Cynopsis

12/14/07

Good Morning.  It’s Friday, December 14, 2007 and this is your first early morning briefing. 

Yesterday the WGA West and WGA East filed charges against the AMPTP with the National Labor Relations Board “for its refusal to bargain in good faith with the WGA.” In a statement to its members, the WGA said in part: “It is a clear violation of federal law for the AMPTP to issue an ultimatum and break off negotiations if we fail to cave to their illegal demands.” 

AMPTP‘s response:  “The WGA’s filing of a complaint with the NLRB reminds us of the old lawyers’ adage: When the facts are on your side, argue the facts. When the law is on your side, argue the law. And when you don’t have either the law or the facts on your side, you pound the table. The WGA has now been reduced to pounding the table, and this baseless, desperate NLRB complaint is just the latest indication that the WGA’s negotiating strategy has achieved nothing for working writers.”  

Talks between the Directors Guild of America and AMPTP are scheduled to begin in early 2008.

Sunday’s Finales:
CBS: Survivor: China at 8p
Showtime: Dexter at 9p
VH1: America’s Most Smartest Model at 9p

Other legal news – Comcast has filed a breach of contract suit against the NFL Network, reports B&C.  The suit alleges the NFL Network has been encouraging Comcast customers to switch to another cable provider.  Comcast carries the NFL on its premium sports tier, which a judge last May determined Comcast was within its rights to do. The suit alleges NFL Network has conducted a massive direct email marketing pitch to Comcast customers to use a cable provider “that will bring you the NFL Network, not hold you hostage.” The email included links to alternative systems. A page on the NFL Network draws attention to the issue and make it easy for a cable customer to go to “switch” website, and/or send emails to state and local politicians:  http://www.iwantnflnetwork.com/

Because of the planned State of the Union address on January 28, two CBS premieres have been rescheduled: Welcome to the Captain (formerly called The Captain) will now debut on February 4 at 830p, followed by the third season opener of The New Adventures of Old Christine at 930p.

Hundreds of freelance employees of MTV Networks received a partial reprieve from parent company Viacom yesterday as the company reversed some of the cuts to freelance benefits packages, according to The New York Times. The permanent freelance workforce will now be permitted to keep their current health care plans and were also given a two-month extension on the deadline to choose plans. Viacom said it would also consider making some of the freelance jobs into staff positions. Despite this reversal, about a hundred freelancers protested outside MTV Network’s Times Square headquarters for a third day, hoping the rest of their benefits package would be restored including paid time off, tuition reimbursement and company matching for 401(k) contributions. A Viacom spokeswoman indicated further changes to the proposed benefits package are unlikely, reports the NYT.

ABC Family will return its original series Wildfire for a fourth season starting January 21 at 9p.  The drama, produced by Lionsgate in association with Piller/Segan, will air eight episodes then take a mid-season break for the new six-episode reality series America’s Prom Queen which starts March 17 at 9p. Wildfire will air the remaining five episodes beginning April 28.

On December 15 at 8p, The Gospel Music Channel will introduce its new Christian/gospel music weekly primetime series The Kitchen Sink. The 60-minute music performance, news, entertainment, and variety program will also bring in live in-studio performances, interviews, and more.

A new study released by SNL Kagan, “Video-On-Demand: A Strategic and Economic Analysis” estimates total VOD, PPV and NVOD revenue amassed by U.S. multichannel service providers will exceed $6 billion within five years. This study is including cable, satellite and telco video outlets with the bulk coming from adult and event PPV areas. The report also predicted that on-demand services will evolve from being value-added elements to being significant revenue streams. In addition, the study thinks VOD advertising has potential as a revenue generator and the market will eventually be analyzed on a cost per thousand basis.

Actress and dancer Elizabeth Berkley will be host on Bravo’s new reality competition series, Step It Up & Dance. Joining her will be award-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell as mentor to the 12 contestants along with choreographers Vincent Paterson and Nancy O’Meara as judges. 

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM MGM

Jay Freedman joined interCLICK as VP/Brand Sales, a move that strengthened the company’s East Coast sales operations and media buying teams. In this role, Jay will work to increase the company’s presence with the agencies in New York City and beyond. He will also supervise all areas of interCLICK’s brand marketing strategy.

Jeff Sellinger advanced to SVP with CBS Mobile up from VP. Jeff handles the overall operations of CBS’s Mobile business which includes the launching and managing of CBS Mobile TV network, mobile video services, in-show interactivity, content, mobile web and mobile advertising.

Horizon Media named Marc Strijdveen as SVP/Director Creative Media Solutions. In this new position, Marc will pinpoint and build media solutions based on consumer, business and channel insights. He will report to Oliver Maletz, SVP/Managing Director of the insights group.

Sundance Channel appointed Tara Marshall to Director/Integrated Sales. Tara will now be part of the new Branded Entertainment and Sponsorship Department where she will concentrate on selling integrated, multi-platform packages. Tara will report to Kim Gabelmann, VP/Branded Entertainment and Sponsorship. 

David Reiter advanced to Executive Editorial Director of ABC News where he will have daily supervision of the news gathering operations and the assignment of correspondents, producers and crews. He will also oversee the sharing of editorial information and production resources between all broadcasts and platforms. He reports to Kate O’Brian, SVP, ABC News.

Today in Cynopsis Kids

• Would you bid $4 million for a book created/handwritten/illustrated by J.K. Rowling?
• JimJam hits Central Europe
• Three animated pictures get Golden Globe nods

Today in Cynopsis International 

• Australia’s Seven Network and Granada International together for long time
• In another long-term relationship, SARAN Media and Warner Bros. International Television Distribution expand pact
• ESPN International’s 2007 college football season coverage conclusion in 187 countries

Today in Cynopsis Digital, listen to the audio version here or subscribe to the iTunes Cyn Digital podcast 

• Jackass 2.5 goes straight to digital
• Hammer Films first horror flick in 30 years to premiere on MySpaceTV
• ATAS prevails in its Broadband Emmy with NATAS

Note: The ratings data for Wednesday, December 12, 2007 was delayed by Nielsen. It should be available some time today and will be included in Monday’s edition.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CABLEU

Friday Fun Fact: Alektorophobia is a fear of chickens.

This day in History:  1984 – Howard Cosell retired from the NFL’s Monday Night Football.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  In what zany movie do the main characters eat Atomic Peppers at a restaurant called Dante’s Inferno? DUMB & DUMBER (starring Jim Carrey & Jeff Daniels) Kudos to: Seth Weintraub-YES Network/Stamford, CT; Rick Rosenfelt-Madison Square Garden/NY; Terry Cudmore-CBS/NY; Steve Daniloff FSN/Pittsburgh; Nick Riley-NCC/Dallas; Brian Fleming-WNOL/New Orleans; Angela Marquez-KMID/Midland, TX; Justin Hoekstra-WTTO/WABM/Birmingham, AL; Morgan Thompson-KTVU/Oakland, CA; Sean Boardman-Q13/FOX/Seattle; Tommy Moffitt-Cox Television/Reno, NV; Clint Rogers-Ocean Media, Inc./Huntington Beach, CA

Today’s Trivia Question: What actress plays Audrey’s sister, Barbara, on the 2007 sitcom Rules of Engagement? (
with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: Only the second four correct answers from each time zone will be mentioned; and once you’ve been mentioned in any of the Cynopsis editions, you can’t be mentioned again that calendar week.)

Later  — Cyn
12.14.07

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JOB OPENING: SR SALES EXECS/US/UK/FR/Aus: Premiere distrib co. hiring Sr int’l sales execs to manage 5,000+ hrs of TV programming. Must have proven track record, client relationships, entrepreneurial spirit.
(12/21)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/Documentary Channel/NYC: Immediate opening. Sr. AE – 5+yrs exp. Emmy winning ntwrk. Concept/integrated sell at client/senior agency level. Top incentive for top performer. Apply:
(12/20)

JOB OPENING: ASSOC. AD PRODUCER/Oprah.com/Chicago: Write and project-manage online splash pages, sweepstakes and microsites for our sponsors.   See full posting & apply @ www.harpocareers.com (12/20)

JOB OPENING: ANALYST/Fox Brdcstng/LA: Aud Rsrch, Nat’l ratings processing.1-2yrs TV res. exp.& BA deg req’d. Familiarity w/Nielsen my EVNTS/Galaxy, strong org. & comm. skills essential. Reply: www.foxcareers.com / ref: FNG9880 (12/20)

JOB OPENING: ASSOC PRODUCER/Little Airplane Productions/NYC: Oversee all aspects of animated production; development through post. Manage multiple artists¹ inventory, workflow and deadlines:
(12/20)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCTION ACCOUNTANT/Little Airplane Productions/NYC: Oversee all aspects of finance and payroll on several broadcast productions. Must have knowledge of Vista software:
(12/20)

JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE MARKETING MANAGER/Scholastic Inc/NYC: 3-5 years experience in book or audio book publishing. Apply online:
http://www.scholastic.apply2jobs.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.showJob&RID=3446&CurrentPage=1 (12/20)

JOB OPENING: REGIONAL ACCT DIR /Screenvision Cinema, LA: 3-5 yrs exp, proven media sales performer to develop, present & sell cinema advertising to regional clients, Bachelors req., reg’l travel req. Apply: www.screenvision.com (12/20)

JOB OPENINGS: GREAT! MKTG COORDINATOR/Nashville & Atlanta: Passionate about radio, TV, event planning & promotion? Enjoy creative collaboration? Help WOW our GREAT! clients. 2+ yrs exp. Ask for Job description:
   (12/19)

JOB OPENING: SR. DRTV Buyer/Active Int’l in Pearl River, NY (15 miles from NYC): Min 5 yrs exp. in planning, negotiating and buying DRTV req’d. Resumes to:
  or call 845-732-8943 (1/3)

JOB OPENING: SALES EXEC/NYC:  Sponsor multimedia content. Min. 3 years exp. Know how to prospect & close, superior communication and multitasking. Send cover letter & resume to:
  (12/19)

JOB OPENING: CONTENT PRODUCER/Fisher-Price/NYC:BS Deg w/ 3-5 yrs exp in content development for toys, interactive games, software or children’s programming req’d. To apply, visit: Our Company/Career Page on fisher-price.com. (12/19)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/Documentary Channel/NYC: Immediate opening. Sr. AE – 5+yrs exp. Emmy winning ntwrk. Concept/integrated sell at client/senior agency level. Top incentive for top performer. Apply:
(12/19)

JOB OPENING: ASSOC. AD PRODUCER/Oprah.com/Chicago: Write and project-manage online splash pages, sweepstakes and microsites for our sponsors.   See full posting & apply @ www.harpocareers.com (12/19)

JOB OPENING: ONLINE MEDIA SUPERVISOR/NYC: 3+Online media planning/buying exp.; Proven ability to manage an internal team of Media Planners; Entertainment industry client exp. a PLUS! Contact: 
(12/18)

JOB OPENING: MGR/DIR /Brand Strategy Team: Dvlp original digital content experiences within the NBC portfolio site:NY/NJ & Burbank, CA: apply http://www.nbcunicareers.com job #784234, 784230, 784227 (12/18)

JOB OPENING: VP of  THEATRICAL MARKETING/Screen Media Films/NYC:  Develop/execute marketing plans; Monitor budgets; oversee all theatrical PR. Min 3 yrs experience. Send resume to
(12/18)

JOB OPENING: RECRUITMENT MGR/Discovery/NY: Recruiter/HR Gen to mng full life cycle efforts; identify/acquire talent for Ad & Affil Sales, Corp Dev, E commerce, Educ, TLC, Animal Planet Ntwrks. Apply: discovery.com/careers Req#6200  (12/18)

JOB OPENING: Seeking MEDIA BUYERS in NY with 1-5 years agency experience.   Excel benefits: 401K, Pension, Medical & Dental Send Resume to:
(12/18)

JOB OPENING: INVENTORY ANALYST /BET, NY: 1-2years experience in sales or traffic; strong analytical skills;Dealmaker,VCI, Excel experience preferred. Email resume to:
. (12/18)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE PROMO WRITER/PRODUCER/TLC/LA: Requires Writer/Producer with excellent writing skills. Highly conceptual. Reels & resumes: Discovery, Attn: HR, 10100 Santa Monica Blvd, suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90067.  (12/18)

JOB OPENING: RECRUITMENT MGR/Discovery Comm/MD: Requires Recruiter/HR Generalist to screen candidates, interview, and refer suitable applicants for open positions in assigned client groups. Apply: discovery.com/careers Req#5722. (12/18)

JOB OPENING: Seeking top notch SR AE for Channel One News-NYC: Must have min. 7+ yrs consultative sales, proven Biz Dev exp; ideally in Broadcast/TV, and/or non-traditional space. see full desc and apply: 
(12/18)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA PLANNER/Disney/N. Hollywood: BS in, Media or related field. 5 yrs + media or Exc PC Skills, Exp working w/ Atlas, DART ,Point Roll and Eye blaster pref’d. APPLY: www.disneycareers.com search for JOB ID: 133265 (12/15)

JOB OPENING:  MANAGER AD SALES TRADE MKTG- TV LAND/MTVN-NY: BA; 5 yrs mktg exp. Creative thinker w/ strong proj mgmnt sk; highly organized. Understands brand mgmnt, advtg, promos, resrch. EOE/M/F/D/AAP.  Apply www.mtvncareers.com (12/15)

JOB OPENING: LIFETIME: MEDIA CRD (LA): Perf file bsed mdia mgmnt, srvice reqs for edit sess, dup ordrs, & prep shpmts. Avid proj, ISIS strge, mdia protectn, diag ops, bck-up, archive, & tpe libry. Apply:
  (12/15)

JOB OPENING: SENIOR W/P CSTV/NYC: Conceptualize, W/P & Direct on air promo campaigns to launch & support prog., games & ntwk initiatives. 5- 7+ yrs on air exp. College sports enthusiast & creative thinker a must. Res:
(12/15)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT/Hallmark Channel/LA:   Work w/ VP & AE to service and maintain agencies and clients on daily basis. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (12/15)

JOB OPENING: WEB PRODUCER (Freelance) /Hallmark Channel/LA: Creative strategy & mgmt. and on-time, delivery of small to large-scale web-based projects. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (12/15)

JOB OPENING: WEB DESIGNER (Freelance) /Hallmark Channel/LA: Maintain and create the online identity & marketing materials for the Hallmark Channels. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (12/15)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/Hallmark Channel/NY: Analyzes standard and custom reports on all Nielsen systems; MRI and or/Simmons databases.  See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (12/15)

JOB OPENING: TRAFFIC COORDINATOR/Hallmark Channel/NY: Edits daily broadcast logs; executes agency traffic instructions; maintains commercial inventory. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (12/15)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF CONTRACTS/CBS TV DIST/NY: Mng ad sales admin w/ staff of 4 from order thru reconciliation. Finc’l background w/strong Excel, mngrl, & analytical skills pref’d  5+ yrs exp. Res/salary req:
(12/15)

JOB OPENING: SALES EXEC/NeuLion/LI: (www.neulion.com) new media sales experience preferred. Must be able to prospect, qualify and close new opportunities. Content Delivery Network (CDN) exp a plus. Email Res to
(12/15)

WINTER AND SPRING INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. They are posted for free, and students work for school credit only. For more information on the specs for posting an Internship ad, email Trish at 
.

WINTER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: ADV & PROMO INTERN/LIFETIME, NY: Cable net mktg dept & prod. Rsch, logging, assist post, and runs. Strong MS Office skills, comm. bkgrd, and good written/oral skills. Min 2-3 days/wk. Email
(12/19)

WINTER INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY:  TALENT AGENCY INTERN/LA: For those interested in learning more about the inner workings of a talent agency. Min or 15/hrs/week. Email cover letter & resume to: 
(12/15)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED …

SITUATION WANTED: Seeking agent or representative for new children’s brand, The Lunchbox Bunch. Please visit www.lunchboxbunch.com for more details. Contact Kathy with inquiries at
(12/19)

SITUATION WANTED: 11 yr old boy-actor looking for part in TV show. Exp’d dedicated, remember lines in a second, work well under pressure, living in NY but can travel on moments notice. Plz visit me at www.matthewglaser.com my web site (12/18)

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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT – Friday, December 14, 2007

ABC: Men In Trees [r], Women’s Murder Club [r], 20/20
CBS: Ghost Whisperer, Moonlight, Numbers
CW: Friday Night Smackdown!
FOX: Don’t Forget the Lyrics! [r], The Next Great American Band
ION: Movie: Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story [7p]
MNT: World Magic Awards
NBC: Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life [r]
PBS: Washington Week, Now, Bill Moyers’ Journal, Walking the Bible [r]
TELE: Madre Luna, Victoria, Pecados Ajenos
UNIV: Amar sin Limites, Pasion, Nuestra Navidad

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