You know the excitement of seeing a game show’s flashing lights and bright colors? We love the competition, the trivia, and the hosts as we play along at home. When there’s a new game that we’ve never seen before, it can be even more appealing. If you’re ready for a new game show to rival all the classics, it’s time to try the Beat the Bridge game show.
How Does Beat the Bridge Work?
Beat the Bridge is the newest game show in the Game Show Network portfolio. A team of three contestants works together to answer questions. Each person takes a turn crossing a bridge as answers appear beneath their feet. They want to step on the correct answers on the bridge and earn their way across to the other side. With every successful crossing, the team adds more money to their overall winnings, building up to the final round with the biggest payout.
Where Did the Idea Come From?
Beat the Bridge is an exciting new installation to American TV, but a different iteration of the game has been around for a while. In the UK, a show called Bridge of Lies first aired in 2022, with teams of contestants answering questions appearing on an electronic floor trying to get across and win money.
The game made its way to the States in 2023, and the show is taking off because of its unique concept. A few changes include shortening the hour-long UK version and having contestants walk on the bridge instead of answering questions in a different room.
Behind the Scenes
When you watch game shows, you don’t usually know what goes on behind the cameras. Luckily for you, we’re offering an exclusive look behind the scenes of Beat the Bridge. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this sneak peek.
Why Is There No Live Audience?
In most game shows, you constantly see and hear an audience wildly clapping and cheering when things go right or hear an “aww” of disappointment when things go wrong. In Beat the Bridge, there’s no audience. Why not?
There are two reasons for this. First, with no audience, the show focuses more on the contestants’ reactions and emotions.
The second reason is more technical. Beat the Bridge’s set is huge, with the giant bridge commanding most of the space. The bridge is a raised platform, so they’d have to position an audience even higher to see what’s happening.
This would add far more complications, and focusing on the game, contestants, and host is better.
Are All Contestant Teams Friends?
Yes! Contestants apply in groups of three. Since the contestants work and compete as a team, it’s fun to see friends rally behind each other and get excited when they succeed.
Who Controls the Bridge Effects?
Some may believe the bridge is automatic. In fact, a team of experienced technicians runs the show behind the scenes. They control voice cues, the bridge’s light-up features, sound, and set lighting. All the effects are controlled in real-time, so the technicians must stay on their toes to ensure everything is timed correctly.
What Was the Biggest Challenge Getting the Show Up and Running?
Technical difficulties are always a challenge with game shows. These technicalities are multiplied because of the unique Beat the Bridge set. Ensuring the answer reveals are timed correctly and that audio cues align with the contestants’ actions is complicated. It’s always a challenge getting into the rhythm of a new game show, but after a few episodes, the team got the hang of things, and the show now runs smoothly.
What Does a Typical Day of Filming Look Like?
A filming day starts with the crew running tests to ensure all the cameras, microphones, lights, and the bridge work correctly. They record any last-minute audio cues or switch out the question material.
Then, the host, Cameron Mathison, gets a quick overview of the categories he’ll announce (not the answers), and producers give him information about the day’s contestants.
Contestants arrive early and are sorted so the crew knows who will be in each episode. Then, the crew films three episodes before lunch and three after, and the whole process wraps up in the evening.
Are the Cameras in Different Positions Than in Other Shows?
Yes! Most game shows position cameras directly across from the contestants, set, and host. With Beat the Bridge, however, much of the action happens on the bridge surface, so cameras need a bird’s-eye view. Many cameras are directly above the stage, looking down.
How Do You Decide on Questions and Categories?
The writers ensure that questions are unique and entertaining so that anyone can win, regardless of their educational background. Pop culture, history, geography, science, or even grocery store trivia—anything goes when determining questions.
Do Contestants Know the Categories Ahead of the Game?
Yes. Contestants don’t know the exact category of the questions, but they get a general idea of what’s coming.
For example, if the questions concern chip flavors, contestants will be told that one of the categories is food and drink. If the questions concern pop singers, they may be told that the category is music. Contestants can decide among themselves who will do best in each category.
Does the Host Know the Answers?
No! Mathison learns the correct answers along with the contestants. Questions are guarded carefully by a select few people until the actual filming so nobody can cheat.
Who Is the Voice of the Bridge?
The voice is that of Carissa Kosta. During the original casting process of the show, producers considered using an AI system as the voice. However, it turns out that AI has a hard time pronouncing some words. So, they instead opted for a pre-recorded human voice.
Carissa already worked on the show as the head of content and threw her hat in the ring. It was a perfect match! She already knows the show’s ins and outs, and it’s easy for her to record new voice cues because she’s usually already on set.
What Makes Beat the Bridge Unique?
This game is compelling and exciting because anyone can win or fail, no matter where they come from or how old they are. The show is unique because of the fun categories and questions you won’t come across in many other game shows.
What else makes it special? The host, of course! Cameron Mathison is already a star. His charm and enthusiasm for the game make the whole process more enjoyable for fans and contestants.
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