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
Check Out These Crazy Building Ads for Inception July 2, 2010One of the basic ways to create viral buzz for any product is to simply have interesting advertisements. This of course works well with films, where you are trying to sell the film’s style and premise as a brand. Inception has gained a reputation as film with very original and… Read More
Tron Legacy Updates: Special IMAX Scenes and New Photo Shows Flynn’s Arcade March 1, 2010December 1, 2010The latest Tron Legacy ARG event is over, and now we are just waiting for the trailer to premiere online later this week. Until then, we have a few updates regarding the IMAX release of the film and a new photo that has Flynn’s Arcade in it. Catch up after… Read More
NBC’s New Show The Event Gains Massive Buzz at Comic-Con July 28, 2010July 28, 2010San Diego Comic-Con is usually the make or break place for studios to unveil their newest projects. Marvel, Warner Brothers, and many other studios and networks all use Comic-Con as a place to (hopefully) gain a lot of positive buzz for the movie or TV show that they’re selling. NBC’s The Event… 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.