VCE Media - Tipping Point

On Wednesday last week, Year 11 and 12 VCE Media students were lucky to have the opportunity to be part of the live studio audience of Channel 9’s Logie winning game show hit, Tipping Point. 

The day began with students venturing down to the Docklands studios where several TV shows and films (including Hollywood blockbusters) are filmed. 

On arrival, students were greeted by Tipping Point audience hype man, Michael Pope, whose career spans through shows such as Bert’s Family Feud, The Price is Right, Total Recall and more. 

‘Popey’ got the students ready to be the soundtrack of the episode, getting them to act out scenarios that they would encounter in the show and the actions they needed to follow, whether it was a soft applause, a sigh or groan to express disappointment, or how audience members should recommend a drop zone for contestants. 

Then it was time to head across to Studio 4 to take our seats. Four episodes of Tipping Point are filmed in one day. In the morning session, students got to see two episodes. It was fascinating for students to see how an episode of a gameshow is filmed. 

Across the two episodes, students had a front row seat to the cameras and saw the equipment use to film, numerous re-takes of questions (both by Todd and contestants), and how the counters are removed after each time they are pushed over the Tipping Point. 

Students were able to interact with contestants, production staff, and even the host, renowned Australian tennis legend, Todd Woodbridge.  

All the while, hype man, ‘Popey’, guided the audience and gave feedback on our performance with great humour. He and the production team at Channel 9 were extremely happy with how our students engaged across the day and are happy to welcome us back in future.

All in all, the day was a massive success. It was fantastic to get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of television and how each episode is edited and curated into a neat, one hour, package. It was great to see such positive student engagement and inspiration expressed by students to potentially pursue a career in the industry. 

A big shout out to Year 11 Media teacher, Kevin Hawkins, and pre-service teacher, Abbey Blake, who joined us and helped make the day a success. 

Look out for us on your screens in early 2027, around February and March. 

Benn Pollock

Leader of Visual Arts & Technology