be santa' or ' as santa'

Nigel Mitchell has recorded a jingle which says "Make a Word with These Letters", and another which says "The game that takes ages that doesn't take ages".

Producers

The producers interacted with the presenters live on air, through an audio link from the control room. They were responsible for the games, and the sound effects that appeared in-game.

The programme's producers during the original run were:
*Stuart Headlam
*Sky London
*David Rollins
*Simone Thorogood
*Chuck Thomas

Featured players

One of the show's unluckiest players, "Tornado Tom", made it through to the studio on 97 consecutive shows without a single win. He eventually broke his losing streak with a £75 win on the 12 December 2006.

On the other hand, regular player "Rob from Norwich" became the first big money winner, winning £6,700 on the 14 January 2006 [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED6RJZAMZVI Youtube video of Rob from Norwich becoming the first big money winner] ] . Some fifteen months later he went on Sky News to defend the whole format during the massive backlash against these channels.

tudio set

The "Quizmania" studio reflects the show's main colour theme, bright pink with elements of blue.In the main section of the studio is a very large door, that is set in a low-angled pink wall. This door is normally where the presenters enter the show from at the start, and when another presenter arrives to take over.

From the viewer's perspective, to the left of the studio is a bar section, with various odds and ends on it. Going further to the right is a large noticeboard-like wall, which has a large gold frame (nicknamed "Quizframia") where viewer submitted photographs are pinned up. Also in the left section is a flat screen TV, where the animated Quizmania logo is displayed for most of the show. When special events happen in the show (e.g. Double money, speed round) large text is normally displayed on the screen. The screen is also used to display video clips as part of some games.

To the right of the main section, is another main bar section with a flat-screen television in the background, which displays the same picture as the other TV. The bar has traditionally had a gumball machine on it, and a large selection of random props and items that viewers have sent in. It also has two picture frames, for the "King and Queen of Quizmania". The bar also has some things underneath it that the presenters often get out, but the actual back of the bar has never been seen by viewers. Going further right, there is a 'podium of love' (a nickname started by Debbie) that the presenter will normally 'mount' when a speed rounds happens. The podium has a backdrop of large white bulb lights on a black background, and the lights are often flashing.

On July 31 2006, the studio was redesigned into a summer theme. Items like the large door were painted yellow, the left side of the studio was turned into a seaside-like setting, complete with deckchair, bucket and spade, some artificial palm trees, and a barbecue. Meanwhile, the right side has also be changed, with the bar given a different colour, and the frame around the TV painted yellow. The podium/speed round area of the studio has received new blue and red lights and newly painted podium. Additionally, a large jukebox was placed at the back of the main studio area.

In December 2006, the set was changed again into a snowy, Alpine Lodge theme which was the last theme for "Quizmania"'s run on ITV Play.

A smaller version of the original studio was built for the online series with the technical gallery regularly appearing in-vision.

Online revival

Due to high fan demand, Quizmania was revived as an online-only version. The first publicly released news of plans to revive the series was sent release in December 2007.

On December 18 2007 the "Quizmania" website published the following:

"Yakkabakakkas! "Quizmania" could be on its way back like you've never seen before!". [ [http://www.quizmania.tv/ Quizmania Website] ] .

Since the announcement, speculation has grown about a possible revival. Fan demand for a return of the show has remained high ever since Quizmania's last broadcast. A further announcement related to the return has yet to have been made. It is rumoured that if the programme returns, it will not be broadcast on ITV. In September, ITV plc announced a gradual phase-out of its participation TV quiz shows.

On 11 January 2008 those who had signed up to the "Quizmania" mailing list received this email:

Hello everyone and belated festive greetings from all the gang at QM Towers.
First off, a huge fluffy pink thank you to everyone for getting in touch. It's fab to know that there are so many Quizmaniacs out there who miss the show as much as we do. Can you believe that it's almost one year since the last episode!?!
Now, what about all these rumours of a QM return in 2008? Well, it's true we're looking at ways we can bring back the show in a completely different (but hopefully equally wadgetastic) way. Its not 100% certain yet and there are still details we need to scratch our heads over, but If and when things get moving, we know how to get in touch with you all.
In the meantime, we might send you a qmail from time-to-time with some news or a bit of QM nonsense. If you'd really prefer we didn't, just click on 'leave mailing list' below.
And as a special anniversary treat, check out the never-before-seen QM compilation on our myspace site: www.myspace.com/quizmaniaofficial
See you around!
The QM Team
www.quizmania.tv

On 13 February 2008 those who had signed up to the "Quizmania" mailing list received this email:

Hello everyone, it's the QM crew here!

Thanks very much for all your messages over the past couple of weeks - it's great to have such an active Quizmania community.

We've got a new treat for you guys: you can now download Quizmania music and sound effects from www.quizmania.tv! It's absolutely free of charge - a b-b-b-bonus gift from us to you. So if you want to make the classic QM theme tune your ringtone, or fancy chilling out to the sounds of our old music beds when you get home from work, click here now and get the tracks!

In the meantime, don't forget to check out www.myspace.com/quizmaniaofficial and add us to your friends!

Cheers

The QM Team

On 2 April 2008 those who had signed up to the "Quizmania" mailing list received this email:

Hello people, hope you're all keeping well!

Guess what we've found! Check out the quizmania.tv site for a remix of the classic QM theme tune, put together by Jonesy and our very own Lee B-B-B-B-Baldry!

Sorry we haven't been in touch for a while, but we've now managed to jump a couple of hurdles and leap through a few flaming hoops, and we're hoping to have some more concrete news about a possible QM revival in the next few weeks. In the mean time, check out the tune - we have it on repeat in the office every day!

Click Here to check out the track!

Enjoy!

The QM Team

On 20 May 2008 those who had signed up to the "Quizmania" mailing list received this email:

Hi folks,
Ah yes, spring is in the air and despite all the doom and gloom going round at the moment, QM Towers is positively awash with enthusiasm and excitement. And it's not just the weather that's ringing our proverbial bells. After giving our manpower a major boost by getting Fergal Le Sharkey on board, we are happy to bring you some news about our (not so secret) plan to revive the great QM.
Now we realise that over the last few months you've been very patient while we've been a bit, ahem, mysterious. So let's cut to the chase, spill the beans, poleaxe the polar bear. Assuming no more pesky hitches, we expect to re-launch Quizmania this summer as a live, truly interactive online gameshow. What in Baron Von Farquahasen's underpants is that, we hear you cry? Well instead of ringing up and hoping you'll get through to give your answer, every one of you will be able to take part in every single game. What's more, there will be lots of community features, including your chance to message the presenter and chat with your fellow QM fans while you watch and play along with the show.
The first few episodes will be a test of course because neither we nor anyone else has ever tried anything like this. But if it works and everyone likes it, then it's full steam ahead for QM world domination! Or at least a celebratory cup of tea.
But enough! You know too much.
Talk soon :-)
xx

The final confirmation of the series' return was made on 7 July 2008 via this email:

Calling all Quizmaniacs!
Here it is, the news you've all been waiting for. We are tickled pink to reveal that the official Quizmania.tv launch will be on Thursday July 17th at 9pm!
On that night, and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night for at least 4 weeks thereafter, we'll be broadcasting live from the pink side of the moon. And there to welcome you to our brand new home will be Tim Lichfield, Kirsty Duffy and Lottie Mayor. So make sure you're there to give them an awesome welcome and meet up with some old friends.
Now this might just be too much excitement to take, but we're also offering 100 Quizmania fans a chance to join us for an exclusive invite-only pre-launch premiere on Saturday July 12th at 9pm. For a chance to be part of history in the making, simply reply to this email with your answer to the following question:
What is the name of the Shark's head which appeared on Quizmania?
A. Sharkey le George
B. Fergal le Sharkey
C. Pasquale le Shark
D. Shark du Bonvoisin
The first 100 people to reply with the correct answer will bag themselves an exclusive seat for the wild pre-launch premiere, so be quick! Send answers to: [e-mail]

We'll be releasing more details in the days to come so keep your eyes glued to www.quizmania.tv - for the finest quizzing in the land, and much more!!!
x The QM Team
PS: If you can't bear the wait, check out our official blog at http://quizmania.tumblr.com

A pre-launch pilot edition of the show was streamed live on 12 July 2008 with 100 competition winners allowed to take part. The first main edition was streamed on 17 July 2008 and originally due to stream every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 9 August 2008 as a test run. On 31 July 2008, it was announced that the programme would continue beyond the period. The Friday and Saturday shows were axed at the end of the four-week test run.

The final weeekly edition of the present series will be streamed on 16 October 2008 and is due to be followed by occasional specials until Christmas.

Quizmania in different countries

Versions of "Quizmania" have also been produced and broadcast in various countries including:

* Australia (see Quizmania (Australia), no longer on air)
* Colombia [http://www.canalrcn.com/programas/quizmania/?op=info&idS=952&idP=525&idC=31284]
* France [http://www.nrj12.fr/op/quizzmax/index.html]
* Poland — it was shown on Polsat, originating from the same studio used in the British version. Polsat has since replaced "Quizmania" with another program, "Halo Kasa".
* Portugal "Quizmania" is currently broadcasting on SIC in Portugal under the name "Quando o telefone toca", which translates as "When the phone rings".

References

External links

* [http://www.quizmania.tv "Quizmania official website"]
* [http://www.myspace.com/quizmaniacentral Quizmania Central Fansite]
*itv.com|id=play|title=ITV Play
* [http://www.quizmaniasupport.co.uk Quizmania Support fan site]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4785844.stm BBC article with complaints about quiz television]
* [http://www.onemetal.com/movies/interviews/grill_flash.asp Interview with camera operator "Flash"]
* [http://www.quizmaniacentralchat.co.cc Unofficial fansite for Quizmania revival]