[Editors] Looking for ideas for pilot of new show

[Teresa Hill]

John Ochsendorf

Jennifer Hirsch wrote:
> Hi all,
> Below is an inquiry from a producer who is working on a pilot for a 
> new show.  He’s looking for some ideas and thought you all might have 
> some good ones.  You can reply to me and I will compile and send along 
> to him.  
> Thanks,
>
> Jen Hirsch
> MIT News Office
> Media Relations
> X3-1682
> ________________________
>
> The "Go-To Guy" is a series of half-hour documentaries highlighting 
> specialized knowledge, ingenuity, and arcane information that will 
> surprise, enlighten, and entertain.
>
> Each show will feature three unique individuals who solve a problem.
>
> In some cases, the problem is solved by a person who is the only 
> person who still has archaic knowledge or tools - a man like Louis 
> Gentile of Quincy, who is one of the few people who can repair 100 
> year old player pianos. In our pilot episode, he is called to fix one 
> of two remaining Steinway player pianos, owned by a little old lady in 
> Wellesley.
>
> In contrast to these kinds of generational stories, there will be 
> stories that highlight young people with cutting edge technology 
> dealing with problems of the present and future. I am hoping I can 
> find some of these stories at MIT.
>
> Other problems will find their solution through horizontal thinking or 
> cross-disciplinary interaction: A medical supply company invents a 
> remarkable polyethylene thread that is stronger and more flexible than 
> metal - the only problem is that it is inherently slick, and difficult 
> to tie off in an operation. A medical doctor, immersed in knowledge of 
> sailor's knots - devises a unique series of knots that solves the problem.
>
> I also like it when old technology finds new uses - for example, 
> origami is finding new scientific applications. This kind of 
> problem-solving can be described as "letting dead people solve your 
> problem".
>  
> My hope is that you can alert me to stories that fit the general 
> outline. The Cryptographic voting story is interesting - but seems to 
> take place mainly out of state.
>
> I look forward to hearing any and all ideas.
>
> Yours truly,
> DAN MCGUIRE
>
>
>
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