Cynopsis

02.27.09

Good morning. It’s Friday, February 27, 2009, and this is your first early morning briefing. 

Tonight’s Premiere:
Discovery Channel: American Loggers at 10p

Saturday’s Premiere:
Travel Channel: Rissi Palmer’s Country at 10p

Sunday’s Premieres:
Planet Green: Eco-Tech at 8p
NBC: Celebrity Apprentice at 9p

“Eat my shorts!” FOX ordered two more seasons of The Simpsons ensuring the longest-running primetime series in history goes through its 22nd season. The network approved 44 additional episodes, taking the total library episode count just under 500 at 493. Currently the show is in its 20th season and a global year-long celebration called “Best. 20 Years. Ever” is underway through January 14, 2010, the actual 20th anniversary of the show’s premiere. The Simpsons is produced by Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television; Film Roman does the animation.

CBS confirmed it will continue reality competition series Survivor through the 2009-2010 season, serving up the 19th and 20th editions. Jeff Probst will also remain as host. Survivor is produced by SEG, Inc. with Mark Burnett as executive producer.

President Obama’s first address to a Joint Session of Congress this past Tuesday in primetime reached nearly 52.4 million total viewers. The speech was carried live on 10 television networks: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo, Univision, CNBC, CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC.

Bravo’s season five finale of Top Chef: New York Wednesday night at 10p cooked up 2.77 million A18-49 viewers and 3.74 million total viewers. According to Nielsen, this season ranks as the highest rated ever as Top Chef: New York averaged 2.14 million A18-49 viewers and 3.02 million total viewers, up 18% and 19% respectively versus Season #4.

After the markets closed yesterday, Time Warner announced it set March 27 as the date to officially shed its stake in Time Warner Cable. All Time Warner shareholders as of March 12 will receive a dividend distribution on March 27.

Apprentice UK, a British version of the competitive reality show based on Donald Trump’s US series, will join BBC America’s lineup this spring. Throughout 12 60m episodes, billionaire Sir Alan Sugar will judge the 14 candidates as they battle through weekly business challenges to gain his notice and approval. The final winner will receive a one-year job and a six-figure salary with one of Sir Alan’s companies. Apprentice UK is produced by TalkBack and distributed by Mark Burnett Productions.

MIP TV Program Call: If your company will be attending and showcasing programming at MIP TV 2009 in Cannes, France, at the end of next month, Cynopsis will send out a special MIP TV Shopping Guide edition the Wednesday before the conference. To have your programming included, please send only the following info for your top 5 shows: title, availability date, number of episodes, length, type (i.e., movie, series, special, etc.), genre, your terms (barter, cash, etc.) and names and contact info of those attending from your company. If your company is interested in being included in this free guide, please send the details to
by Friday, March 20, 2009.

Comedian/producer Jerry Seinfeld reunites with NBC for a new primetime comedy-reality series created by Seinfeld’s Columbus 81 Productions and executive producer Ellen Rakieten (The Oprah Winfrey Show) called The Marriage Ref (wt). The series will feature celebrities, comedians and sports stars all judging and offering advice to real-life couples dealing with typical marital problems. In describing the show concept Seinfeld said, “This is not a therapy show, it’s a comedy show.  After nine years of marriage I have discovered that the comedic potential of this subject is quite rich.” NBC so far has not indicated when the show will premiere or be scheduled.

Touchpaper Television, a division of the RDF Media Group, was re-commissioned to produce a second eight-part season of Being Human, a modern-day British series about the lives of a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost living in Bristol. The drama aired its first season on BBC Three to critical success. Being Human is written by Toby Whithouse; Matthew Bouch produces while Toby Haynes, Alex Pillai and Colin Teague all direct. Rob Pursey of Touchpaper Television executive produces with Julie Gardner, Head/Drama for BBC Wales. RDF Rights, also part of the RDF Media Group, holds the international rights to season one and two of Being Human and will be representing it at MIPTV in March.

Pilot News:

• FOX moved its comedy pilot Walorsky to June due to problems casting the lead, reports THR. The project, similar in tone to the movie “Bad Santa” is about an ex-cop who becomes a security guard at a mall in Buffalo and has to reluctantly step up and do his job. The project is from 20th Television and American Work.
• Chris O’Donnell landed a leading role in CBS’ NCIS spinoff joining already announced LL Cool J, Louise Lombard, Peter Cambor and Daniela Ruah. O’Donnell’s character, Callen is the troubled lead agent whose reputation precedes him. CBS Paramount Network Television produces the spinoff.

CYNOPSIS DIGITAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  New Yahoo chief Carol Bartz found a reason to post her first blog entry yesterday – to share some of her future plans including a new management structure she is putting into place that will “make Yahoo! a lot faster on its feet.” She also writes of the elimination of silos and a renewed focus on the customer, mantras familiar to folks on Madison Avenue. The first official management reshuffle involves the just-disclosed departure of CFO Blake Jorgensen, who made news at an investors conference this week when he said that Yahoo isn’t opposed to a search deal with Microsoft in principle.  Full edition: CYN DIGITAL.

CYNOPSIS KIDS – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  Entertainment Rights (ER), which owns Postman Pat, He-Man and Where’s Waldo among others, is in “advanced negotiations” with several suitors to purchase its subsidiaries or business and assets.  In an update to shareholder ER explained that the bidders are completing their due diligence to complete the an imminent deal and, “The offers are at a level which would be acceptable to the Board and to the Group’s lender, which at which there is no prospect of recovering all of the outstanding debt.”  Additionally, ER’s lenders intend to extend their short term funding and will continue support of the company after February 28 to complete a sales or restructuring.   Full edition: CYN KIDS.

 
Wednesday – A18-49 Analysis:  FOX proved it could still dominate Wednesday night with 9.1/23 A18-49, according to final national ratings from Nielsen Media Research. FOX and American Idol ruled the 8p hour with 8.6/24 with NBC’s Biggest Loser next at 3.3/9. FOX grew its American Idol rating to 9.6/23 during 9p over second place Lost on ABC at 4.4/11. CBS had a chance to shine at 10p with CSI: NY at 3.1/8 while ABC’s Life on Mars and NBC’s Law & Order repeat tied for second at 1.7/5 apiece.

Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Wednesday, February 25, 2009 time period averages. Source: NTI Galaxy, as dated. Live+SD.

FOX: 13.8/21      American Idol 13.8/21

CBS: 6.9/11          Old Christine [r] 3.6/6, Gary Unmarried [r] 3.6/6, Criminal Minds 8.9/13, CSI: NY 8.1/14

ABC: 4.2/7           Lost [r] 3.3/5, Lost 5.9/9, Life on Mars 3.2/5

NBC: 4.2/7           Biggest Loser 5.4/9, Life 3.3/5, Law & Order [r] 4.0/7

UNIV: 2.1/3         Cuidado con el Angel 2.3/4, Manana para Siempre 2.3/3, Don Francisco Presenta 1.7/3

CW: 0.6/1           Privileged [r] 0.7/1, 90210 [r] 0.5/1

TELE: 0.6/1         Dona Barbara 0.6/1, El Rostro de Analia W 0.6/1, Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso 0.7/1, Cartel W 0.7/1

MNT: 0.5/1          World’s Funniest Moments [r] 0.7/1, Shaken Not Stirred Encore 2 [r] 0.3/0

A18-49: FOX 9.1/23, ABC 2.7/7, CBS 2.7/7, NBC 2.2/6, UNIV 1.6/4, TELE 0.6/1, CW 0.3/1, MNT 0.2/1

Discovery Communications named Laura Michalchyshyn as President/GM of Planet Green, reporting to David Zaslav, CEO. In her position effective March 16, Laura will head all facets of the network’s creative and business strategy encompassing programming, operations and content development. Laura will be the chief editorial executive, managing the overall goals of the network and strengthening its brand and awareness to advertisers, operators and viewers.  Excellent news Laura!

Lou Castriota, Sr. is the new VP/GM of independent television station WGCB/Harrisburg. Previously, he served as Director/Operations and Programming at WHP-WLYH/Harrisburg.

Horizon Media brought on Kim Klepfer Schenck as Planning Director in the agency’s Brand Strategy group coming from Mediaedge: CIA. At Horizon, Kim will report to Kimberly Aiella, VP/Managing Director of Brand Strategy and Elyse Pollock, SVP/Managing Director of Brand Strategy.

Darlene Chapman-Holmes joined Retirement Living TV (RLTV) as Senior Director/Affiliate Sales where she will be responsible for RLTV’s distribution efforts and manage various national accounts and systems. Darlene will also supervise the sales team and work with division offices in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. Darlene most recently was the SVP/Marketing for AmericanLife TV Network.

Krupp Kommunications, Inc. (K2) added John Foster to the new position of Executive Director. John’s duties will include developing strategic marketing and branding efforts, initiating traditional and social media outlets and supervising various K2 account groups. John will also be responsible for growing the firm and increasing revenue.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Friday Fun Fact:   A mole can dig a tunnel 300 feet long in one night.

This day in History:  1827 – New Orleans held its first Mardi Gras celebration.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:   On what ’60s television sitcom were these words of wisdom imparted from father to son:  “It doesn’t matter what you look like. You can be tall or short, or fat or thin, or ugly or handsome, or you can be black or yellow or white. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is the size of your heart and the strength of your character.”  HERMAN TO YOUNG EDDIE, ON THE MUNSTERS.  Kudos to:  Gabe Alfaya-XL Worldwide/New York;Steve Kurtzer-ZADV/Ft. Lauderdale; Jeannette Hektoen-JH Media & Marketing/New York; Dusty Ratledge-Scripps Networks/Knoxville; TJ Szymczak-YPM, Inc/Irvine; Colleen McGrew-Fox Broadcasting/LA; Sr Rose Pacatte-Pauline Center for Media Studies/Culver City; Alan Wayne-20th Century Fox/LA; Caroline A. Godin-One Girl Revolution Inc/Toronto

Today’s Trivia Question: In the world of TV Sitcoms, who is Marcel?  (Email
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.)

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM THE CABLE SHOW ’09

The Cable Show ’09 presents exclusive sessions featuring top cable and advertising industry leaders discussing the progression and promise of a new generation of advertising platforms.  With programming co-produced by Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau and industry experts including David Verklin, CEO of Canoe Ventures, The Cable Show 09 features an advertising-rich track you can’t afford to miss.

Later — Cyn
02.27.09

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JOB OPENING:  SALES DIR/BBC/NYC: Manage& coach sales team, direct selling, media licensing exp. Bring in new rev, est & implement strategy, grow biz. Apps to www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (3/5)

JOB OPENING:  SNR MANAGER, DIGITAL SYNDICATION/BBC/NYC: Mng marketing & promo for BBCWW titles w/ partners, manage clients & program supply, coord clearance process. Apps to www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (3/5)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, BUSINESS AFFAIRS & PROGRAMMING LEGAL/MD: Handle production and talent negotiations for TLC. JD and 5+ yrs entertainment law exp is required. Apply: http://corporate.discovery.com/careers/ #8636 (3/4)

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JOB OPENING:  SALES DIRECTOR/Little Pim/NYC:  3+ yrs exp w/Content-based goods. Increase sales w/Large Markets, manage sales cycle, demo product. Exp w/Youth mkt a +.  Apply:  http://www.littlepim.com/about/salesdirector/ (2/28)

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JOB OPENING:  DIR, BUS AFFAIRS/ABC Daytime/SOAPNet/LA: Structure, negotiate, oversee wide variety of deals/prods; top analytic skills.  JD+ min 5yrs exp in TV. Netwk/cable strongly pref’d. Apply www.disneycareers.com, Req ID# 188120 (2/28)

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
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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

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SITUATION WANTED: PROD. (TV, Print, Multimedia): Live/taped/field, booking, writing, editing, casting, on-camera, PR. News, biz, finance, entertainment, health, beauty, fashion & lifestyle.
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SITUATION WANTED: CASTING PRODUCER/AP For Reality/Docs. Worked for NBC, CBS, ABC, TLC, E!, Reelz, and MTV. From Big personalities to experts/professors. Research galore. (In LA)
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323.605.2086 (3/5)

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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT –  FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2009

ABC: Wife Swap, Supernanny, 20/20
AZTECA: Lo Que Callamos Las Mujeres Edicion Especial, Extranormal de Impacto, Al Extremo
CBS: Ghost Whisperer, Flashpoint, Numb3rs
CW: Everybody Hates Chris [r], The Game [r], Everybody Hates Chris [r], The Game [r]
FOX: Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles, Dollhouse
ION: Movie: National Lampoon European Vacation (630p); Movie: Pale Rider
MNT: WWE Friday Night Smackdown
NBC: Howie Do It [r], Howie Do It, Friday Night Lights, Dateline
PBS: Washington Week, Now on PBS, Bill Moyers’ Journal, History Detectives
TELE: Dona Barbara, El Rostro de Analia, Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso, El Cartel
UNIV: Cuidado con el Angel, Manana es para Siempre, La Rosa de Guadalupe

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