Learn the Math Behind CBS Show Numb3rs Dan Koelsch, February 21, 2010 There are a lot of procedural shows on right now, shows in which a problem is introduced, investigated and solved all within the same episode (think CSI, Bones, almost every one hour show other than LOST). Many have gimmicks to try to separate them from the bunch (his partner is a psychic!), and one of my favorite gimmick procedurals is Numb3rs on CBS. There’s a nifty website created to supplement the show. The show centers on the Los Angeles branch of the FBI, where agent Eppes (rob Morrow) has a brother who is a math genius and professor at Cal Tech. Each episode has Professor Eppes (David Krumholtz) using advanced mathematics to help solve a case. For us regular folk, this stuff goes over our head, but if you are interested in the math, Wolfram (makers of software Mathematica) have teamed up with the show to help you out. Wolfram’s Numb3rs website goes through each episode and explains the mathematical principals the characters are using or talking about. The well designed site is meant to look like a case file being opened, and you can watch videos that show the math. For a much more detailed look at the science, each concept has a link to it’s own Wolfram page. It’s nice to know that the characters aren’t talking gibberish, and this kind of stuff can actually work. Numb3rs airs Fridays at 10/9c on CBS. Viral Marketing CBSNumb3rsNumbers
Jim Carrey Dresses as Kick-Ass and Joins Conan O’Brien On Stage To Sing Superman Song April 27, 2010April 27, 2010That is possibly one of the strangest titles I’ve ever written. You read right, Conan O’Brien is on his “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television Tour”, and on multiple occasions has been joined on stage by Jim Carrey as they both sing Five for Fighting’s “Superman (It’s Not Easy”)…. Read More
Another You. Another Chance. “Another Earth”. May 29, 2011A few weeks back, we reported on a Fringe ARG that allowed you to take a look into the alternate universe and find out how the other you lives their life in a limited capacity. Now Fox Searchlight is giving you a chance to actually meet and interact with the… Read More
Terry Gilliam May Use Kickstarter To Fund “Don Quixote” Thanks To “Veronica Mars” Kickstarter Success February 12, 2014Thanks in part to the massive success of the Veronica Mars Kickstarter project, many filmmakers have followed in Kristen Bell and Rob Thomas‘ footsteps when it comes to funding their movies. However Zach Braff‘s I Wish I Was Here seems to be the most notable one to replicate its success…. Read More
The show’s “Chain Factor” ARG is still my favorite example of integrating the viral with the tv show. Took the premise from the Primacy and extended it seamlessly (which is pretty difficult, after watching the episode’s resolution) onto the web and into the real world.