As part of a new multi-platform production, the CBC and Toronto-based production company Media Headquarters are conducting a search for Canada's Smartest Person - on TV and online.
A two-hour prime-time event will be taped in front of a live studio audience, producers describe, in order to show that there is more to intelligence than having a high IQ score, or being a whiz at math or trivia.
During the telecast, viewers will be able to test themselves alongside the top TV participants from their smartphone or home computer using a new interactive app.
The digital media application will feature interactive challenges synchronized with the television event. Home audiences will be able to put their wits to the test, discover more about their personal intelligence and see how they compare to the TV participants and the rest of the country.
Online applications for the competition are now being accepted. A Facebook page and Twitter account have been set up for the show, as well.
"For too long, the concept of intelligence has been confined to a limited view of what it means to be smart," Robert Cohen, Executive Producer at Media Headquarters, explained. "Canada's Smartest Person showcases intelligence in all its forms, inspiring Canadians to embrace their unique strengths."
Canada's Smartest Person is an original Media Headquarters production produced in association with CBC Television. Created by Robert Cohen, executive producers are Robert Cohen and Shari Cohen. Louise Wood is the producer.
Media Headquarters was founded in 1999 by brother-sister team Robert and Shari Cohen. The company's diverse slate includes factual, dramatic, documentary and children's programming.
Media Headquarters has partnered with Toronto-based Smiley Guy Studios on new media and digital extensions for the upcoming special.
"CBC Television is thrilled to work with Media Headquarters to bring this exciting original television event to Canadians across the country," added Kirstine Stewart, Executive Vice-President of English Services, CBC Television.
According to the internationally embraced Theory of Multiple Intelligences, there are actually several different kinds of smarts. Six main areas of intelligence are: Logical, Visual, Physical, Linguistic, Musical and Social.
Dr. Howard Gardner, a psychologist and professor of Cognition and Education at Harvard University, pioneered the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983. The theory proposes all humans have several kinds of intelligence that reflect different ways of interacting with the world and solving problems. Each person has a unique combination or profile of intelligences. Today, the application of multiple intelligence theory is widely embraced around the world and has had a significant impact in the realms of education, work and personal achievement.
The competition will feature four top participants as they undergo fun and spectacular tests in each category of intelligence. The person who proves that they have the most versatile smarts in the country will earn the title of Canada's Smartest Person while audiences can play along at home. Whether it is uncovering lies in a sea of half-truths, navigating an obstacle course of lasers at break-neck speed, or composing a film score in less than five minutes, every kind of smarts will be challenged.
Applications are open until January 1; the show is expected to air in March 2012.
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster.