Keynotes

Keynotes
Format	Game Show
Created by	Reg Grundy Organisation
Starring	: Richard Wilkins (Revived Version) : Kevin O'Connell (Pilot 1) Clint Holmes (Pilot 2) : Alistair Divall
Country of origin	Australia
No. of series	: 2 : 2 pilots : 5
No. of episodes	: TBC : 2 : 210
Production
Producer(s)	Reg Grundy Productions
Running time	30mins (inc. adverts)
Broadcast
Original channel	: Nine Network : N/A, was to have been for CBS : ITV
Picture format	4:3
Original run	: 1964 - 1992 : 1986 - 1989 : 13 March 1989 – 18 December 1992

Keynotes was a game show created in Australia. According to the host's patter, the aim of the game was for "two teams of players, to try to put the right words in the right songs and see how well they can follow the bouncing ball to solve our puzzle song."

Format

Each show has 2 teams, on the left side are the champions (pink) and on the right side is the challengers (blue). The champions have the opportunity to keep their slot up to 5 shows if they try and not be defeated by the challengers. If they win up to 5 shows, they win a bonus - but if the challengers beat the champions, they lose their slot and miss their chance to win their bonus and the challengers come back on the next show as champions to try to win their slot up to 5 shows and not be beaten by the challengers (and so on).

Main game

To start the game - there are three general rounds, which each follow the same format:

A series of nine squares are presented - with each square hiding a note in a "familiar" tune. The host gives the contestants notes 1, 5, and 9 in all 3 rounds - note 7 was usually added as well in round 3.

A member of each team joins the host at the central podium, where they have three coloured buttons each. A card is randomly selected from the host, which represents the note which is set to be revealed. Three words are provided which could represent the next word in a given tune. The contestant which is quickest to select the correct word after hearing the start of this tune is given the note represented by that selected card. If neither contestant is able to select the correct word, the note goes in as a blank and two new players are brought up to play for two keynotes (and so on).

The team that the winning representative came from then has the opportunity to guess the main tune by listening to the already-revealed notes and following the rhythm of the bouncing ball. If the team can correctly name that tune, they win the round and receive a cash prize. If not, the round continues, rotating through the various members of both teams. If neither of the teams can work out the song before all nine notes are revealed - then the prize for that round is lost and the players go on to the next round.

Bonus round

The winning team attempts to double their cash winnings from today's edition. The team must attempt to uncover the nine notes of the final tune over the course of 30 seconds, by using a buzzer to stop a random flashing light in order to choose a note, and then picking the correct next word, as in the main rounds. However, the final tune is only played once at the end of the 30 seconds. If any of the questions representing the notes are not answered correctly within the time limit, they will not be revealed in the playing of the final tune. If the team can correctly identify the final tune, their money will be doubled.

Australian version

The Australian version originally aired in 1964 and then revived in 1992 as Sale of the Century's summer replacement on the Nine Network. It was hosted by Richard Wilkins.

The payoffs were $300, $600 and $1,200 for each round, and the bonus was worth a prize package valued at double their cash winnings. Winning five games won a vacation for the team.

US pilots

Two attempts at an American version were tried, the first in 1986 with Kevin O'Connell as host, the second in 1989 with Clint Holmes as host, but neither pilot sold. This was to have been Reg Grundy's first game show for CBS.

There were some differences in this version—for instance, solving the nine-note tune won the game and $500, but it took two games to win the match. Also, instead of a 30 second time limit in the bonus round, they only got 25 seconds, and winning the bonus round won a flat $9,000 instead of doubling their winnings.

UK version

The UK version aired on ITV from 13 March 1989 to 18 December 1992 at a 9:25 morning slot after TV-am. It was hosted by Alistair Divall, and produced by HTV West in association with Reg Grundy Productions.

The British version payoffs also differed greatly from the Australian show. The payoffs were £30, £60 and £120. (Originally £50, £100 and £200). Depending on the number of rounds won, their main game winnings could either be doubled or tripled in the bonus game. Also, winning five games in a row did not earn a holiday, but rather, a £500 cash prize.

Champions were coloured green; challengers were yellow.

Transmissions

UK version

Series	Start date	End date	Episodes
1	13 March 1989	12 May 1989	45
2	23 October 1989	8 December 1989	35
3	29 October 1990	21 December 1990	40
4	6 January 1992	28 February 1992	40
5	12 October 1992	18 December 1992	50

External links

• Keynotes (Australia)
• Info on unsold 1986 US pilot
• Keynotes (UK)