What happens in the studio?

All discussion relevant to Countdown that is not too spoilerific. New members: come here first to introduce yourself. We don't bite, or at least rarely.
Post Reply
Ralph Gillions
Devotee
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:53 pm
Location: South Yorkshire

What happens in the studio?

Post by Ralph Gillions »

Do they play opening and closing credits and music?
Or are they added on after recording before the programme goes out?
How long does it take to complete the recording of 1 show?
(It does seem daft that each letter selection Rachel turns to look at a camera, rather than the contestant.
Most odd.)
Is there any sort of rehearsal at all, or is it straight in cold?
Do contestants save their nameplates?
Do contestants always get pictures taken - and autographs?
Does the Dictionary Corner guest socialize or just pops in for the recording?
How much time does make-up take?

That'll do for now. Thanks
User avatar
Charlie Reams
Site Admin
Posts: 9494
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm
Location: Cambridge
Contact:

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Charlie Reams »

Ralph Gillions wrote:Do they play opening and closing credits and music?
Yes. Tea-time teasers and everything are in place exactly as in the final show.
How long does it take to complete the recording of 1 show?
It's almost real-time. There's an edit for the numbers/letters podium to be changed around and that's about it. There are sometimes a few pickups at the end of each show, in cases of sound issues or whatever.
(It does seem daft that each letter selection Rachel turns to look at a camera, rather than the contestant.
Most odd.)
The contestants get warned about this before each show, since it does seem odd the first time. But if you get into the habit of watching the desk monitor, it seems more familiar.
Is there any sort of rehearsal at all, or is it straight in cold?
Cold as far as I know. I think Jeff & Rachel had a few rehearsals before their very first shows just to get the hang of the thing, but not since then.
Do contestants save their nameplates?
Usually, yes. You get them in your goodie bag I think.
Do contestants always get pictures taken - and autographs?
Photos yes, autographs are up to you.
Does the Dictionary Corner guest socialize or just pops in for the recording?
They're pretty much just there for the recording. They don't come into the contestant green room and usually disappear as soon as shooting is over (which is fair enough, it's only a job). If the crew are going for drinks afterwards (e.g. end of a series or maybe end of a recording block) they sometimes come along to that, but contestants aren't usually invited to that anyway.
How much time does make-up take?
For men, about 30 seconds -- just a bit of foundation or something to reduce the shine of the studio lights, and maybe some concealer. I assume it's the same for women, since you're advised to arrive already made-up.

HTH
Ralph Gillions
Devotee
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:53 pm
Location: South Yorkshire

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ralph Gillions »

Thanks very much Charlie.
Prompt and enlightening. :)
Ryan Taylor
Postmaster General
Posts: 3661
Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:18 pm

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ryan Taylor »

Charlie covered everything. I just wanted to add that I was amazed just how quick one episode took to film, in some cases, actually quicker than the broadcast due to the adverts.
User avatar
Matt Morrison
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 7822
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:27 pm
Location: London
Contact:

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Matt Morrison »

Ryan Taylor wrote:Charlie covered everything. I just wanted to add that I was amazed just how quick one episode took to film, in some cases, actually quicker than the broadcast due to the adverts.
So how does that work, Jeff introduces the teaser, there's a few second pause then welcomes everyone back? Yes I could ask Heather but I love you just as much Ryan.
User avatar
James Robinson
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 10580
Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:38 pm
Location: Mirfield, West Yorkshire

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by James Robinson »

Matt Morrison wrote:
Ryan Taylor wrote:Charlie covered everything. I just wanted to add that I was amazed just how quick one episode took to film, in some cases, actually quicker than the broadcast due to the adverts.
So how does that work, Jeff introduces the teaser, there's a few second pause then welcomes everyone back?
Yeah, the gap between breaks in the studio is much less than the gap between breaks in transmission. 8-)
User avatar
Matt Morrison
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 7822
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:27 pm
Location: London
Contact:

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Matt Morrison »

I want a precise(ish) time James. And then I will love you along with Heather and Ryan.
User avatar
James Robinson
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 10580
Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:38 pm
Location: Mirfield, West Yorkshire

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by James Robinson »

Matt Morrison wrote:I want a precise(ish) time James. And then I will love you along with Heather and Ryan.
Let's say a normal break is roughly 4 minutes, give or take. In the studio, it's between 60-90 seconds. ;) :) :D
Ralph Gillions
Devotee
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:53 pm
Location: South Yorkshire

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ralph Gillions »

What have you done with your nameplates?
User avatar
Ian Volante
Postmaster General
Posts: 3963
Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:15 pm
Location: Edinburgh
Contact:

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ian Volante »

Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
Didn't get mine, forgot to ask for it :(
meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles meles
User avatar
Jon Corby
Moral Hero
Posts: 8021
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:36 am

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Jon Corby »

Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
I have one at work on my desk, and one on my toilet door.
Last edited by Jon Corby on Mon Feb 14, 2011 6:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Matt Morrison
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 7822
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:27 pm
Location: London
Contact:

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Matt Morrison »

Jon Corby wrote:
Ian Volante wrote:
Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
Didn't get mine, forgot to ask for it :(
I have one at work on my desk, and one on my toilet door.
Which one is Ian's?
User avatar
Jon Corby
Moral Hero
Posts: 8021
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:36 am

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Jon Corby »

Matt Morrison wrote:Which one is Ian's?
Oops.
User avatar
Soph K
Devotee
Posts: 679
Joined: Sat Dec 04, 2010 4:20 pm
Location: Lalaland

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Soph K »

Jon Corby wrote:
Matt Morrison wrote:Which one is Ian's?
Oops.
huh i dont get it why did u say oops is it adult comedy or something
One Direction are my life. <3
"The reason for life is to find out who you are"
"It always seems impossible until it's done" :)
Love loads of celebs to be honest... Might marry Nicky Maccy :P
User avatar
James Robinson
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 10580
Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:38 pm
Location: Mirfield, West Yorkshire

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by James Robinson »

I have 3. My 2 from the Whiteley days are in my desk draw, and the one I got from the Stelling era is proudly on top of my desk, so I always see it. :D
User avatar
JimBentley
Fanatic
Posts: 2820
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:39 pm
Contact:

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by JimBentley »

Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
I must admit I haven't got a clue where either of mine are. I know they're in the house somewhere but I wouldn't know where to start looking first. Shocking, I know.
User avatar
Jon Corby
Moral Hero
Posts: 8021
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:36 am

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Jon Corby »

Soph K wrote:
Jon Corby wrote:
Matt Morrison wrote:Which one is Ian's?
Oops.
huh i dont get it why did u say oops is it adult comedy or something
No, I wet myself.
Ryan Taylor
Postmaster General
Posts: 3661
Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:18 pm

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ryan Taylor »

Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
On my bedroom door.
User avatar
Jon O'Neill
Ginger Ninja
Posts: 4545
Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:45 am
Location: London, UK

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Jon O'Neill »

Ryan Taylor wrote:
Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
On my bedroom door.
User avatar
Rhys Benjamin
Postmaster General
Posts: 3102
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 4:28 pm

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Rhys Benjamin »

Jon O'Neill wrote:
Ryan Taylor wrote:
Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
On my bedroom door.
? :?:
The forum's resident JAILBAKER, who has SPONDERED several times...
User avatar
Lesley Hines
Kiloposter
Posts: 1250
Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:29 pm
Location: Worcester

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Lesley Hines »

Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
Donated mine as a Valentines love token to Jeff Burgin.
Lowering the averages since 2009
User avatar
Jon O'Neill
Ginger Ninja
Posts: 4545
Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:45 am
Location: London, UK

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Jon O'Neill »

Rhys Benjamin wrote:
Jon O'Neill wrote:
Ryan Taylor wrote:On my bedroom door.
? :?:
Ryan Taylor wrote:
Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
On my bedroom door.
User avatar
Ben Wilson
Legend
Posts: 4543
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 5:05 pm
Location: North Hykeham

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ben Wilson »

I only wound up with 1, from my c of c. :-/ Must've forgotten to collect the others. The one I have is on display next to my teapot.
Gavin Chipper
Post-apocalypse
Posts: 13258
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Gavin Chipper »

Ralph,
some
very
interesting
questions
there.
I
have
enjoyed
reading
the
responses.
Ralph Gillions
Devotee
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:53 pm
Location: South Yorkshire

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ralph Gillions »

Lesley Hines wrote:
Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
Donated mine as a Valentines love token to Jeff Burgin.
:shock: :x :cry:
I am usually fairly tolerant and understanding.
But there are limits!!!!
There are things up with which I will not put.
Do your worst Lesley. I comfort myself knowing that some bonds cannot be broken.
Last edited by Ralph Gillions on Mon Feb 14, 2011 9:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ralph Gillions
Devotee
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:53 pm
Location: South Yorkshire

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ralph Gillions »

Gavin Chipper wrote:Ralph,
some
very
interesting
questions
there.
I
have
enjoyed
reading
the
responses.
Thank
you
Gavin.
So
have
I.
User avatar
Lesley Hines
Kiloposter
Posts: 1250
Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:29 pm
Location: Worcester

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Lesley Hines »

Ralph Gillions wrote:
Lesley Hines wrote:
Ralph Gillions wrote:What have you done with your nameplates?
Donated mine as a Valentines love token to Jeff Burgin.
:shock: :x :cry:
I am usually fairly tolerant and understanding.
But there are limits!!!!
There are things up with which I will not put.
Do your worst Lesley. I comfort myself knowing that some bonds cannot be broken.
8-)
Lowering the averages since 2009
Ralph Gillions
Devotee
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:53 pm
Location: South Yorkshire

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ralph Gillions »

;)
Ralph Gillions
Devotee
Posts: 557
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:53 pm
Location: South Yorkshire

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ralph Gillions »

What are the letters and numbers made of?
Mark James
Kiloposter
Posts: 1778
Joined: Sat Oct 23, 2010 3:21 pm
Location: Dublin

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Mark James »

Quick question. Suppose both contestants declare seven. Contestant 1 has SENATOR, contestant 2 only has SENATOR written down but knows its an anagram of TREASON so declares TREASON to save having to show their answer to contestant 1. Would it be disallowed because it wasn't written down and he didn't declare it as not written down? Are your sheets checked by anyone after the show?
Ryan Taylor
Postmaster General
Posts: 3661
Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:18 pm

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Ryan Taylor »

Mark James wrote:Quick question. Suppose both contestants declare seven. Contestant 1 has SENATOR, contestant 2 only has SENATOR written down but knows its an anagram of TREASON so declares TREASON to save having to show their answer to contestant 1. Would it be disallowed because it wasn't written down and he didn't declare it as not written down? Are your sheets checked by anyone after the show?
Wouldn't be disallowed regardless of whether anyone checked since they have come up with a different word previously not spotted.
User avatar
Charlie Reams
Site Admin
Posts: 9494
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:33 pm
Location: Cambridge
Contact:

Re: What happens in the studio?

Post by Charlie Reams »

Ralph Gillions wrote:What are the letters and numbers made of?
If I remember rightly it's some kind of card with a magnetic bit attached to the back. I have a C and an R somewhere (thanks Kate!) so if I find them I'll give you a better answer.
Mark James wrote:Are your sheets checked by anyone after the show?
Only when Gillian McKeith is the guest.
Post Reply