In an attempt to generate more interest in science, a non-profit program administered by the National Academy of Sciences gladly offers its services to Hollywood. Any writer, director, or producer interested in adding scientific realism to movies and televisions shows can contact the Science & Entertainment Exchange and line up a scientific or engineering adviser. The members of the exchange aren't trying to force Hollywood to make their films and TV series completely accurate, but rather to represent science and scientists in a positive way, and to generate interest in various scientific fields. Since the program began in 2008, the team has helped the entertainment industry with more than 1,300 projects.
And co-starring: Real scientists:
- By calling the hotline at 1-844-NEED-SCI, filmmakers can get in touch with more than 2,700 professional scientists from around the world.
- Jessica Cail, a psycho-pharmacologist on the team, said her goal is to find a “middle ground between fantasy and reality,” in order to help filmmakers make films plausible, at the very least.
- Asked about ingredients for a fictional serum for an episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., scientists suggested an anabolic androgenic steroid mixed with a liver-enzyme inhibitor. Marvel liked that, but added gorilla testosterone and a drop of peppermint to spice things up.