Unveiling the Exciting World of Lotería Loca: An Exclusive Journey with EP Jeff Apploff

Summary

CBS introduces the first-ever Latin-inspired game show in the US, Lotería Loca, hosted by Jaime Camil and featuring Latin music sensation Sheila E.

Jeff Apploff, the creator, discusses his pursuit of an exhilarating and genuine show by infusing a vibrant Latin flair. A unique twist is introduced in Lotería Loca, as it incorporates "Loca Cards" to elevate the excitement and immerse players in a thrilling high-energy journey.

CBS has launched its new game show, Lotería Loca, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Hosted by the beloved Jaime Camil, known for his roles in Jane the Virgin and Schmigadoon!, the show introduces a unique format based on the Mexican game of Lotería. Adding to the excitement, Latin music sensation Sheila E. joins as the DJ to create a festive atmosphere for the audience. While the objective of the game is simple – players compete to get four in a row – the introduction of "Loca Cards" elevates the stakes and brings unexpected flair to the show. The creator and executive producer, Jeff Apploff, has a history of success in developing innovative game show concepts. His previous projects include Beat Shazam, where players face off against a popular music app, as well as well-received revivals like Don't Forget the Lyrics!. He has also produced shows such as The Wheel, Million Dollar Money Drop, Take Me Out, BOOM!, Mental Samurai, and Game Of Talents.

Creator Jeff Apploff Talks Lotería Loca

Screen Rant: I love the concept for Lotería Loca, and Jaime Camil is my dream host. What inspired you to go ahead with this type of game show inspired by the Mexican Lotería?

Jeff Apploff: A show based on Lotería was pitched to me by someone who came into my office. Initially, I wasn't particularly fond of the idea, but it caught my attention because it was the first time I had been exposed to the game. As I delved deeper into the characters and concept of the show, I realized that I had a longstanding desire to create a show centered around Bingo. The uniqueness of this approach intrigued me, so I decided to explore it further. From there, a spark ignited, and I thought, "Why not create something grand and entertaining, while also embracing the cultural aspects that can truly resonate with people?" And that's how it all began. We went on to develop the show in collaboration.

Our show goes above and beyond the original game, incorporating elaborate fanfare and interactive segments. The question is, how do we continuously elevate the experience with each episode? What is our process to bring a complete episode to life?

Jeff Apploff: Each show has its unique elements and mechanics that need to be carefully considered. We strive to create an intriguing and interactive experience for the audience, incorporating dramatic suspense while ensuring it remains fun. We also craft separate details for the game itself to make it truly engaging.

In terms of the show's aesthetics, we brainstormed the idea of placing the game show set in the world of Coco. We aimed for an atmosphere that would transport viewers to a vibrant Mexican square. To enhance the overall experience, we explored the possibility of having a live band to accompany the show's transitions and dancers to add a distinctive touch. Our goal was to develop an authentic, cool, and innovative concept that sets us apart from any other television program.

When it comes to ensuring authenticity, we had a team of individuals involved. Alejandro Treviño, one of the co-creators of the show, and Jaime Camil were the key voices in the room. Additionally, there was a network representative who held us accountable to not veer off track. Our goal was to be innovative and genuine, avoiding stereotypes and excessive theatrics. We aimed to create a bold and attention-grabbing show without succumbing to typical expectations, even for a Mexican audience.

In terms of Sábado Gigante, we made a conscious decision to avoid having girls in bikinis simply sitting around. To ensure that our content was presented in a respectful manner, we brought in content producers from Mexico who understood the appropriate approach. We held frequent meetings to ensure we stayed within boundaries and did things correctly. Despite our efforts, there will always be individuals who find something offensive, but this is a common occurrence in any cultural context.

Regarding the program's limitations, specifically regarding Loca cards, we must consider how far we can push the boundaries and what restrictions are in place.

Jeff Apploff: When you reach a certain point, you instinctively know it's time to move forward, without explicitly stating it. It's like how with your children, you don't explicitly forbid them from saying certain words; instead, you hope they will behave well and excel. We understand the places we should avoid, but our focus is on having an enjoyable experience and creating something truly remarkable. We want to see how far we can go, not how close we can push the boundaries. Our goal is to produce a show that is immensely fun and entertaining, captivating the audience while keeping them engaged in the game. It's not about having a separate live band and dancers, where we suddenly interrupt the flow for a performance. Every element seamlessly integrates to create a unified and immersive show. That was the crucial factor.

Jeff Apploff has had a successful track record with game shows, and when it comes to creating a hit, he believes in taking something people already do and amplifying it. Adding a touch of fantasy, like the question of what someone would do with a million dollars, sparks audience excitement. The thrill of seeing ordinary people win substantial amounts of money is truly captivating.

When you consider the success of our shows, such as Beat Shazam, it becomes evident that music is a universal interest. However, many people may not know the titles of the songs they listen to. This is where the app Shazam came in, enabling users to identify unknown songs. We understand two fundamental factors: first, people enjoy listening to music, and second, they have a strong desire to know the title of a song. This need for knowledge led to the invention of one of the most popular apps of all time. Now, the question arises: can a human surpass the capabilities of this app?

Similarly, in our game, we know that millions of people participate, but what if we amplified the intensity and added an element of decision-making? People love witnessing others faced with critical choices, like when someone hesitates between doubling their $250,000 winnings or risking it all for the chance to win more. These kinds of decisions make for captivating television viewing and elicit excited reactions from the audience.

I believe it's a blend of all those factors. It involves innovatively building upon previous concepts, enabling individuals to make crucial decisions, and captivating us with a touch of fantasy that leaves us in awe, wondering how to replicate it. Naturally, you can participate in the game, even if you're not choosing the numbers yourself, you'd still engage by saying, "No, I would have chosen this number," or, "No, I would have made that decision."

What do you think is the reason behind the delayed arrival of a Latin-American-inspired game show? As you mentioned, it was an exceptionally distinctive concept when it first came to your attention.

Jeff Apploff believes that in order to successfully sell a show, all the elements need to align perfectly. He has encountered situations where people approached him with show pitches, such as Sábado Gigante, but he didn't feel it was the right fit. Selling a show is a challenging task, even though he has had success in doing so. There are limited time slots available, and everything needs to be just right for a show to be sold. In the case of the show he worked on, they had the ideal combination of a great concept, a talented host, an impressive set, and engaging content. It was an intellectual property that resonated with audiences. While he is unsure why other shows didn't succeed, he can confidently explain why he believes this particular show did.

What excites you the most about the upcoming episodes?

Jeff Apploff: For me, it's seeing real people who truly need the money getting a chance to win big. Witnessing these incredible moments unfold in the control room with everyone involved - the network, the director, the production company - is a fantastic experience. The energy in the room is electric, with people screaming and cheering at every flip of the card, every decision. It's a clear sign that we have something truly special.

I think, above all, it's the immense fun of the games that captivates me. The game itself is incredibly enjoyable, and Jaime's engaging presence adds to the excitement. He exudes warmth and genuinely roots for the players to succeed. But what truly electrifies me is witnessing real people making crucial decisions, the tension building up as the card is dramatically flipped, and then hearing Jaime exclaim, "Lotería!" It's absolutely exhilarating. My skin is tingling with excitement just thinking about it. And now, with significant sums of money at stake, the intensity amplifies as the players are faced with a pivotal choice. It becomes a veritable roller coaster ride of emotions. It's like a dream party filled with lively music, the thrill of winning money, and the weight of making critical decisions. The entire experience is simply extraordinary.

About Lotería Loca

In each episode, two players compete against each other in a game of Lotería where they take turns selecting cards to create a four-in-a-row pattern on their bingo-style card. Every time a card matches one on their board, they earn a significant amount of money. However, landing on a "Loca Card" adds a thrilling twist to the game by introducing interactive challenges that allow players to potentially earn even more cash. The player who successfully achieves the most "Loterías" on their board in the shortest amount of time advances to the intense final round, where they stand a chance to win the ultimate show cash prize.

The second episode of Lotería Loca premieres Monday, October 9 at 9pm on CBS.