‘Wheel’ spins back for
By Tim Ryan
Hawaii filming
Star-Bulletin"Wheel of Fortune" returns to Hawaii in January to tape 10 programs at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, thanks largely to the state giving the production $300,000 to film here.
The No. 1-rated syndicated game show, which airs at 6:30 weeknights on Fox affiliate KHON, will tape the half-hour programs over four days.
Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau president Tony Vericella said the $300,000 incentive money to help offset production costs is part of the agency's "integrated marketing approach" that uses as many arenas as possible to publicize Hawaii around the world.
Earlier this year the HVCB gave CBS and the Miss Universe Pageant about $3 million to host the 1998 production in Hawaii and $100,000 each to the television series "Fantasy Island" and "Wind on Water" to film here as well.
"There are many different ways to get exposure to consumers ... and one good way is through television productions," Vericella said. "Each appeals to certain demographic audiences; a show like 'Wheel' airs all around the world."
"Wheel" is seen in 52 overseas markets, reaching more than 100 million weekly viewers worldwide, "Wheel" officials said.
The benefit to the state is not just the immediate airing of a show but also the advance promotions and commercials in newspaper, other television shows and reruns, Vericella said.
Television and film productions also receive state tax incentives to film here, legislation approved earlier this year.
Vanna White, "Wheel" co-host, will travel to Hawaii in November to do "prize shoots" -- posing with prizes at selected locations on Oahu -- including scenes at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. "Wheel" location scouts arrived here last Friday to visit island locations.
"Wheel of Fortune" last filmed in Hawaii in January 1996 at the Big Island's Hilton Waikoloa. The Hilton provides rooms for cast and crew in exchange for publicity from the broadcasts.
