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I’m probably going to regret wading into this discussion, but for Kelly’s sake, I want to point out that there are some people on this list who aren’t so critical of
her original post.
People are free to disagree with what she’s saying and share their thoughts on this list, but I worry about the number of backhanded comments that people post on this
list in response to volunteer/job opportunities. I hope it doesn’t discourage people from posting opportunities that could be of interest to the less-vocal readers on here. So if people have vacancies to announce, please do keep them coming!
Personally, I think it’s okay to say there’s an ideal age bracket of 25-40, as this will be related to the target audience of the TV series, and it’s good to manage
applicants’ expectations. On the volunteer aspect, it could be a good opportunity for anyone who wants to try out presenting, and start building their showreel. This is different to paid behind-the-scenes researchers, producers, editors and camera crew who
are already working in the industry.
As far as commenting on the premise of the series, well, I guess we’ll have to wait and see what the final show is like. Personally, I wouldn’t comment on someone else’s
early project, especially since I’ve only seen their very short overview, I’m not in touch with the channels commissioning the series, and I realise that I’m not an expert on what their audiences are looking for.
Joel
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of John Bibby
Sent: 01 June 2015 10:46
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Volunteer opportunity: New TV science series for PBS/ National Geographic
Q: Who said "Think with the passion of a scientist and with the rationality of a poet"?
A: Nobody: he actually said 'mathematician', not 'scientist'. (Now you may Google it!)
Or on the same lines .....
Advice from father to son: "Don't become an artist, my son. Become a statistician. That will give you far more scope for your imagination."
JOHN BIBBY
On 1 June 2015 at 10:32, Wynn Abbott <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hi Kelly,
Others on the list have clearly got strong opinions on the ‘volunteer’ and ‘age’ aspects of your ad – I have to admit I’m confused about the whole premise
of your project, that you can teach people to think like a genius. You’d have to decide exactly what ‘genius’ constitutes before you can teach it... and a bit like artistic talent, there’s only so much that can be taught?
You’re also reinforcing the stereotype that you have to be a genius to be a scientist – which a lot of people in science communication what worked to
move away from in recent years.
If your programme falls under ‘history of science’ perhaps you should speak to an expert in the field before you go further in deciding on the title
– ‘genius’ is something many historians (of science) also do all they can to avoid.
It might be a popular title for the masses but wouldn’t necessarily have much worth in academia and education i.e. inspiring next generation scientists,
bringing in new audiences etc. – if that’s part of the plan of course... this might just be another edutainment programme purely for ratings. In which case, you’re bound to get the reaction you have on a list like this.
Re. history of science and ‘genius’ you might want to speak to Dr Rebekah Higgitt:
https://www.kent.ac.uk/history/staff/profiles/higgitt.html - who will have some useful things to say (and might not even charge you for it ;) )
Best,
Wynn
From: psci-com:
on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Kelly Nobay
Sent: 28 May 2015 17:10
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PSCI-COM] Volunteer opportunity: New TV science series for PBS/ National Geographic
I’m working on a new six part science series for PBS and National Geographic looking to unpack the wonders of the universe with Professor Stephen Hawking. It has the working
title ‘Genius’ as we believe that anyone can learn to think like a Genius, given the right guidance! It’s part history of scientific discovery and part large-scale demonstrations and challenges that help us visualize theoretical physics and concepts.
With this in mind we are casting three on-screen volunteers in each show who will take a lead role in the demonstrations and offer their thoughts and commentary on what
they are learning as the demonstrations unfold.
The ideal volunteers should be age 25-40, with the flexibility to take part in a 5-7 day filming trip over the summer period. Volunteers may have an interest in popular
science, although science qualifications are not required. The position is unpaid but all expenses will be covered. As this programme will be broadcast in the US, as well as internationally, we’d particularly welcome applications from any American expats based
in the UK and vice versa.
For more details and/or to apply, please contact me with a photo, contact information and a short video clip telling us about yourself and why you’d like to be involved to:
[log in to unmask]
Kind Regards,
Kelly Nobay
Casting Producer
Bigger Bang TV
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