Telethon – A Game Show Pilot With Wink Martindale
I was asked recently about some of the TV shows that I have done pilots for that never…
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!
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsTelethon 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.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsThe set was beautiful. And the studio audience really seemed to enjoy the show.
Photo by: Rich FieldsThe 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.
Photo by: Rich FieldsSignage from the Telethon set.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsWink and I on our first rehearsal day.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsI'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.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsAt my podium... but this is during the second rehearsal, the day before the pilot taping.
Photo by: Rich FieldsNice angle Fellini.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsDrew Lachey was contracted to act as one of the celebrities pitching for donations.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsThis 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
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsThis would have been my official Telethon publicity picture (had the show been picked up).
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsAnother proposed publicity shot.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsYet another possible publicity shot.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsIt's amazing how much money is spent on production, never knowing if your show will ever get green-lighted by a network.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsBarry Williams (on taping day). Barry was one of the other celebs pitching for donations.
Photo by: Rich FieldsBarry 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.
Photo by: Rich FieldsHaving grown up watching Barry on The Brady Bunch... and then working with him was a cool experience.
Photo by: Rich FieldsDuring commercial "stop-downs"... Barry and I were always kidding around together. The photog kept catching us in various locations.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsYou gotta love sparkly curtains on a game show, right?
Photo by: Rich FieldsPhoto of the Telethon show graphic shot right off of a stage monitor.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsMe at my announcer's podium. Easy money.
Photo Credit: Rich FieldsWaiting for the Director's countdown back to tape... "In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1".
Photo credit: Rich Fields"Welcome back America! Let's bring out our next contestant".
Photo by: Rich FieldsA long shot of a portion of the Telethon set that included the phone banks, me, and the band.
Photo by: Rich FieldsSame portion of the set... different angle.
Photo by: Rich FieldsI 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.
