'Foolish' small business idea: Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Gameshow, where audiences at home, watch real people make decisions which could affect their lives. Programme, 'Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?'
Start-Up Capital: Zero.
How small business idea was Launched: The show was produced by the television production company, Celador.
Sales: The English programme is hosted by Chris Tarrant. The American version, features Regis Philbin.
'Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?' is shown in 40 countries.
Earnings: Millions of pounds over the years in royalties. Specified amount of earnings to date, not known.
Spin-offs: A board game and computer game of the hit TV show.
Earnings from Spin-offs: Unknown.
David Briggs jotted down an idea for a TV show on a scrap of paper. He wanted to create a formula that would keep audiences on the edge of their seats, watching contestants make decisions that could change their lives. The final concept incorporated even more audience participation. In the *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire* game show, studio audiences have the power to directly influence a contestant's winnings by answering a question on their behalf if the contestant is unsure of the answer.
The winning formula of the smash-hit TV show, watched in 40 countries, and by millions in people in Britain alone, was created by trio, Steve Knight, David Briggs and Mike Whitehill, who have spent years coming up with TV game show ideas. They originally met when the three worked together at a radio station in London.
The show has exceeded all expectations and left even the trio amazed at the worldwide success.
The creators believe that a secret of the show's success is that each contestant in the hot seat facing Chris Tarrant, is there, because they answered questions correctly and not because they are beautiful or friends with someone in television. Anyone watching at home, also know they could be a contestant, and that the people on the show are just like them. Contestants have the real chance to win one million pounds by answering general knowledge questions.
'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Gameshow' is a TV game with high audience participation and a game which has made the trio who created it, winners and future millionaires.