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[09/08/08 - 09:58 AM]
CBS Harnesses the Power of Viral Video to Promote New Fall Drama "The Mentalist"
A leading U.K.-based psychologist has been tapped "to create three unique and innovative brain teaser videos that challenge viewers to test their powers of observation."

[via press release from CBS]

CBS HARNESSES THE POWER OF VIRAL VIDEO TO PROMOTE NEW FALL DRAMA "THE MENTALIST"

CBS Engages Leading U.K.-Based Psychologist to Create

Innovative Brain Teaser Videos For Online and On-Air Promotion of the Network's Upcoming New Drama "The Mentalist"

To promote the new fall drama series THE MENTALIST, the CBS Marketing Group has engaged a leading U.K.-based psychologist to create three unique and innovative brain teaser videos that challenge viewers to test their powers of observation.

THE MENTALIST stars Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, an independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation. Playing upon the show's theme, CBS has created three different video spots that test viewers' ability to be aware of everything that is happening in the videos, after being challenged to keep a count of a particular activity. Each video depicts a unique motif - a card game, a football game and a gathering of security guards - and challenges viewers to watch closely. (To see the mental awareness videos, go to: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/the_mentalist/)

Designed by internationally known researcher Professor Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire in the U.K., the illusions challenge the brain's instinctual methods of processing motion, form, color, and depth. The one-minute videos were meticulously orchestrated by Professor Wiseman and filmed on location in London, with on-camera narration provided by Simon Baker.

In mid-August, the "Mentalist Awareness Test" videos were posted on the top user-generated video content sites on the Web as well as across CBS Interactive's CBS Audience Network, with messaging driving users to cbs.com. The videos made their on-air debut on the Network, Friday, Sept. 5, during the CBS FALL PREVIEW SHOW (9:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT).

THE MENTALIST, which stars Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman and Amanda Righetti, premieres Tuesday, Sept. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.





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· MENTALIST, THE (CBS)





[09/16/26 - 01:01 PM]
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[09/16/26 - 11:01 AM]
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