In our first “Come On Down with Rich Fields“ podcast I had mentioned having a working friendship with game show host Wink Martindale. Wink and I had the same agent in Hollywood for many years (Fred Wostbrock of KSR). So, Wink and I had many opportunities to be together (awards ceremonies, luncheons, etc.). Wink and I even taped a game show pilot together called Telethon. As with many show pilots, this show was not picked up by the networks. But it’s always fun working… so I was thrilled again to be a part of the process.

Photos from the Telethon rehearsals and the actual taping day are attached below.

Enjoy!

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  Telethon was a game show idea that had various "B" stars soliciting for pledges to the star's favorite charity. In this photo I am addressing the camera, explaining the "home audience" voting details.

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  The set was beautiful. And the studio audience really seemed to enjoy the show.

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  The show was crafted to look like a night-time charity pledge drive (likened to the Jerry Lewis MD telethons). There was a live band and everything. Here Wink waits for his cue that we're back on-the-air.
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  Signage from the Telethon set.

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  Wink and I on our first rehearsal day.

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  I'm dressing in a suit and tie because I had just come from taping two shows that day on the set of The Price is Right. When it rains... it pours.
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  At my podium... but this is during the second rehearsal, the day before the pilot taping.

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  Nice angle Fellini.

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  Drew Lachey was contracted to act as one of the celebrities pitching for donations.
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  This is a wardrobe "continuity" shot. This was just prior to show taping, against a brick wall outside. If after the taping is over... and they need me to came back in for a pick-up shot... they know exactly how I looked on the original day. All talent will have this shot of them taken (TV, movies, etc.).

• Telethon

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  This would have been my official Telethon publicity picture (had the show been picked up).

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  Another proposed publicity shot.
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  Yet another possible publicity shot.

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  It's amazing how much money is spent on production, never knowing if your show will ever get green-lighted by a network.

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  Barry Williams (on taping day). Barry was one of the other celebs pitching for donations.
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  Barry is a really sweet guy. My wife and I originally met him and his wife in Hawaii. We were seated together for dinner at a Don Ho show in Honolulu years ago. I had just reminded him of the experience when these photos were taken.

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  Having grown up watching Barry on The Brady Bunch... and then working with him was a cool experience.

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  During commercial "stop-downs"... Barry and I were always kidding around together. The photog kept catching us in various locations.
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  You gotta love sparkly curtains on a game show, right?

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  Photo of the Telethon show graphic shot right off of a stage monitor.

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  Me at my announcer's podium. Easy money.
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  Waiting for the Director's countdown back to tape... "In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1".

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  "Welcome back America! Let's bring out our next contestant".

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  A long shot of a portion of the Telethon set that included the phone banks, me, and the band.
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  Same portion of the set... different angle.

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  I enjoyed Telethon. It's too bad it didn't make it to "air". But I can't tell you how many "pilots" are made... and how few get picked up. Oh well.

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