Entertainment newsmag “Extra” is moving from a mall to a theme park.
The syndicated series, hosted by Maria Menounos and Mario Lopez, will kick off its 20th season from Universal Studios Hollywood. Show will tape daily segments from various parts of the theme park, as well as from the CityWalk entertainmentcomplex, starting Sept. 9.
The move is expected to help raise the profile of the properties, especially during the off season, and provide guests with another attraction.
“Extra” has been based at Los Angeles’ Grove shopping complex for several years, attracting a crowd during the day hoping to grab some screen time as segments tape.
“Extra” will tape Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Universal and include celebrity appearances. The lineup for September already includes Hugh Jackman, Vin Diesel, Eva Longoria, Jack Black,Sofia Vegara and Ariana Grande.
With more traffic at Universal’s properties, “Extra” plans to expand its “Friends with Benefits” segment where Menounos and Lopez play celebrity trivia games and give away prizes.
“It’s a place people go to be a part of the Hollywood experience and that’s what we do on ‘Extra,’ we give our audience a chance to mingle with celebrities and be part of a daily event,” said “Extra” senior executive producer Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey of Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal has been attracting more TV productions to its properties, including NBC’s “The Voice,” whose contestants have performed at CityWalk’s concert stage, erected in 2011. The park has also promoted otherentertainment mags like “Access Hollywood” with cut out displays of its hosts, including Billy Bush, as a photo op.
SEE ALSO: Universal tunes up CityWalk
Produced by Telepictures Prods and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, a half-hour episode of “Extra” airs daily, with an hour-long edition on the weekend. Show airs on major market affiliates, including NBC Television owned-and-operated stations.
David Payne's Blog 