Jovana Grbic, 29, a biological chemist and postdoctoral student at the University of California-Los Angeles, posts her blog at www.ScriptPhD.com , examining the use of science in entertainment and media. She tweets as @ScriptPhD. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Q: Can you explain the premise of your blog?
Hollywood has a growing fascination with science and technology, consumed by a more sophisticated audience than ever before. Our role is to occupy a previously sparse intersection of science, entertainment and media: We write about it, explain it and provide an environment where scientists and artists will mix.
Q: What first got you interested in examining science in entertainment?
I have long had an interest in creative writing. Prior to launching the site, I completed a couple of feature-length screenplays, with several more forthcoming. Melding my talent inclinations with an elite science training seemed like a natural career step and fills an interesting Hollywood niche!
Q: You recently posted that you are going to start covering science in advertising. Why?
Advertising is an important form of influential entertainment and mini-storytelling. We hope that by highlighting the mechanics of good science advertising, we can positively impact the way agencies shape future campaigns.
Q: Hollywood filmmakers and TV producers are often lambasted for "getting the science wrong." How important is it, in your opinion, to get it right?
Successful storytelling is predicated on an emotional connection with the viewer or reader. Getting the science right is important only insofar as the plot and character development come first. Often, this means incorporating small snippets of accurate science into a greater overarching plot rather than stretching the story's believability to make the science work.
Q: Do you view science in entertainment as a way to get kids interested in science careers, and to informally educate the public?
Absolutely! Numerous studies attest to how much information viewers retain from films and "procedural" dramas like "CSI" and "House."
People want to be entertained; it's the perfect platform for planting seeds of interest.
