WOF changes indeed!! CBS just finished building a whole new set for the show!
While there are any number of good set building facilities in town, only CBS has the most respected electronics shop under the same roof. They just finished very cool looking new set pieces.
Some of the CBS techs who worked on the project were proud to show off the fruits of their recent labor. I didn't take pictures or commit many details to memory, but I can say that there is a whole new puzzle board, a whole new wheel with new contestant podiums and host position, and a new small wheel to hold the bonus round prize cards.
Most striking was the far more contemporary look, and the amazing lighting capabilities built into the pieces. The puzzle board is more squared-off at the corners and across the top. The main set piece will still have that tiered wedding cake of concentric circles around the wheel, but much of the outer structure is open construction that will allow the floor to be seen through it in overhead shots. The bonus round prize spinning device is also updated. It all looks very hot, even unlit.
But then, fire it up and this is by far the most attractive game show set I've seen in years, if not the prettiest ever! There is neon everywhere, and all of it looks to be programmable to varying colors*... from hot yellow down to deep maroons and dark blues the rich colors are enhanced by some buffed aluminum looking components that reflect the lighting. It's bright, crisp and colorful, yet it is not the least bit gaudy.
Wheel fans rejoice!
*Before some science major jumps on my case, I know that the color of neon lighting is determined by the composition of the gas in the sealed glass tubing. True neon gas glows red/orange; other colors of \"neon\" aren't really neon, but combinations of other gasses, argon among them. Therefore there is no way I'm aware of to vary the color of neon once it's installed. So yes, talking about neon that can be programmed to vary in colors is a hallucination from an acid flashback. But it's the best way to describe the effect I saw. ;-)
Randy
tvrandywest.com
