[Editors] (no subject)

[Emily Ranken]

One idea I have is to change the name of the show.  Didn't anyone else have
a reaction to the title?  As if guys are the only ones with specialized
knowledge, ingenuity and arcane information.

 

Emily

 

  _____  

From: editors-bounces at MIT.EDU [mailto:editors-bounces at MIT.EDU] On Behalf Of
Jennifer Hirsch
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:03 AM
To: editors
Subject: [Editors] Looking for ideas for pilot of new show

 

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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