At Game Show Network, game shows aren’t just a profession, they’re a way of life. Case in point: Michelle Cygan, Executive Director of Current Programming. The Detroit native has been a staffer for more than three years, but her relationship with the channel goes back a good deal further.

“I was one of those kids who didn’t go outside and play with my friends in the summer,” she told Game Show Insider recently. “Because I was inside watching Game Show Network! I was really into it.”

I chatted remotely with Michelle about casting contestants, her parents’ love for People Puzzler, and life behind the scenes at our favorite channel. Appropriately, we were both indoors. The following are highlights of our conversation, edited and condensed for space and clarity.

How did you get started in game shows?

I started as a freelance casting assistant and moved to freelance contestant producing after four or five years. I had worked on a ton of Game Show Network shows and there was a position opening in corporate, so I ended up here!

What does a contestant producer do?

They’re on-set with the contestants, getting them through hair, makeup, and wardrobe, teaching them how to play the game, and telling them what’s going to happen next. Just generally making them feel comfortable.

Does your prior game show experience help you in your current job?

Working in casting and production, and having that knowledge of what it’s like to be on a game show set, is extremely helpful now that I’m in corporate.

I don’t think most viewers realize that people are cast on game shows like actors are cast in movies or TV shows.

We don’t just pick contestants off the street! There’s a whole process that happens. It’s a very long journey to get to the actual stage.

How does someone become a contestant on a Game Show Network program?

Potential contestants can email us or fill out a form on our website. Our casting team also does outreach to specific groups, like “Hey, we’re doing a show. If you’re interested, email us a little bit about yourself.”

What details do people provide?

Initially, it’s very general information: name, age, location, phone number. Based on what they send in, the casting team will say, “Okay, we should call this person.”

What happens on that call?

It starts with a general chat, a little get to know you. “What kinds of things are you interested in?” If it’s a trivia show, “Do you go to trivia nights?” If it’s a show like People Puzzler, they’ll ask about pop culture, questions that are more specific to the show.

Let’s say I make through that first step. What happens next?

If the casting team thinks you’re a good fit, they’ll move you on the next round: an online interview via Zoom or Skype with a casting producer. They’ll do even more in-depth questions and try to get sense of your personality and make sure you’re good at the game.

Which is more important?

Both!It’s half “Can you play our game” and half “Are people going to enjoy watching you on TV?”  

How does it make you feel when a contestant ends up winning?

I’ve talked to so many contestants over the years who say, “Being on that show changed my life. I was able to have the wedding of my dreams. I was able to buy a car for my family. I was able to give my parents some money.” All of those feel-good stories make the hard work worth it.

How about when it doesn’t work out?

Sometimes, unfortunately, when people get on the stage, the lights and the cameras and the audience and the celebrity host can make you forget everything you’ve known in your entire life. But we do our best to make sure that doesn’t happen!

What do you think is the mission of Game Show Network?

Keeping everything fun and family friendly. We want you to be able to watch with your grandma, kids, nieces and nephews. My parents watch all the shows! They’re obsessed with People Puzzler. I’m constantly getting texts from them like, “Why did this happen?” And when I visit, they have Game Show Network on in the background!

How does it feel to work on shows that people of all ages love?

Being able to provide entertainment that truly is for everybody is really cool. People are craving something nice right now and that’s what we give them!   

———

My thanks to Michelle for talking with us on a beautiful summer day! Do you think you have what it takes to be a contestant? Just fill out a brief application on our website and give it a shot! Best of luck from Game Show Insider — and keep watching Game Show Network!

Connect with Game Show Network on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter