I know this is entriely random, however, i am doing a presentation on DOND and would like to have a prop of a box. I know i'll probably have to make one, but i was wondering if anyone knew of any info on the manufacturers of the real boxes? The boxes used in dead ringers were very accurate and i guess they used the same suppliers.

The set designer for DOND is Sets in the City, and their website is at www.setsinthecity.co.uk - I'm not sure if they produce the boxes or not, but it might be worth contacting them.

We were told that the boxes were supplied by Selfridges.

???

I thought Selfridges was a shop?! Have you tried contacting Sets in the City?

Sets in the city said they only created the set and not the boxes

Yes Selfridges is 'a shop'. Or to be more exact, it's a major department store with branches in most of the major Uk cities. It also has a reputation for selling more unusual things. There's a branch in Bristol.

All I can say is that we asked who supplied the boxes and one of the assistant producers said Selfridges and you have to look after them because they were expensive.

So they must re-use the same boxes every show, and just replace the seal on each one? Someone on the "dark side" said that they reckoned the boxes were replaced every show, as they could run the risk of getting tatty. I can't really see them getting tatty, unless of course you drop them like Tom did (sorry, no.1tomfan!).

I think it's quite nice when they have different coloured boxes and seals, etc. for special occasions - e.g. Easter. It must cost quite a bit, though. I wonder if the money comes out of the banker's wallet for the boxes?;-) How much does each box cost?

no.1tomfan, let us know how you get on with contacting Selfridges - I'd be interested to know if they'd make a DOND box for you especially!

Apparently! When they first had the coloured labels inside the boxes, Noel said "I hope that didn't set you back too much".

Submit button hit in error. Proper reply follows this.

Ok h2O. In order of questions. Yes the boxes are reused. In the early shows the seal fitments were attached with glue. There were some problems as the heat of the studio caused the glue to melt and the entire seal started to slide down the box. But the seal itself was never damaged or opened. The seals are now attached to the boxes with screws.

The boxes are very good quality, sturdy I'd guess they weigh over 1lb. They're well constructed. We were asked not to lean on them a) it looks grotty on TV and b) it reduces the shelf life of the boxes.

No idea as to the unit cost per box. Presumably Endemol have negotiated a competitive contract.

Hmm, thanks for that, that's interesting. I assume the boxes are made of wood?

It looked like quite sturdy card, on some shows the sides have been slightly pushed in when players have put them on the table. I'll have a go at contacting selfridges though - thanks for all of your help!

There was somewhere where I found the graphics they use on the boxes. It's a thread (I think posted by Will) a few pages back.

So, what's this presentation you're doing on DOND for? Good luck with it, and I hope you get a red box!

Alternatively, you could make your own - all you need is a bit of sturdy red card (like you said), white card, screws, etc. for the seal, and a number card to go inside!

you know, you can edit your posts!

Or delete!

Its for my GCSE oral solo talk and I decided to do it on DOND. I want to talk about how it has affected players lives and how the game reflects a journey similar to life and of course talk about the show itself!

As for the box, hopefully I can get my hands on one, if not I might have a go at making one!!!

and an update on the search for a red box: I emailed selfridges and a woman said they dont stock them, but she said I should ring the stationery dept and ask them

Aw...why did I not get to do fun things like that for my GCSEs?

Yeah but you and wakey (I think) are assuming a level of technical competency I've yet to achieve. I promise too try harder in subsequent posts!!