Expert: Dave Wolf - 11/5/2009

Question
Hi Dave,
You mentioned in one of your previous answers that live shows cost more than taped.  Can you explain why it costs more?  Is it because you can tape more than one show in a day which means you pay for less work days.  Do you have any rough estimate on how much more a live show costs?  Sorry, one last question.  Do they add any CG to the taped shows?  For example, the Opening ceremonies for the Olympics in China had additional fireworks added when shown on TV for added effect.  Do they do something similar for Smackdown?

Thanks for you time and knowledge.

Answer
Hi JD.  Thanks for the question.

1.  There's a couple of reasons why live shows cost more, including the one you mentioned.  It doesn't really affect the wrestlers pay, as the wrestlers in WWE and TNA are salaried, but you would have to pay the crew for more days worked.  You also would have to rent an arena every week, instead of just every couple of weeks.

From what I've heard, the main reason it costs more is because you have to basically buy satellite time for the show to air live.  With a taped show, obviously they just play the tape.  With a live show, they need a satellite feed from wherever the show is taking place, to whatever network it will be broadcasting on.

I honestly don't have any idea how much a live show costs, but I remember reading in one of the wrestler's books that it costs nearly double the amount of a taped show.

2.  I'm not really sure what you're asking...what does CG stand for?  I'm probably just missing something, but if you get back to me, I will respond with a follow-up answer.

Thanks again for the question.  Let me know if you have anything else.

Have a great day!

Dave