Japanese scientists have devised a mathematical formula that can predict the box office performance of a movie based on the level of related activity on social networks and other websites before and during its release.
It’s a good idea, but there sample size was too small; only 25 movies were used. Even so, I bet movie studios and PR firms are going to try to do a lot more looking into this, because it’s a pretty cool idea. Especially in terms of giving them advance warning if they have a “bomb” on their hands.