About Randall Buie Expertise I have watched game shows since the early 60s. I have an extensive library of videos of game shows that span What`s My Line (1952) to Greed (1999). I also have access to reference books which can answer questions such as hosts, network airings, time span, synopsis of shows, etc.
Question Hi, Randall. I wrote to you in August of 2001 asking for information on how to acquire a copy of my appearance on the $20k Pyramid. I seem to have hit a brick wall. I know that GSN is airing these shows, but I have written them no less than 7 times in the last year with no response. I have contacted many gameshow traders and only a few have been helpful. What do I do? How can I get GSN to reply to me? If I were someone famous, everyone would be fighting to air that tape! To refresh, I was on the 6-4 thru6-8 taping of the pyramid in NYC with Debralee Scott and Peter Lawford in 1979. Any information you can pass on to me, or, any ideas you may have about getting someone to respond to me would be greatly appreciated. It doesn't seem to matter to anyone but me, but, I would truly like to see the tape. Don't I have any kind of rights to it, being I was on the show? Please let me know. Thanks, again. Ellen
Answer Hi again and thanks for the question.
No, I don't believe I know of any more sources for a copy of that game show. As stated previously, trying to find one specific episode of a game show in the collectors' market is a pretty tall task. GSN would definately be your best shot since their library is the most complete.
As far as "any kind of rights to it, being I was on the show", the official legal answer is no. When you appear on a game show you sign a legal waiver that states, among other things, that your image for the 30 minutes you are on the program becomes the legal property of the producers. Many TV programs that have wanted to use clips of game shows in anthologies or biographies are turned away because of this stipulation. The producers have no legal right, whether it be to a contestant, celebrity, or host, to provide videotapes at request.
I know it can be frustrating, but sometimes most of the fun in acquiring something is the process of acqusition itself. Be diligent in contacting individual collectors. Most collectors know other collectors and they might provide leads that get you closer to your goal.
