A Cyclone Has Arrived! :)

Hi everyone,

I'm CB from the UK.

I've been a fan of Millionaire since the early 2000s when I watched it in my late single digit years on Saturday nights. What impressed me most about the show is the dramatic captivating way it's presented. It seems so straightforward on paper. Just 15 correct answers for £1 MILLION, and yet that's the beauty of it I feel. Back at that age I didn't know many of the questions, but I was fascinated by the set lighting and dramatic suspenseful music. It seemed much more than a regular game show, and that's because it is.

Today I still find this true especially from the Strachan's music, and I'm so glad for the 2018 UK reboot they brought back their themes. Also I'd been waiting for years, but when I finally saw a used copy of the soundtrack CD available for £26 at a popular online retailer, I had no choice but to pick it up. I find myself listening the music cues fairly often even to this day.

Back in 1998, the pilot episode sure would've given the show a very different look if they'd incorporated the initial "Cash Mountain" ideas. How the set was initially designed with bright lighting, very much in the style of 1980s and 1990s game shows. It would've turned out into something very different.

My interest in the show has sustained through the years, although I must admit when Millionaire introduced the Rave themes and subsequently the clock format, it seemed to go downhill a bit. But this is only my personal opinion. It might only be a minority viewpoint, but myself I didn't watch the show as much as a result. I think for me, the reason is the bar was set so high, that any change seemed in stark contrast to the original themes. I think there was also a pattern of contestants being rushed due to the clock, and then walking away without having enough time to ponder. Looking at some of the Classic re-runs which are on TV (at least over here) still, there's sometimes such suspense about contestants who mull over questions for minutes, before finally giving their final answer. To me that's how Millionaire was designed to be.

I do think the "Hot Seat" format is an exception however, and that works well for a more vibrant rapid-paced game. I also think Eddie McGuire does a great job at hosting that variation, and strikes the balance between humour and also seriousness.

It is cool to see Millionaire still running in various iterations around the world. I find it fascinating how each country has its own distinct style, and the presenters have a big part in that. That makes it very relatable on an international level. Regis was great from what I've seen of clips of him, and also I think Chris Tarrant helped shape Millionaire into what it became, including with all his catchphrases. Nowadays focusing solely on his presenting role, I think Clarkson is a decent host who exceeded my expectations. I suppose too each iteration of the show is unique and can be appreciated in its own right.

Like I'm sure for many of us fans, someday it'd be cool to attend the show in the audience.

I'd be a bit nervous at Ask The Audience though, but it'd be quite gratifying I suspect if getting the vote choice correct to help whoever is playing.

A little about my creative pursuits...

For a couple of years I've been developing Osswmi's excellent interactive 2015 Classic HTML game controller (as he publicly released on YouTube).

This has been a hobby I've delved into in my spare time, and has helped me learn more of programming with tweaking and testing. I've now got question and game session database integration implemented, among other additions (including simulated Fastest Finger). Osswmi made such a superb foundation which I've just built upon with figuring out tweaking and adding to the code. My premise has been to use the Classic themes, with incorporating a modern slant on things. As in thinking what would be ideal for a new version of Millionaire I'd like to see on TV nowadays.

Sometime next year I intend to share full details about this project, but it's not quite at a stage where I'm ready to present just yet. My goal is to also integrate complete automation of DMX commands to control lighting fixtures in sync with game events. I've got the groundwork of that in place, so it next needs implementing fully.

The idea is then to allow family or friends to play the game in authentic form in a "home studio" setup. We'll have to see where it goes in terms of potentially releasing this project in some form, and eventually I'd like to chat with Osswmi since it's his original creation which I've developed upon. I'd only want to go about that in the best way, so I'm cautious about doing the right thing if/when the time comes.

Just a bit of info about that project anyway to say what I've been progressively working on. This post is just my introduction.

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I think a site like this is a great way for like-minded folks to discuss the show and be creative. I've taken a look around the forum to get my bearings. I think the RPGs look fun, and sometime I fancy participating in those. I think those of us who have imagination helps on that front, to envision actually being part of the show's production. I might wait a bit though, as I'm not quite ready to dive into the deep end just yet.

Elsewhere I help manage an online city-building game community, and I'm interested in media, design, data (and computers in general). I find it rewarding for problem solving in a technical sense, since there's often many ways to go about fixing something. In terms of sports I like golf, cricket, and Formula 1.

Anyhow, I think I've gone on enough for one post.

I'm glad to finally join the Millionaire community, and I look forward to contributing here.