The intelligence on Intelligence
If column inches are any indication, Intelligence is clearly the good news story of the CBC-TV fall lineup. (This week, the Globe’s Andrew Ryan called it “the sharpest drama on Canadian television.”)
OK, you probably knew that already. Now for something new: I’m happy to say that the clever people behind the TV series have also got some pretty cutting-edge web projects in the works.
Here’s the scoop on what’s coming up, from an inside source worthy of Jimmy Reardon himself:
- An online video remix competition, in conjunction with Apple. You’ll be able to download and re-edit special Intelligence footage, and win prizes (not yet specified, but daddy needs a new iBook….)
- A series of audio podcasts discussing the topics raised on Intelligence, such as drug enforcement
- A major distribution deal that could see Intelligence air in multiple countries
There’s already a rather nifty game called The Mole on http://www.cbc.ca/intelligence – you conduct an audio sweep of a building and piece together a conversation from what you overhear. The best part: once you figure it out, you can submit your name to win prizes – props from the show that include spy gadgets and a year’s supply of rolling papers! I kid you not. Oh, and as far as I can tell, CBC employees ARE allowed to enter.
All told, this adds up to some rather forward-thinking program publicity. Like the show, the online activities are being driven by producer Chris Haddock, and are the result of his company’s multi-year convergence strategy.
Just as well, because according to my source, the program faces uphill battles both on air (scheduled to compete with House on Global, Law & Order: CI on CTV) and online (inability to stream episodes online, a la Corner Gas, due to digital rights issues.)
Then again, Brent Butt isn’t offering rolling papers… is he?
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Good to see things falling together for this show!
Except that all the natter is about self-marketing to outside markets.
Will ‘Intello” get the ratings to finance more in the series to make the
“magic number” of episodes that result in syndication?
Is the CBC just waiting for the New Canadian Government lead by Iggy and Dean to chop their budgets for anything but radio, offshore feeds, and management salaries?
Does it have as high ratings (eyebolls) as 22 minutae, Mercer Report and other light fare? Is it the leading show? Someone produce some ratings numbers.
Just saying that I like this show. If Da Vinci’s City Hall relaunches(which I really hope to see happen and soonish), it means less of a chance of Ian Tracey playing Mick Leary there again for a goodly while. I liked seeing him trying to settle into Da Vinci’s old job.
But I think I can live with it.
A note on the scheduling of Intelligence, from a CBC exec:
“Intelligence is Tuesday at 9, first week up against The Nine and Standoff; new episodes of House don’t return ’til next week. And Intelligence gets our biggest lead-in hour. Love the show, and we’re doing everything on the sched to help it – the producer’s very happy.”
Good point – the show didn’t debut against the tough competition it now faces, but it’s still in a fight for primetime eyeballs, like everything else. Glad to see best efforts being made on air and online. I’m a big fan of the show too.
Paul
This is good to know, Paul. Thanks much from a fan!