Two people unknown to each other are invited into a white windowless room. In the room two white chairs are facing each other at a distance of two meters. Each chair has a signal button in the armrest. Room and people are perfectly illuminated and can be closely observed from different camera perspectives. Otherwise there is no furniture or decoration. Everything is focused on the undisguised communication between man and woman. The couple wears completely white uniforms. All means of deception (e.g. make-up, jewellery, perfume) are excluded.
Before the date starts, both candidates are introduced to the TV audience via short video clips. Here they present themselves in their typical environment and outfit. The broadcasting team has previously selected the pairings from among the applicants / scouted. Key criteria for each pairing is to achieve an entertaining mixture of perceived similarities and contrasts.
Celebrities to comment from offstage
Each candidate is assigned a celebrity supporter who comments on the encounter. The comments are well dosed so that they do not upset the dramaturgy of the rendezvous. The celeb supporters appear time and again via screen window placing their comments and barbs. They take sides for their candidate, similar to a best friend who secretly listens and cheers on the first date.
The get together is started off by a soft gong. The woman takes seat first, after a short while the man enters the room and sits down opposite her. The room is closed, the couple looks each other in the eyes but is not allowed to talk for the first 90 seconds. In this phase of complete defencelessness, thoughts and feelings are revealed via facial expressions, gestures and posture. The audience becomes witness to the mutual discovery and can already guess if the couple is getting along or not. The celebs comment discreetly but effectively from behind the curtain.
Question Time
The woman then asks the man five questions, which he must answer as briefly and clearly as possible. If he needs more than 60 seconds for an answer, a friendly voice interrupts him from offstage. The man then asks the woman five questions. Name or contact details are not to be enquired.
The candidates prepare their questions themselves, yet receive support from the broadcasting team to ensure that the questions are relevant, varied and provocative, e.g.
- What did you want to become as a child and why didn't you?
- Were you the class clown, outsider or leader at school?
- What are you really good at?
- Do you fancy me and if so, why?
- How long was your longest relationship and why did it break up?
- What did your women like about you and what annoyed them?
- How much money do you earn and what exactly do you do for a living?
- Do you have any debts and if so, how many and to whom?
- How often do you contact your mother?
- Did you already come into conflict with the law and if so, why?
Again, the celebs comment poignantly on the questions and answers.
Encounter can be stopped at any time
By pressing the signal button, either candidate can stop the encounter at any time. The room-for-two date would be immediately over. And not just that: The couple would not see each other again, which is what both are told in advance. The one who presses the signal button first must leave the room. After a short interview regarding his/her motives, the candidate is escorted directly home. This is intended to apply additional pressure on the decision-making. Both must consider carefully whether they want to break off the encounter or not. Simply there will be no second chance.
After they have completed the round of questions, the couple has 60 seconds to say goodbye. During this time they may stand up and hug or even kiss each other. However, they are not allowed to talk any more.
If one of the two has stopped the encounter and left, a new partner is introduced to the remaining candidate. This is repeated until the remaining candidate (i.e. the one from the first pairing) either gives up or finds the right partner.
The candidate´s dilemma
Each candidate is faced the same dilemma: If s/he wants to stay in the room, s/he has to hope for the right partner, or if that is not happening, that the counterpart gives up prematurely and a new (hopefully better) partner is presented. On the other hand, if s/he misses the right moment to exit, s/he ends up with the wrong partner. This dilemma makes every encounter exciting until the very last second.
If neither of the two candidates wanted to break off the encounter prematurely, they leave the room together.