From virtual auditions to staying safe on set: Here's how we make 'Family Feud Canada' happen during COVID-19
Unfortunately, you can’t hug Gerry Dee this season!
This year, much like last, has been pretty unpredictable to say the least. Many things have changed for everyone, everywhere — especially on the way we make Family Feud Canada.
So as we go forward with another year of virtual auditions, our supervising casting producer, Donia Aly, shares an inside look at our adjusted casting and filming process to keep everyone safe!
How does a virtual audition work?
Virtual auditions are happening remotely across all ten provinces and three territories, giving families the opportunity to audition from the comfort of their own home!
After submitting an online application, standout families are invited to join a virtual audition via video chat or phone. To prepare, families are asked to create a dynamic team introduction, and bonus points are given for creative outfits, props or showcasing any special talents.
Next, families can expect to participate in a bit of Q&A with the producers. Team members are encouraged to boast about their epic family traditions, share any fun family stories and tell us why they are proud to represent their hometown.
Plus, families have the chance to show off their competitive edge and quick wits by playing a mock game of the Feud!
How do you get a good sense of a family's energy during a virtual audition?
When it comes to energy, more is always more! Smile, clap, high-five, cheer for one another and have fun. Hundreds of families have auditioned each year, so you want to do everything you can to make a lasting impression. Some of the most energetic families we've seen have prepared songs, choreographed dances and team chants to stand out.
How have the families adapted their application videos during the pandemic?
We take COVID-19 safety precautions very seriously, and we ask that families continue to follow the safety measures in place within their respective regions. Even prior to the pandemic, we have always considered the fact that not all families live in the same household nor do they live in the same city or province. That being said, we are pretty flexible in the ways families create their application videos.
In the past, families have collected separate videos from each of their team members and edited them together. We have also seen team captains introduce their family as a whole and have incorporated photos of the rest of their team.
Nowadays, we have seen a rise in the use of Zoom. One of the features of the platform is the ability to record meetings and members who live in different households can join the video call from their own smartphone, laptops or tablet. It's a great way to include all team members while keeping distant and safe.
Can you walk us through the process from virtual auditions to playing on set?
Families undergo a two-stage audition process to determine whether or not they are a good fit for Family Feud Canada.
The first audition gives us a chance to learn more about each team member in detail. The more information families can share with us the better! Producers learn about everyone's occupations, hobbies, accomplishments and fun stories.
Selected families are invited to a second audition where they compete for a spot on Family Feud Canada by facing off against another family on Zoom! This fun-filled, incredibly competitive and performance-driven audition is intended to showcase how families would react in a real game setting. Will they up the ante and outshine the other family or will they shy away from the competition?
Insider tip: Points do not matter! The mock game is not about winning or losing, it's about how energetic and enthusiastic the families are while playing the game. What we're really paying attention to is how reactive each team member is. If your family member has a "GOOD ANSWER" then cheer them on and let it be known! Throw up those X's while the question is in play for the opposing family.
Finally, it can take us a few months before we start contacting selected families. Those who are invited to be on the show will receive a phone call from a producer. Families will then spend some time preparing for their taping date with their producer. Prior to playing on set, they'll prepare a cove pose, team introduction and organise their outfits for the show.
How was the pandemic year in production different from the first season in production?
During pre-pandemic days, the casting producers embarked on a pan-Canadian, in-person audition tour. They visited 16 cities and saw over 500 families across the nation. Our team hosted as many as 20-25 families simultaneously, in a giant studio or banquet hall and the energy was electrifying!
But things drastically changed in Season 2 when our in-person auditions were put to a halt due to the pandemic.The casting team reinvented the audition process by using a new virtual platform. The goal was to create a safe, accessible and memorable experience while creating a process that allowed us to properly evaluate whether families were a right fit for the show.
The in-studio experience changed a whole lot, too. Everyone's health and safety continued to be our biggest priority and rigorous COVID-19 protocols were in place.
A roaring and rambunctious studio audience was replaced with a sombre backdrop and sparkling lights. The face-off podiums were six-feet apart and handshakes were prohibited. The crew was equipped with PPE and physical distancing was mandatory. Families were tested and clear of COVID-19 before being allowed into the building. These were just a few of many measures that were taken to provide the safest environment possible.
How do you keep people safe on set?
Our second season was filmed almost a year into the COVID-19 pandemic without any issue, so we plan on using the same strategy. We made safety our priority, and we kept up-to-date and adhered to the health protocols put into place by the government. Everyone was obliged to wear a mask when not on set, physical distancing was enforced, and safe areas were created backstage for socially-bubbled families while waiting for their turn to play. We also modified the set and studio to ensure that social distancing could be respected between Gerry Dee, the crew and competing families.
We also modified the set and studio to ensure that social distancing could be respected between Gerry Dee, the crew and competing families.- Donia Aly
What are some things you see all the time in auditions?
Matching outfits is something we see often during auditions. From custom-made t-shirts to coordinated outfits to costumes and more! We really appreciate the team spirit. But just to set the record straight, non-matching outfits are cool, too! We encourage families to wear whatever they feel best represents their authentic selves.
Can you describe some of your most memorable virtual audition moments?
Oh goodness, there are too many to choose from! The most memorable auditions tend to be the ones where it is evident that the family has spent a decent amount of time preparing their team introduction. Over the years we have seen: roll call cheers, songs (originals and remixes!), choreographed dances, poems, skits and team chants. The use of props, instruments/noisemakers, signs, etc. will also captivate our attention!
Can people hug Gerry?
Today's answer might be different from the one we hope to give in a couple of months, but we are sticking to our "no hugging the host" policy for this upcoming season. Unfortunately, the same rule applies to shaking Gerry's hand as well.
So what are you waiting for? Virtual auditions are taking place now! You and your family could be the next family to play the Feud!