Similarities and differences between 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? And 'The Weakest Link'.

Authors Avatar

Similarities and differences between ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? And ‘The Weakest Link’.

There are both similarities and differences between the two quiz shoes, they both have the basic format of a quiz show, the entertain, excite and amuse us which is a very basic formula for any good television program, however, they are dissimilar in many other ways.

The similarities between ‘Millionaire’ and ‘Weakest Link’ could be found in most quiz shows they cover such things as the colourful, spacious sets; the centre stage for playing; the live audience and their positioning; flashing lights; electronic screens and last but not least the presenter. Conversely the similarities are just through the content, it is the way that ‘Millionaire’ and ‘Weakest Link’ comprise these ingredients that give them their individuality.

This begins with the opening sequence, ‘Millionaire’ opens with darkness, out of that darkness a bright light is drawn in the shape of a question mark, this symbolises the question ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’ this is shortly followed by a pan of a broad range of people, from all races and backgrounds, illustrating the fact that it could be anyone becoming the ‘Millionaire’! The people are edging towards a bright light, this may or may not have a religious link - I can’t be sure. The people then just continue to edge forward while green and purple lasers sweep around and result in constructing the ‘Millionaire’ logo background, the reason for this is to firstly show you the colours of the show, green symbolising the money and purple representing royalty – how you could be treated if you won money. The second reason for the impressive light display is to draw your eyes to the bright light where the background has just been created, this has the function of once again drawing your eye to the front of the people because moments later the main part of the logo sweeps over their to produce the finished article. This is all accompanied by a futuristic sound track of not what I would call music but the ‘Millionaire’ tune, a suspense creating, metallic synthesised soundtrack concluded by a louder sound that can only be described as a unique ‘ta-da’ like fanfare.

Join now!

‘Weakest Link’ on the other hand has a cold blue and less inviting opening sequence, it prepares you for the type of show it is going to be, an intimidating quick fire show. It does show the contestants but in a different way, there is black and white, surveillance style, footage of the contestants just relaxing in a lounge room while a voice-over introduces the show and what you should expect including the rules and the contestants. The soundtrack to this introduction is dramatic chimes and atmospheric mantra. The opening sequences for ‘Millionaire’ and ‘Weakest Link’ capture the ideas behind ...

This is a preview of the whole essay