A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CABLE U

Cynopsis: Kids!

12/01/06

Good morning. It’s Friday, December 1, 2006 and this is your first early morning Kids! briefing. 

US Federal District Judge James Brady of Louisiana yesterday ordered a permanent injunction preventing the state from implementing a statute that would have banned the sale of violent video games to minors.  Citing his decision the Judge Brady, who issued his ruling from the bench rather than in a written decision, upheld the decision he issued in August in which the Judge said that when the State passed the law, it failed to consider the many similar cases in other states that in which found that video games are protected as free speech.

In related news, earlier this week the Seventh Circuit in Illinois overturned an appeal by the State of Illinois related to a similar video game law, further underlining that video games are covered under the First Amendment protections and that the state cannot restrict sales of particular games to minors.

The National Institute on Media and the Family has delivered its 11th Annual MediaWise Video Game Report Card this week handing out grades to parents, retailers and video game console manufacturers.  The MediaWise report commended big box retailers, giving them each an “A” for making “major improvements” in enforcing video game ratings. Meanwhile specialty video game stores received an “F” for failing to prevent kids from purchasing mature games.  Console manufacturers did well, receiving an “A” for incorporating video game safeguards such as parental controls.  It is parents, however, that didn’t fare to well on the Report Card getting an “incomplete,” for not following through on using those tools to prevent their kids from playing games they don’t approve of, or knowing what games their kids are playing.  For this marking period the education of parents about the video game ratings system was given a “B.”  The full report including recommendations for parental involvement and family rules can be found at http://www.mediafamily.org/research/report_vgrc_2006.shtml.

Video Monitoring Services (VMS) has entered into a deal with Nielsen BuzzMetrics, which measures consumer-generated media (CGM).  According to the pact, Nielsen BuzzMetrics will provide VMS access to its blog database that covers millions of blogs.  This real-time CGM will be available to VMS clients through its suite of products and services.

MORE KIDS STUFF

Jump In!, a new Disney Channel Original Movie will premiere in the US on Friday, January 12, 8p, and on Disney Channel around the world shortly thereafter.  Set in Brooklyn, Jump In! is the story of an up-and-coming teen boxer who discovers that what he really wants to do is take part in competitive double Dutch.  The cast includes Corbin Bleu (High School Musical) and Keke Palmer (Akeelah and the Bee), David Reivers (Bleu’s real father), Laivan Greene, Micah Williams, Shanica Knowles and Gene A. Mack among others.  To support the movie, music videos featuring both Bleu and Palmer are currently airing in rotation on Disney Channel.  Additionally, the network run “Jump In!” segments including a Q&A feature that will launch on DisneyChannel.com on January 12.  The following day, Saturday, January 13, Bleu will host a behind-the-scenes set tour.  A production of Davis Entertainment, Jump In! was written by Doreen Spicer and Regina Hicks & Karin Gist and directed by Paul Hoen.

World Events Productions bringing back Voltron: Defender of the Universe, the popular 1980s anime series and toys, with a new line of licensed products, which including the newly released first Voltron DVD Blue Lion.  The Voltron DVDs are distributed by Media Blasters with a total of 8 Volumes (15 episodes each) set to be released throughout 2007, all of which will feature added extras (e.g. documentary, rare clips etc).  Under a new deal between World Events Productions and Cartoon Network, the entire Voltron: Defender of the Universe anime series will begin airing on Adult Swim this month.  In addition a live-action Voltron feature film is currently in the works with Producer Mark Gordon and music industry executive producer Pharrell Williams.

The 34th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards will be handed out on CBS, June 15, 2007, live from the Kodak Theater.  This marks the second year in a row that the Daytime Emmy show will originate from Hollywood.  The Daytime Creative Arts & Entertainment Emmy Awards will be presented in Hollywood the night before, June 14, in a non-televised ceremony.  While most of the nominations for the Daytime Emmy Awards will be announced live from NY on CBS on the morning of March 14, 2007, nominations for the kids categories will be announced on February 7, 2007, at the KidScreen Summit in NYC; this is the week prior to the American International Toy Fair 2007.

MARKETING/LICENSING

Big Picture Entertainment inked a deal with Zinkia Entertainment to handle home entertainment rights in Spain for the preschool animated series Pocoyo.  Launch of the first Pocoyo DVDs is scheduled for spring 2007.  Pocoyo is co-produced by Zinkia Entertainment and Granada International in association with Granada Kids and Cosgrove Hall.  The 3D CGI series follows the adventures of a little boy with an unending curiosity for discovery.

Little League Baseball has inked a licensing deal with Avon.  Little League Baseball’s licensing agent SloaneVision Unlimited put the deal together. Under the agreement, the line of products will include Little League Baseball watches by Avon, and products from licensees including Accessory Network (bags, backpacks) and MjC SF/Logotel (sleepwear).  The program will be highlighted in the Avon catalog set for 1Q 2007 and is set to rollout in time for the 2007 Little League season.

STONE SOUP

Electronic Arts Inc. has acquired Headgate Studios, Inc., a video game developer.  The Headgate development team will remain based in Utah and focus its energies on developing game titles for the Nintendo Wii.  Headgate’s CEO and Founder Vance Cook will continue to head the studio as Executive Producer, reporting to Nick Earl, VP and GM, EA Redwood Shores/Maxis.  Headgate Studios will change its name to EA Salt Lake.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Sling Media tapped former MTV executives, Jason Hirschhorn and Benjamin White, to head up its new Sling Media Entertainment Group as President and Chief Creative Officer respectively.  Based in NYC the Sling Media Entertainment Group will be responsible for creating next generation entertainment applications and services for the Slingbox community.  Hirschhorn was a Founding Partner at TripleH Media Advisors, a digital media consultancy.  Prior to that he was Chief Digital Officer, MTV Networks.  Most recently White oversaw the launch of MTV Overdrive, a broadband video network.  He previously served as VP/Digital Media, MTVN

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has tapped Jack Tretton as its new President and CEO.  Tretton was formerly SCEA’s EVP and COO.  He was part of the original team that launched PlayStation in 1995.  Tretton takes over the reins from Kaz Hirai, who has been appointed President and Group COO, Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc., in Tokyo.  In turn, Hirai takes over for Ken Kutaragi, who will remain CEO of the company and been named Chairman.

Friday Fun Fact: It was the Romans who made the first popsicle. They took some ice and added flavor to it and then licked it. What a great idea!

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  In what film did the “Pinheads” tryout for the dance?   BACK TO THE FUTURE    Kudos to: Miriam Stocker-Black Entertainment Television/Southfield MI; David Danowski-DIC Entertainment Advertiser Sales/NY; Julie Caracciolo-Active International/Pearl River NY; Craig Coleman-Nicktoons Network/NY; Kurtis Humfeld-Fox TV/Eden Prairie MN; Andrea Blain-Andrea Blain Public Relations/Skokie IL
 
Today’s Trivia Question: What show features both actor and lead singer of the real life band The Sacred Hearts? ( click here) 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 — Gwen
Gwen Billings for Cynopsis Kids!
12.01.06

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Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For more classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXEC/New York, NY: Cablevision seeks Account Exec for Ad Sales. 2+yrs ad sales exp. Valid NY DL. Please visit www.cablevision.jobs and apply to job 1056BR (12/8)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, ONLINE PROMOTIONS MARKETING/NY: 2-5 yrs online advtsing/mktg; digital exp a must. Strg knowledge of online technologies and emerging media. 2 openings at Nick. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (12/8)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/Superstation WGN, NY: Build proposals, steward deals, and support AEs. Requires 2 yrs industry exp, proficient in Media Math/Excel/Word. Dealmaker/BMS/Transact a plus. Send resume to [email protected] (12/8)

JOB OPENING: CRTV DIR/IFC/NYC: ON AIR PROMOS for popular cable net; oversee day to day promotion and branding of network. 7+ yrs ent/media exp. Strong detail/org/comm skills. Resumes to: [email protected] (12/8)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIR/Sports and Ent./NY: Media rsch supporting TV ad sales, supervise staff, dev sales pres, audience estimates, maintain rate cards, Req: BA, knowledge w/ Nielsen and Sports. resume [email protected] (12/7)

JOB OPENING: MGR, AFFILIATE AUTHOS/VERSUS -Stamford, CT:Manage affil dbase & provide support to cable systems.3+ yrs rel exper and proficiency w/dbases req’d. Apply at www.versus.com job req# 39244BR EOE/AA/drug free (12/7)

JOB OPENING: PROG RESEARCH MGR/Bravo/NY: Provide detailed analyses/ratings reports, 3+ yrs exp. in media research, Nielsen audience data, NPower, Galaxy Explorer exp, & MarketBreaks. Apply online www.nbcunicareers.com job #557567 (12/7)

JOB OPENING: ASSOC DIR, AD SALES RESEARCH/Bravo, NY: Min 6 yrs exp in TV research using Nielsen tools produce prog & daypart estimates for strategic planning & inventory mgmt. Apply online www.nbcunicareers.com job #557146 (12/7)

JOB OPENING: ASSISTANT MEDIA BUYER/Wyeth Advertising Inc./Madison, NJ: BA, strong computer skills and ability to multitask in a deadline sensitive environment req’d.  Resume to: [email protected], or fax to: 973 660-7508.  EOE (12/7)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES ASST/Galavision, NY: Detail-oriented, exc comm/math/MS Office skills; asst Sales Team w/presentations/reports/clerical work. Spanish speaking highly pref/not req. Cvr letter & resume: [email protected] (12/14)

JOB OPENING: EASTERN REGION ACCT DIR/Screenvision/NY: Sales. work w/ Sales Planner & Sales Coord to build media programs from concept through sale. BA req’d 6-10 yrs selling media advertising. Res to:  [email protected] (12/7)

JOB OPENING: REGN’L ACCT DIR (2)/Screenvision/LA & Chicago: Dvlp/present/sell integrated in-theatre advrtsng & media prgrm campaigns to regn’l clients. 3+yrs selling media advrtsng exp. BA equiv work exp. [email protected] (12/7)

JOB OPENING: VP, ENT. PUBLICITY/NBC UNIVERSAL/NY: Liaison between East & West Coast press and publicity units, 10 yrs. exp. www.nbcunicareers.com job # 562039. (12/7)

JOB OPENING: DOCUMENTARY EDITOR/FREELANCE/Lou Reda Productions/Easton, PA: Needs seasoned long form editor that possesses strong directorial, solid creative thinking in editorial process. Contact: [email protected]   (12/7)

JOB OPENING: SVP, DIGITAL STRATEGY/NBC UNIVERSAL/NY: Grow Bravo’s digital business, 10 yrs. editorial exp. www.nbcunicareers.com job # 561091 (12/6)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES COORD/ TV One/NY: Exp in order entry & creating flow charts a + but willing to train the right person. See our website for a detailed job description & other exciting career opportunities at www.tvoneonline.com (12/6)

JOB OPENING: VP/ BIZ DEV: Excellent cble net contacts wanted for NY non-fiction TV pro co. Need strong sales exp (6 + yrs), solid pitching, strng ability to write & negotiate. Ntwrk or agency exp pref’d. Res: [email protected] (12/6)

JOB OPENING: NATIONAL TV BUYING SUPERVISOR/LA/Network Cable & Syndication:  Entertainment exp a plus.  Will relocate. Apply [email protected]        (12/6)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, MARKETING/SONY PICTURES TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL:  Prefer bilingual (Spanish/English). Solid digital and promotion exp. A must. Television/Cable Mrktng exp. Necessary.  Apply:  www.sonypicturesjobs.com EOE  (12/6)

JOB OPENING: SR LOCAL TV BUYER/Pearl River, NY (15 miles from NYC): Min 6 yrs exp. in  Local TV, barter exp is a plus for Active Int’l. Resumes to: [email protected]  or call 845-732-8943. (12/13)

JOB OPENING: CONSUMER PRODUCTS DIRECTOR/Toronto: Responsible for generating sales revenue & contributing to the profitability of Canadian licensing activities. Send resume & cover letter to: [email protected] (12/5)

JOB OPENING: MRKTNG EXEC BROADCAST/BAND/Toronto, Ontario:  Lead 2007 mrkting strategy for state of the art broadcast network to build brand, grow audience & drive success through adverts/events/PR. CV: [email protected]          (12/5)

JOB OPENING: ASST IN ACCT DEPT/Abacus Media/Santa Monica: General office duties/support for acct. dept. Excel exp, good phone skills, basic AP entry & organizat’l skills.Good pay & benefits. E-mail resume to [email protected] (12/5)

JOB OPENING: TRAFFIC COORD/Comcast Spotlight/Northern NJ: Mng placement of commercial spots in on-air schedules; liaison w/sales team to max inventory; strong time-mngmnt skills; team player. BA/BS req’d. Apply at www.comcast.com (12/2)

JOB OPENING: EXEC- ASST/Gaithersburg MD: U will need to do everything 4 busy CEO. Must have Exc. Written/Oral/Dictation skills. Ability 2 travel & WKL8. Resumes to: [email protected]   (12/2)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/The Outdoor Channel/NYC: Immediate opening for aggressive/self-starter w/ 3+ yrs. Nat’l sales experience.  Pls send resume to: [email protected]             (12/2)

JOB OPENING:  NEW MEDIA SALES PLANNER/AETN,NY: Create Plans, steward accts, coord make goods & post analysis prep. 2yrs exp plnn’g or buyer. Exc comm. & client service. New media/internet exp a+. Res&Sal Req’d: [email protected] (12/2)

JOB OPENING:  COORDINATOR. BUS. AFFAIRS/NBC Universal/NY: Admin support to EVP & VP; BA req.; assist with first-run synd., legal research, content screening, and program scheduling. Submit to www.nbcunicareers.com #558894 (12/2)

WINTER 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 [email protected] .

WINTER INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: COMMUNICATIONS INTERN – Gain experience in entertainment public relations firm. Please send resume and contact me at [email protected] (12/6)

WINTER INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: ABC/RESEARCH INTERNSHIP: Asst in the tracking of prime time and all network prgrmng for ABC as well as competition, attend wkly staff meetings Analytical skills, MS office. Excel a +.  www.disneycareers.com (12/6)

WINTER INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: PR INTERNS/LA: Join our team for marketing, advertising and special events for entertainment, arts and food clients. Strong writers wanted. Please send resume, cover letter and writing sample to: [email protected] (12/5)

WINTER INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: PUBLICITY & MKTG INTERNSHIP/The Catalyst Group/NYC: Mkgt. & Publicity Agcy. spec. in alt. rock & hip hop music & ent: TCG also prod.& creates content development for TV/broadband. Please respond to [email protected] (12/5)

WINTER INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: INTERNS . Production company for travel/food/lifestyle. Duties episode logging, inventory, research. Salary: College credit. Send resume to: [email protected]  (12/5)

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

SITUATION WANTED: Professional Casting / Admissions Director with prestigious ACTING SCHOOLS seeks new opportunity.I work with integrity, polish & a very positive attitude (“The Secret”). [email protected] (12/7)

SITUATION WANTED: BA student graduating in May 07 seeking position in Chicago or CA;  excellent music and media experience; multi-task oriented; driven and  energetic; contact Jeremiah Cosner at:  [email protected] (12/7)

SITUATION WANTED: TV prof w/MBA & 15+yrs exp seeks NYC based mgmt position in COMM OPS, TECH OPS, NET OPS, SAT OPS or related areas. Exc tech & mngrl’ skills. Extnsv exp w/major cable ntwrks. Avail 1/1/07 due to layoff. [email protected] (12/5)

SITUATION WANTED: NYC: Recent college grad with hands-on production experience in film and radio seeking an entry level or PA position in the prod ind.I am a hard worker looking to get started in production. [email protected] (12/5)

SITUATION WANTED: Changing course in a rapidly changing industry – Hit situation comedy nuts and bolts TV producer is seeking an opportunity in new media production. Please contact Gregg at [email protected] (12/2)

E-mail Trish Pihonak for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email Trish Pihonak for specs.