Yr 11 Tipping Point Excursion

On Wednesday 31 November, I was lucky enough be one of the students on the VCE Media excursion to be a part of the live studio audience for 'Tipping Point'! 

Our role as the audience was almost as important as the contestants as we created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and energy to make the show entertaining. We were taught different hand gestures that signal when to 'clap', and when to 'clap and cheer', and this was indicated to us by the lovely staff member, Michael, who was in charge of keeping the crowd excited and enthusiastic!

In between episodes, we got a short tour of the studio and saw the control room where all important devices and machinery is able to cue and organise the episode. We also got to meet the crew and ask a few questions. One question I asked was “How do the lights change so quickly when a question is right or wrong?”

Interestingly, Tipping Point has one of the most elaborate lighting designs, meaning a detailed control panel with different buttons indicating which to be pressed, has been programmed for the show. This makes it easy for them to press the buttons and change the lighting on set.

One thing I loved about watching the recording process, was seeing when they would need to retake lines or questions for the final cut. Our episode had a tricky question regarding the patella muscle, a muscle which allows your leg to move and protects your knee joint. This muscle is located specifically in the knee cap, though the contestant answered knee! The staff in the control room were then responsible to research and decide if that answer would be accepted, which was quite exciting! 

Host of the show, Aussie Tennis Legend, Todd Woodbridge, had to do numerous takes as he struggled to explain the answer correctly to the contestant. The audience had a bit of a chuckle at his expense. 

In between takes, Todd took time to speak to us in the audience and engage in some Q&A and share moments about his life as a professional tennis player.

Make sure you watch our episodes next year in Feb/Mar, they even mentioned Wantirna College at the end of the episode! 

Thank you so much to the Tipping Point Studio and Staff for having us and a big shout-out to our Media teacher Mr. Pollock and Ms. Piritidis for joining us on the day.

Sienna Reese

Year 11 Media Student

Art & Technology Captain