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
Disney’s “Wreck-It Ralph” Turns Bus Stops Into 8-Bit Photo Booths October 18, 2012October 18, 2012Disney is no stranger to viral marketing, and with their upcoming animated film Wreck-It Ralph, they have a storyline that is ripe for the viral pickings. The film is about an arcade game bad guy who is tired of his lot and travels to different games to prove he can… Read More
The LOST Underground Art Project: New Art Pieces Revealed December 17, 2009You may remember us talking about the LOST Underground Art Project a few weeks ago. The show was held December 15th at Gallery 1988, and thanks to Peter at Slashfilm, who’s always on top of this subject, we now have the new artworks revealed at the event. The works include… Read More
Nerd Herd To Open Shop At Comic-Con (Updated) April 11, 2011April 13, 2011Briefly: San Diego Comic-Con 2011 may still be over three months away, but we just got word from Chuck himself that the NBC show will feature its fictional Geek Squad-ish Nerd Herd at the convention in the form of their “own building in downtown SD”. We’ll try to find out… 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.