11/02/15: ESPN kills long-form story and video hub Grantland; Instagram tests curated video feature; Amazon officially stops selling Chromecast and Apple TV



CYNOPSISDIGITAL
11.02.15

Good morning. It’s Monday November 2, 2015, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Watcheroo Premieres and Tune-in Alerts for November 2-8:
People Now at People.com, Monday-Friday at 8:30a ET and 11:30a ET: Guests include actress and TV personality Patricia Heaton (the Food Network’s Patricia Heaton’s Parties), actor James Brolin (CBS’s Life in Pieces), and musician Harry Connick, Jr.
A&E: Today, November 2, the network, in partnership with Ovrture (the digital arm of 44 Blue Productions), is debuting a virtual reality experience for non-fiction series Nightwatch, available for VR headsets and YouTube 360
Acorn TV: The streaming service debuts the popular ITV miniseries Blackwork today, November 2
Netflix: The Aziz Ansari-starring comedy Master of None debuts November 6

 
TOP NEWS

 
To paraphrase George Orwell, Apple TV and Chromecast have ceased to exist; they have never existed. At least, that’s the sense you’ll get if you search for the devices on Amazon. The retailer has followed through on its promise from last month, removing all traces of the devices from its website. ALL traces: You can’t even buy them through third-party sellers, or get the previous generation devices. In fact, if you type “Chromecast” or “Apple TV” into the search bar, among the first results is the Amazon Fire TV Stick. You know, just as a friendly suggestion.
 
In the end, the ESPN-owned Grantland just couldn’t survive without Bill Simmons. The revered sports journalists created the site in 2011 and worked as its Editor-in-Chief until this past May, when he departed ESPN amidst strained relations with the company. Now ESPN has suspended the site’s publication entirely. Grantland was highly regarded for its commentary, long-form stories and video productions, which took deep and nuanced dives into sports, news and culture. “We have decided to direct our time and energy going forward to projects that we believe will have a broader and more significant impact across our enterprise,” said ESPN in a statement. Simmons, meanwhile, will host an HBO talk show beginning next year.
 
The curated video space is getting crowded. Facebook-owned Instagram has followed in the footsteps of Snapchat’s Live Stories feature and Twitter’s Moments feature: On Saturday (Halloween) through midday Sunday, the photo-and-video-sharing app ran an easily navigable, human-curated collection of Halloween-themed videos from Instagram users. An Instagram spokesperson told Re/code that this was “just the start” of these types of curations.
 
Editor’s Note: Please join the Cynopsis team and your industry peers for the half-day Programmatic TV Summit on Nov. 5. Register now.

 
NEW PROGRAMMING + DEALS

 
Netflix is partnering with actress Selena Gomez. The network has ordered 13 episodes of 13 Reasons Why, a series based on Brian Yorkey’s young adult novel. Gomez, who will EP the series, confirmed the news via her social media pages. It’s unclear whether she’ll act in the series. Anonymous Content and Paramount TV will produce, while Yorkey will script the pilot. The story centers on a high school student who committed suicide, and explained his decision in a series of cassette tapes.
 
 

CONTENT PROGRAMMING
 

First there was Netflix with Beasts of No Nation. Now Amazon is trying its hand at the American box office. The company has set an official release date for Spike Lee’s Chi-raq, which it acquired in July. The film will begin its limited theatrical run on December 4, before ultimately debuting on Amazon’s Prime streaming service. Chi-raq, starring Samuel L. Jackson and John Cusack, among others, is a modern-day retelling of the Aristophanes comedy Lysistrata, which centers on a group of women who use an abstinence campaign to force their husbands to end a war. Suffice to say, it’ll be interesting to see what Spike Lee did with that premise.
 
And yet more from Netflix: The service appears to be in it for the long haul with Longmire. The network has renewed its contemporary Western drama for a fifth season. Season four debuted on the service in September.

Hulu has set a premiere date for 11.22.63. Based on Stephen King’s novel, the nine-hour miniseries centers on a high school history teacher who travels back in time to stop the JFK assassination. James Franco stars, while Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) directs and EP’s the first two episodes. Premiere date is February 15, 2016 – President’s Day, naturally. Episodes will be released to subscribers weekly.

DIGITAL CONTENT CREATORS

 
Though YouTube Red is live, the paid subscription service still in a free trial mode. In other words, there’s no money yet, and content creators have worried that they’ll go unpaid before YouTube starts charging subscribers. But YouTube has now agreed to pay content creators during the free trial phase: In a blog post, the company revealed that, for now, that money will come from revenue generated by other Google subscription products, such as Google Play Music. (YouTube Red and Google Play Music work together: Users who subscribe to one get automatic access to the other). It’s not clear just how much YouTube will pay creators. The company promises that “[e]ven with 30 day free trials, our creator community will make as much or more as they would have without YouTube Red.”
 
Want to know what it’s like to go jogging without your earbuds bouncing off your head? Or to win an epic lip-synch battle? Or stand on the red carpet at the Guys Choice Awards? Or to get covered in slime? (That last one is a LOT more fun than it sounds.) Let Harman/JBL and Logan Paul, Nickelodeon, and Spike/Viacom Velocity show you. This year’s finalists for Best Use of Digital Influencer in a Social Campaign showed us the best of the best in video marketing. Check out their work­and register for the 2015 Model D Awards Luncheon – here: http://cynopsis.com/model-d-finalists/
 


A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE


Digital Model D Awards Luncheon
Innovators. Inspirers. Creators of all kinds. We celebrate those in online video content and advertising who are at the forefront of this new industry, elevating it with their state-of-the-art contributions to branded content, technology, ad campaigns, and original content.

Celebrate with us on November 13th at the Marriott Essex in New York City.

View the finalist list here.



 

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS

 
In a new partnership, 20th Century Fox is using Snapchat’s Lenses feature to promote The Peanuts Movie, which debuts November 6. Snapchat has created a new “Peanuts” lens – take a selfie, and it will appear that, A: Snoopy is dancing by your side. (Awesome.) B: His pal Woodstock is dancing on your head. (Also awesome.) And C: You’re vomiting a stream of candy corn. (Not as awesome, but still, Snoopy and Woodstock? It’s a net positive.)  The iconic “Lucy and Linus” theme song will also accompany the Peanuts lens. The promo, launched on Halloween, is the first sponsored Snapchat Lens.

Yes, PewDiePie can be business-minded and thoughtful. (You didn’t think he made $12 million in one year by thinking of nothing but video games all day, did you?) Last week on Tumblr, the YouTube behemoth defended YouTube Red, arguing that the Google-owned video platform is merely responding to the threat posed by ad blockers. After noting that, at the moment, YouTube doesn’t actually turn a profit, he writes that “YouTube Red exist[s] largely as an effort to counter Adblock. The post is worth a full read – find it here.

You can’t always stop consumers from choosing to block your ads – but maybe, just maybe, you can get them to choose not to. Precisely targeting an engaged audience is one solution. Verizon put forth another: Registrants to its Smart Rewards program automatically opt in to targeted advertising. Regardless of your approach, incentives are key. The choice lies with the consumers, not you; it’s time to learn how to get them to choose watching over blocking. That’s why you’ll want to join Cynopsis Digital on Tuesday, November 17 from 1:30-3PM EST, for our latest webinar, to get tips and insights from leading figures in the ad-blocking fight. Register here: http://cynopsis.com/webinar/cynopsis-digital-webinar-beating-ad-blockers/

PLATFORMS + TECH

 
The new Apple TV hit stores Friday, and the apps are pouring in. Startup app developers can get in on the act, but, of course, titans like YouTube and Hulu are available as well. Now, new apps from NBC, ABC, and Periscope (Twitter’s live streaming service) have emerged. NBC has added apps for USA Now, NBC Sports Live Extra, CNBC, and the flagship NBC network. All of the apps offer on demand content. The NBC Sports Live Extra and CNBC apps also feature live feeds. Meanwhile, ABC has added apps for WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney XD and WATCH Disney Junior, each of which carries access to full episodes from the networks, including exclusive content and live feeds. (Be warned: Much of the NBC and Disney content will be available only to users who authenticate with their pay TV credentials.) Periscope announced its addition to the Apple TV on Friday, via a tweet (of course).

 

RESEARCH

 
Video analytics company Tubular Labs, took a look at some of the data surrounding October 28’s GOP presidential debate on CNBC. Tubular found that, between October 29 and October 30, more GOP debate videos were viewed on Facebook than on YouTube. All told, there were 1.4M debate-related video views, followed by 1.2M on YouTube. There were also 76K views on Vine. “This may come as a surprise but in effect it makes sense,” Tubular told Cynopsis Digital in an email. “News is real time and unpredictable, and the Facebook feed is the perfect way to share news.”

 

EXECUTIVE MOVES

 
Meredith Corporation
is expanding the role of its Chief Strategy Officer. Kim Martin, who assumed her position in April, will now oversee Meredith National Media Group’s original programming development across all platforms. She had already been working to expand the company’s video content production. Before joining Meredith, Martin served as President and GM of WE tv for nine years.
 
Just as Univision Digital is ramping up its coverage of the 2016 presidential election, the company has appointed Carlos Chirinos to the position of Senior Political Editor. Previously, Chirinos spent 15 years at BBC World Service, most recently as Deputy Bureau Editor for BBC Mundo, BBC’s Spanish-language website.
 


A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE


CYNOPSIS is accepting entries for the Social Good Awards

We know the Cynopsis community is a vibrant group of engaged professionals who work hard, committed to evolving the media industry to be first and best at serving the consumer. But this is not all you and your organization are dedicated to. You’re also a collection of civic-minded citizens who want to give back to the public through their profession.

WITH THAT IN MIND, CHECK OUT THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES AND START YOUR ENTRY TODAY!



 

DIGITAL SPOTLIGHT

 
In a world filled with suffering (especially if you’re the New York Mets), it’s worth remembering that there once was a dog who brought smiles to our faces by riding a skateboard. Tillman, the raddest English bulldog in recorded history, is now conquering half-pipes in doggie heaven; he died late last week at the age of 10. His legacy includes a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Check out a clip of him doing his thing – here.

See you tomorrow,
David Teich
11.02.15

Roberta Caploe: Associate Publisher @robertacaploe
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JOB OPENING: MULTI PLATFORM CONTENT PRODUCER/E!/LA, CA: Develop video content for E! platforms, channels and social media accounts. 2 yr writing/producing/editing video exp req. Full info/apply HERE (11/7)

JOB OPENING: WEB DEVELOPER TECH LEAD & ARCHITECT/E!/LA, CA: Manage front-end development team for desktop and mobile web platforms. 6 yrs web applications/digital experience req. Full info/apply HERE (11/7)

JOB OPENING: SOCIAL MEDIA COMM MGR/GLOW/NYC: Dvlp & execute innovative SM campaigns that spark social buzz and cultivate communities for top entertainment clients. 3-4 yrs exp in professional SM capacity. SEND RESUME: [email protected] (11/7)

JOB OPENING: SR PRODUCT MARKETING MGR/San Jose/Immersion (NASDAQ: IMMR): WW marketing strategy & outbound programs for mobile/media content solutions targeting videos/ads, social media, gaming apps. Full info/Apply HERE (11/7)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASST/PLANNER/METV Network/NYC: Daily maintenance of accounts: Plans, orders, allocations, posts. Work closely with AE’s, Traffic, and MGT on all aspects of business. Agency Exp. a plus. Fast track to sales based on performance. Email [email protected] (11/6)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT/High Times/NYC: Assist ad sales director w/support duties w/high vol sales. Previous exp as sales admin req’d. Highly organized and attention to detail critical. Strong comm skills & ability to resolve issues. Full info/apply HERE (11/6)

JOB OPENING: SR PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER/San Jose, NASDAQ: IMMR, worldwide market strategy & outbound marketing programs for mobile content & media solutions targeting video/ad, social media, gaming applications. Apply HERE (11/6)

JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/TV ONE/Silver Spring MD or NY: Asst Sr Rsch Dir w/interpreting media rsrch results & communicating results. Strong knwlg Nielsen software prods & 3rd party software systems. BS deg & 2+ yrs rsrch exp @ media co/agency. Full info/apply HERE (11/5) 

JOB OPENING: AD SALES ASST/UP TV/NY: Recent grad w/previous ad sales/adv internship exp. to asst ad sales dept. Strong Excel & multi-tasking a +. Good comm, interpersonal & organzt’l skills. Res: [email protected] (11/5)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL SALES SPECIALIST/WFAA/Dallas: Grow our digital rev by proactively finding opps to optimize campaign performance. Familiar w/SEO, SEM, social media, targeted display, mobile & video mktg strategies. Proven track record of excellence. Full info/apply HERE (11/5)

JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIRECTOR/SundanceTV/NYC: Oversee daily creative ops of On-Air Promos. Mng team Writer/Preditors & external resources to support projects. Work w/SVP of Brand as well as Marketing, to identify & solidify brand identity. Full info/apply HERE (11/5)

JOB OPENING: SR PRODUCER EDITOR/SundanceTV/NYC: Conceptulize/create on-air promos using prgrm footage, motion graphic elements & creation of own materials. Creative capacity to understand ntwrk brand & to execute effective brand-supportive work a must. Full info/apply HERE (11/5)

JOB OPENING: TALENT AGENT/Top Talent Agency/East Coast: Aggressive talent agency looking for highly motivated candidate with a passion and knowledge for journalism to represent high-level television, print, and digital talent. Resume HERE (11/5)

JOB OPENING: MGR SALES DEVELOPMENT/Disney/NYC: Create/mng sales packaging strategy. Must have sales packaging exp, incl ideating/creating presentations & crafting sales solutions. Min 5 yrs mktg/promo exp w/3+ yrs in Dig. setting pref’d. Full info/apply HERE (11/4)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AD OPS MGR/DISH Media Sales & Sling TV/NYC: Create/implement ops procedures for digital, OTT & TV Everywhere. Self-starter & team builder; 4+ yrs dig. ad ops w/yield mgt., programmatic & measurement exp. Full info/apply HERE (11/4)

JOB OPENING: MGR, DIGITAL & ADVANCED TV ANALYSIS/DISH Media Sales & Sling TV/NYC: Analyze, measure & report on Advanced TV, OTT, & TVE. 4yrs digital and/or TV data analytics exp; BA degree preferred. Full info/apply HERE (11/4)

JOB OPENING: MGR, PRODUCT SALES/EP/Burbank: Dvlp/implement/mng all Prod Sales channels. Mng Sales staff to grow/strengthen EP’s position in mktplace. Identify/improve processes & procedures to support bus. dvlpmnt & sales goals. BA deg bus or mktg req’d. Full info/apply HERE (11/4)

JOB OPENING: SR. COUNSEL/COMEDY CENTRAL/S. Monica: Draft/negotiate complex dev & prod agreemts. Advise clients & prod co. on legal matters. Strategic deal discussions & rsrch issues. Req’s 6+ yrs exp film/TV bus/legal affairs. CA/&or NY bar member. Full info/apply HERE (11/4)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/Music Choice/LA: Support Ad Sales team w/variety of sales functions incl updating agency contact info, mngng & dvlpng sales decks, media plans, campaign delivery & post reports for clients. 1-2 yrs media or sales plan’g exp. Full info/apply HERE (11/4)

JOB OPENING: SPECIAL ASSISTANT to CEO/RED/NYC: Mng info exchange btw CEO & high level execs. Special projs, track initiatives, correspondence, presentations. Mng CEO office action items. Update on strategic priorities. Exp. in media, creative a +. Full info/apply HERE (11/4)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES RESEARCH DIRECTOR/Travel Channel/GAC/NYC: Successful candidate will be well-rounded and experienced research leader and a strategic storyteller and business partner to the ad sales team. Min 7 yrs relevant experience For more detail www.scrippsnetworks.com #5021 (11/3)

JOB OPENING: MGR, PORTFOLIO SALES MKTG/NBCU/NYC: Mktg Mgr for Portfolio Sales Ent. Group to work on sales collateral, internal comm, post-sell process & trade events. 5+ yrs exp. Full info/apply HERE (11/3)

JOB OPENING: COMMERCIAL CLEARANCE COORDINATOR/DISNEY/BURBANK: Analyze commercial & synergy spots/review daily broadcast log/Excel, Sims and/or Wide Orbit exp a plus/commercial clearance or QA/QC exp preferred. www.disneycareers.com REQ 310110 (11/3)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, PUBLICITY/CNBC/East Coast: Responsible to publicize and promote CNBC primetime programming and talent as well as implement and execute public relations campaigns and strategies. Full info/apply HERE (11/3)

JOB OPENING: SR SALES PLANNER/LBI MEDIA/NYC: Work w/ Network Sales, Traffic & Rsch teams to dvlp media proposals for the Estrella TV network, utilizing all avail rsch, sales & prgrmng sources to meet ntwk & advertiser needs. 3yrs related buying exp. Resume HERE: [email protected] (11/3)

CASTING CALL: Companies can showcase their casting notices/casting calls here. For information on rates and specs for posting a casting notice, please email Trish at [email protected]

EXPERT SERVICES ADS: These ads are for companies or people who offer an expertise in the field of media by way of production, voice over artistry, writing, set development, etc. For information on rates and specs for posting an Expertise Service ad email Trish at [email protected]

INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. These ads are always posted for free, and students work for school credit only. For more information on the specs for posting an Internship ad, email Trish at [email protected].

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED… There is no charge for placing your Situation Wanted ad… for more information contact Trish Pihonak at [email protected]

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