One of the more interesting elements of Trivial Pursuit: America Plays is that viewers from all over the country get to play the game, and stand to win money, without even being present in the studio. By sending in videotaped trivia questions, viewers have the chance to become part of America's Team on the show.
All of the questions used on the show are those sent in by viewers. When your question is used on the show, you automatically become part of America's Team.
When a contestant gets a question wrong, the money attached to that question goes into America's Bank. If, at the end of the show, America's Bank is higher in value than any of the contestants' banks, then the money is divided between the folks on America's Team for that episode.
Eligibility Requirements
To submit a question for consideration, you must:
- Be a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia
- Be 18 years of age or older*
- Not be employed by (or related to or living with an employee of) Hasbro, Debmar-Mercury, or any of the show's sponsors
Crafting Your Questions
The questions themselves should be general-knowledge trivia questions, with only one specific answer. The questions must begin with the word "who" or "what" and be based on facts that most people would know, that are verifiable through common, reliable sources. For example, "What is the capital of Montana?" is a perfectly acceptable, though not especially tricky, trivia question. "What was the name of my first pet iguana?" on the other hand, is not.
Questions should take no longer than 20 seconds to ask, and have to be based on family-friendly subject matter.
Making Your Video
Videotaped questions must be in mini-DV or .mov (Quicktime) format to be mailed in. You can also use mpeg4 format if you wish to upload your videos – more on that in a moment.
Record your video in a well-lit place, using high resolution. The shot should include your head and shoulders. Make sure there are no visible logos in the shot, or any copyrighted artwork or music.
Start your video off by saying, "Hi, I'm (first and last name), from (city, state), and my question is this:" then ask your question. Questions should be no longer than 25 words. Also, and this is important, do not include the answer to your question in the video.
Uploading Videos
You can upload your videos through the Trivial Pursuit: America Plays website, after registering for an account there. While you can send in multiple questions, you'll have to record each one separately (or edit them as single questions). Uploads are limited to three per day, and six per week.
To upload, videos must be in .mov or mpeg4 format, and the size cannot exceed 50MB.
Sending in Questions by Mail
If you have trouble uploading questions, or simply prefer to send them in by mail, you can send videos that follow the above guidelines, and that are in mini-DV or .mov on CD format, to:
Trivial Pursuit America Plays
5419 Hollywood Blvd. Suite C825
Hollywood, CA 90027
All videos sent in by mail must be accompanied by a signed copy of the release and consent form.
The Release and Consent Form
Whether you send your videos in by mail or through the website, you'll be faced with the 8-page release and consent form that must be signed, physically or digitally, in order for your questions to be considered. While it might be tempting to just scroll through and sign, please take the time to read the information. The form includes some tips on getting your questions accepted, as well as detailed information on how the company can use your name and likeness.
