QFS Does More than Spectate at Wilkos Show

Ever wonder what the likes of Maury and Jerry Springer are like off the set? The Quinnipiac Film Society (QFS) was able to get a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes works of the "Steve Wilkos Show" and meet the host himself last Tuesday.

Over 40 members of QFS traveled an hour to Stamford, Conn. to watch the live taping of the live show for Wilkos' show, where they were able to see the fast-pace of taping of a live show, and the interactions between the production team.

"The best part for me [was] seeing how the show is actually made. I love seeing how everything is done off-camera," QFS director of promotions Tom Galo, a junior film, video, and interactive media major, said. "There was a time when Steve had no questions left to ask the guest, so the producer quickly wrote a question on a cue card, which Steve then saw and read. For me, that is how you get the job done in television."

Wilkos is best known for his shiny, hairless head and his time as security on the "Jerry Springer Show." His expertise at pulling fighting couples apart came from years of experience as a U.S. Marine and a police officer. Now, Wilkos holds his own with a TV show that has been on the air for just over three years.

Students were surprised to see how different things look on the silver screen compared to real life.

"The studio was actually a lot smaller than it looks on TV, which I found interesting," QFS treasurer and senior Vikki Hart said.

Members found that despite the typical schedule for most talk shows, Wilkos' show is run differently.

"The most interesting thing Steve talked about was how little involvement [he] has in actually formulating the show," junior and secretary of QFS Noah Galembo said. "He doesn't find out who his guests are or what the issues are until the moment of filming."

While the show deals with a variety of difficult subjects, off the set Wilkos interacted with QFS in the same way he would on TV.

"Steve Wilkos' personality off stage is exactly his personality on stage. He was outspoken, funny, and extremely down-to-Earth," Hart said.

QFS has hopes of attending other shows such as the "Maury Show or "The Jerry Springer Show," and is continuing their tradition of attending the Sundance Film Festival in January. For those interested, QFS meets every Wednesday at 9:15 pm in Echlin 101.