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WB show to offer shot at $1B prize
WB show to offer shot at $1B prize
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Lynn Elber
April 11, 2003 | LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The evolution of television continues: A $1 billion prize will be at stake in a WB special and a monkey may help decide if there's a winner.
"Play for a Billion" will be the culmination of a Pepsi summer promotion in which contestants have the chance to play for the top prize on a live, two-hour show airing in September.
The program, to be produced by Michael Davies ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire"), represents a partnership between WB and Pepsi-Cola North America.
The two companies are also teaming on a summer variety show, "Pepsi Smash," which will feature performances by top musical acts, WB said in a release. The six-week series will begin airing in July.
"Play for a Billion" guarantees a $1 million winner and a shot at the grand prize for 10 contestants. The contest starts May 1 with the sale of Pepsi products that could lead to a chance to be on the TV special.
Details of the show are under discussion, executive producer Matti Leshem said Thursday. One proposal involves having a monkey put previously selected numbers in an order that must be matched for the $1 billion prize, he said.
"What could be more random than that?" Leshem said.
He's hoping to get a capuchin monkey to do the job. There was some controversy surrounding the idea, Leshem said, refusing to elaborate. There are also those promoting an orangutan as a better, more intelligent choice, he said.
There is a one-in-1,000 chance that the $1 billion will be awarded, according to WB and Pepsi. The winner could choose either a 40-year annuity or a lump-sum payment representing the annuity's present value.
Pepsi has taken out an insurance policy.
WB and Pepsi had previously announced plans for a variety show that would blend advertising into the program in place of commercial breaks. Plans for such a show are now on hold, a Pepsi spokesman said Thursday.
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Guess I have to start drinking Pepsi now. :yuck:
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Lynn Elber
April 11, 2003 | LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The evolution of television continues: A $1 billion prize will be at stake in a WB special and a monkey may help decide if there's a winner.
"Play for a Billion" will be the culmination of a Pepsi summer promotion in which contestants have the chance to play for the top prize on a live, two-hour show airing in September.
The program, to be produced by Michael Davies ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire"), represents a partnership between WB and Pepsi-Cola North America.
The two companies are also teaming on a summer variety show, "Pepsi Smash," which will feature performances by top musical acts, WB said in a release. The six-week series will begin airing in July.
"Play for a Billion" guarantees a $1 million winner and a shot at the grand prize for 10 contestants. The contest starts May 1 with the sale of Pepsi products that could lead to a chance to be on the TV special.
Details of the show are under discussion, executive producer Matti Leshem said Thursday. One proposal involves having a monkey put previously selected numbers in an order that must be matched for the $1 billion prize, he said.
"What could be more random than that?" Leshem said.
He's hoping to get a capuchin monkey to do the job. There was some controversy surrounding the idea, Leshem said, refusing to elaborate. There are also those promoting an orangutan as a better, more intelligent choice, he said.
There is a one-in-1,000 chance that the $1 billion will be awarded, according to WB and Pepsi. The winner could choose either a 40-year annuity or a lump-sum payment representing the annuity's present value.
Pepsi has taken out an insurance policy.
WB and Pepsi had previously announced plans for a variety show that would blend advertising into the program in place of commercial breaks. Plans for such a show are now on hold, a Pepsi spokesman said Thursday.
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Guess I have to start drinking Pepsi now. :yuck:
You mean to tell me you wouldn't loose your dignity for a few moments for 1 billion dollars?!? Ok......I have no dignity, I post here...... sign me up!
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