How does amazing race work

Doganieri is adamant that "The Amazing Race"'s traveling camera and sound crew is the show's secret weapon. They're the best at what they do. The show's story team follows too, to keep track of emerging plot lines and start the editing process even as the race continues to unfold. Sometimes, they have to pull last-minute location swaps in the middle of the desert.

Yup, like when a sandstorm hit Tunisia during Season 1. Whatever pops up, there's no stopping in a race as meticulously planned as this. The crew has missed flights before, putting them behind the contestants. About 10 seasons ago, Doganieri recalls, the contestants were on their way to Italy when the production crew's flight was cancelled. The crew had no flight and only hours to traverse Europe before filming resumed.

After quick work with the show's travel coordinator, they hopped a bus, rode for 11 hours and made it to the location just in time.

But contestants haven't always been so charmed. Another took nine hours to complete a challenge in Switzerland -- and the production schedule just didn't allow enough time for them to keep trying.

While the camera and sound crew travels with the contestants, the production team usually gets to each pit stop about two days before, Doganieri says. They'll do run-throughs at each location and test Roadblock challenges so they're ready to go -- this includes physically assembling desks in the world's largest IKEA , boating, biking and even bungee jumping in New Zealand. But the experience clearly left a mark, one she relayed to her husband, who had previously worked on Cops.

The Title: When the husband-wife producing team originally pitched the show, they didn't have a name yet. Everything's amazing about it. Hosting Duties: Before Keoghan was picked as the show's host, he actually was one of the frontrunners to land another major job at CBS: Survivor. One year later though, he was picked for The Amazing Race , with Keoghan saying, "They gave me a shot, but they asked me to Americanize my voice.

The Casting Process: Want to be on the show? Just be yourself, according to Doganieri. It's always nice if they have a sense of humor, because you have to have a sense of humor to be on the road for so long.

And it's also for people who have interesting personalities with each other. It can't just be, 'We're best friends and we have a good time,'" she explained. We have to see, underlying, that there's a little drama there, a little spark. While the show started scouting for contestants in later seasons, they still accept auditions, with the show's former casting director Lynne Spillman once telling Variety they are just looking for "the best teams and diverse relationships.

Meaning, not all married couples or brothers, etc. We try to find something for everyone in the audience. Casting Requirements: Usually, it's preferred the team members have known each other for at least one year before applying, and have a "relatable" relationship. Oh, and you both have to be 21 by the start of the race. Once you are picked, you are mostly on your own when it comes to packing what clothes to bring with you, though the show tells you what you can't bring : your own money cash or credit card , cameras or any sort of useful tools, like maps, translation books, travel guides, any electronics, GPS, etc.

Selfie cams were introduced in season 26, BTW, and the show did an all social media star outing for season And after race officially kicks off, the general rule is the team members can't be more than 20 feet apart from each other at all times. Travel Woes: Because they can't bring their own money, the teams are given credit cards from the production company to book their travel.

And at the beginning of each leg, they are given a sum of money to cover their expenses aside from airline tickets, like food, lodging or any unexpected repair costs, among other things. If you don't use all of your stipend on that leg, the remaining money rolls over. But it you burn through it before getting to the next leg, you can can attempt to earn more money as long as they abide by local laws; borrowing from other teams or asking locals for some cash just not at airports in the U.

There's also a rumor about a small emergency fund that the assigned crew carries and breaks out only in extreme circumstances. Getting two tickets on a last-minute flight no booking in advance and no business or first class, by the way! How Much Contestants Make: Nope, it's not just the winners who can finish the race with some prize money in their pockets.

They can't bring their own money. But they can make money along the way. And they can save money. There is one place they can't beg for money. Don't worry, there's an emergency fund. Air travel is paid for separately. They have to travel coach. Well, they have to travel at coach-level prices. Photo cameras are prohibited.

Certain utility items are off-limits too. Teams are given information about every country they visit. No reservations can be made in advance. They can't overbook as a strategy. Glenn Asakawa Getty Images. Teams have to book tickets for crew members. And they can't travel without the crew. Contact with friends from the real world is prohibited. Teammates must stay close at all times. They must stand still while reading a clue. Teams are given extra time for crew delays.

No time is credited if transportation breaks down. Billy Ingram Getty Images. But sometimes vehicles are replaced. Contestants strive to arrive first at the end of each leg of the race to avoid the possibility of elimination. Teams are progressively eliminated until three teams are left; at that point, the team who arrives first in the final leg is awarded a large cash grand prize.

Created by Elise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster , the original series has aired in the United States since and has earned seven Primetime Emmy Awards, including seven consecutive "Outstanding Reality-Competition Program" awards. Contestants travel to and within multiple countries in a variety of transportation modes including planes, taxis, rental cars, trains and boats.

The clues in each leg point the teams to the next destination or direct them to perform a task, either together or by a single member. Each task showcases the geographic region or indigenous culture and customs it is held in. If a team is in last place at the end of a leg of the race, they may be forced to stop competing or have a significant disadvantage in the following leg. The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business contestants. In all seasons, with the exception of the "Family Edition" of Season 8 , all teams are composed of two people with a preexisting relationship.

Common relationships include married, dating, siblings, co-workers, parent-child, and friends. Each leg of the race is comprised of teams departing the Pit Stop or Starting Line and traveling to a new destination or locale indicated by a yellow and either white or red marker. Once there, the teams will perform tasks, typically at least one Roadblock and one Detour , and receive clues to their next destination upon completion of each task.

At the beginning of most legs, teams receive an equal amount of cash to purchase transportation, food, and other necessary items along the race. This money is usually given in U.

Dollars regardless of the current location of the race. All teams also carry a credit card used to purchase economy airline tickets. This card may not be used in any other situation. If a team spends all of their money or has it taken away in a non-elimination legs , they may try to get more money in any way that doesn't violate the local laws.