Cynopsis: DIGITAL

06/05/09

Good morning, it’s Friday, June 5, 2009, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. 

Disney-ABC Television, Hearst and NBC Universal are discussing a change in their joint ownership of A&E Television Networks in a deal that would combine A&E with Lifetime, according to B&C. The agreement would expand the relationship between Disney-ABC and NBC Universal, which are now also partners in the video site Hulu.
 

 
Cable companies may not be the only ones charging for online video content. Some of the shows on Hulu may soon be placed behind a pay wall, according to comments made by News Corp.’s new Chief Digital Officer Jon Miller at an Internet Week event in New York picked up by AOL’s new Daily Finance blog.
 
Comcast cut a long-term agreement with NBA Digital to expand its distribution of NBA TV and to provide NBA VOD and broadband content to its customers. Comcast will launch NBA TV on its Digital Classic tier before the 2009-10 NBA regular season and make an array of NBA content available On Demand, including Top 10 Plays of the Night, nightly game recaps, major basketball news of the day, and NBA Entertainment-produced specials. Comcast will also offer NBA content on its online properties, including Comcast.net.
 
The WB.com is working with Jordan Levin’s Generate and Studio 2.0 for its latest web series. The Lake, premiering on the site on Aug. 10, will be directed by former Beverly Hills 90210 heartthrob Jason Priestly. The serialized drama follows four families who have spent each summer together at the fictional Lake Eleanor. It’s been greenlit for 12 initial episodes, each averaging 10 minutes in length.
 
The New York Times has rebranding its TV Decoder blog about television as Media Decoder, expanding its scope to cover movies, TV, print, marketing and new media “in the digital age.”
 

 
French Director Luc Besson’s latest production, the environmentally-themed Home by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, will premiere on YouTube today as it hits theaters, per Bloomberg. The site has been experimenting with streaming archived movies in an attempt to attract brand sponsors but this is the first time it has hosted a day-and-date premiere.
 
Blade Runner fans should be happy to learn that director Ridley Scott and his brother Tony have launched a new multiplatform media division Free Scott that plans to distribute content on the web utilizing the crowdsourcing Creative Commons share-and-share alike license. It’s first project, in development with WPP, Publicis, Aegis and Naked Communications-backed Ag8, is a video series called Purefold. The project will harness contributions from multiple social networks then turn it into professionally produced content.
 
Broadband-powered movie download service Vudu has added freshly-licensed library titles and new HD releases from Disney. The movies are available day-and-date with the DVD/Blu-ray release dates.
 

 
Tivo is teaming with the NBA introducing a new suite of interactive advertising services to promote the NBA Finals. Under the agreement, TiVo will also provide the NBA, the first sporting league to cut a deal with Tivo directly, with comprehensive audience measurement reports evaluating the entire 2008-09 NBA season as viewed by TiVo subscribers. The report will be based on detailed data from TiVo’s second-by-second  Stop||Watch ratings service.
 
A full month before the Online Publishers Association deadline for submitting new formats, The Weather Channel Interactive (TWCi) has been testing its enhanced “Windowshade” advertising product on weather.com with early adopters such as Nationwide Insurance. Windowshade pushes down page content rather than covering it up, and improves engagement by executing 7 seconds of animation upon collapsing.
 
Movie studios are rapidly increasing their online ad spending to promote tentpole pictures and niche releases alike, according to new research from eMarketer. More than $16 billion will be spent by movie studios on ads in 2009 and an increasing share of the movie advertising spend is heading to the digital sector; $1.2 billion will go to digital ads in 2009 (7.7% of studio’s total ad spend) and by 2013, online ad budgets will grow to $2.7 billion (14% of its overall ad expenditure.)
 
US Online Advertising Spending by MPAA-Member Studios & Subsidiaries 2008-2013
Year     Online Ad Spending  % Change   Online % of Total
                (millions)
2008           $975                     –                6.3%
2009        $1,237                   26.8%          7.7%
2010        $1,586                   28.2%          9.3%
2011        $1,986                   25.2%         11.2%
2012        $2,405                   21.1%         13.2%
2013        $2,651                   10.2%         14.2%
Source: eMarketer, June 2009 (includes search)
 

 
Intel announced plans to acquire Alameda, CA-based testing and development software designer Wind River Systems for $884 million in stock. Intel plans to use the company to bolster its processor and software products that are embedded in computers and mobile devices.
 
Adobe continues to focus on becoming the standard platform on which video is delivered on cell phones but still has no time table to introduce Flash for the iPhone, per the WSJ. Analysts say that keeping Flash off the iPhone enables the company to keep many of its popular games and apps exclusive to the platform.
 

 
Online video viewing continued its meteoric rise in April as users watched a total of 16.8 billion videos during the month according to ComScore – a 16% increase from the previous month. More than  Google’s YouTube increased its views to 6.8 billion videos for the month – a 15% uptick – reaching a record 107.9 million viewers. Average videos per viewer are also on the rise; visitors to Google sites watched 63 videos per month while Hulu’s users watched nearly 10. MySpace continued to be the most popular social networking outlet to view video on; 49 million viewers watched 387 million videos on MySpace.com (7.9 videos per viewer.)
 
Top U.S. Online Video Properties by Videos Viewed –April 2009
Property                      Videos           Share (%) of
                                  (000)               Videos 
Total Internet           16,785,432             100.0
Google Sites              6,831,957              40.7
Fox Interactive Media    512,872               3.1
Hulu                            396,953               2.4
Yahoo! Sites                 355,231               2.1
Viacom Digital               315,177               1.9
Microsoft Sites              288,301               1.7
Turner Network             272,709               1.6
CBS Interactive             202,810               1.2
Disney Online                132,212                0.8
AOL LLC                       121,431                0.7
Source: comScore Video Metrix, Rankings based on video content sites; excludes video server networks.  Online video includes both streaming and progressive download video.
 
Top U.S. Online Video Properties by Unique Viewers – April 2009
Property                   Unique Viewers    Average Videos
                                     (000)            per Viewer    
Total Internet                151,652           110.7
Google Sites                  107,877            63.3
Fox Interactive Media       58,849             8.7
Yahoo! Sites                   45,447             7.8
Hulu                              40,110             9.9
CBS Interactive               37,063             5.5
Viacom Digital                  34,587             9.1
Turner Network                34,215             8.0
Microsoft Sites                 31,970             9.0
AOL LLC                          23,744             5.1
FACEBOOK.COM                13,325             3.3
Source: comScore Video Metrix, Rankings based on video content sites; excludes video server networks.  Online video includes both streaming and progressive download video.
 

 
The early reviews are out for the Palm Pre before it’s released next week – the multitouch, keyboard toting, app-downloading smartphone that hopes to give the iPhone a run for its money. David Pougue of the NYTimes praises its graceful design and the easy functionality of its Web OS. It’s ability to run multiple applications becomes apparent when you shrink all the open apps into the mini “cards” you can jump back and forth from. The WSJ’s Walt Mossberg points out the power of its “Synergy” function, which allows you to take contacts and calendar data from multiple sources and merge them into a single interface. At $200 with a 2-year commitment, it costs the same as the iPhone 3G (that’s after waiting for your $100 rebate.) But it should be cheaper to operate: $70/month gets you 450 anytime minutes including unlimited web surfing and text messaging. Sprint will also let you tether it to its all-you-can-talk-and-consume plan for $100/month.
 

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

 
Cable networks, the side of the TV business that Jeff Zucker says delivers 60% of the profit for NBCU, no longer just see themselves as television programmers. A new show is now the center piece of a full slate of accompanying digital products that have lives, audiences and sponsors of their own. For instance, History has created a comprehensive array of content around Expedition Africa, its new 8-episode Mark Burnett-produced miniseries that sets out to recreate journalist Henry Morton Stanley’s 1871 search for missing explorer Dr. David Livingstone. A cool exploration tool iPhone app developed by Moderati calculates the distance between a user and an object using GPS coordinates. A trio of beautifully designed interactive games powered by Pod Digital Design for History.com, Facebook and the iPhone, puts a lot of historical meat on the bones of a series that has been broadened out to appeal to a wider audience. An iPhone app or a casual game can cost a lot to develop – History SVP of Marketing Chris Moseley says the network devoted 25% more than usual to its digital efforts around Expedition. But now the network has something to show for its efforts that will have a much longer life span than a traditional marketing campaign. It’s hard to precisely calculate what kind of effect a successful app (the Expedition: The Game app is currently ranked #32 on the free app list) has on ratings but it’s pretty hard to top the kind of engagement these applications facilitate. “We’re really plunging into the digital environment, more than anything because of its ability to deliver an immersive experience that adds on to the storytelling experience that television provides,” said Ms. Moseley. 

Later — Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
06.05.09

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Chuck Bolkcom, Pres/COO – 646-468-6180 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here . 
To unsubscribe , click here or click the button at the end of this email.

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

NOTICE:  On June 9 in NYC, Horizon Media will co-sponsor a workshop with Human Resources International for advertising media professionals who are looking to develop their personal brand to land a job and develop their overall job search strategies. Register at http://access.horizonextranet.com/anon/Shared%20Documents/adsmall.pdf

JOB OPENING: AD SALES PLANNER/Gospel Music Channel/NY: fast growing cable net seeking dynamic individual to build proposals & maintain schedules for advertisers. Industry experience req’d. Email [email protected] (6/12)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE DIGITAL CONTENT COORD/AETN/NYC:Manage digital assets, archiving, reports, w/strong tech skills, client focus, attn to detail, exlnt org & comm skills Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (6/12)

JOB OPENING: VP STRATEGY & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/MTV Networks/NYC: 7+yrs exp. in Strat/Biz Dev; 3yrs in M&A/Consultng, Strng Analytic Skills, Exp in Entrtainmnt/Digital, MBA A+ EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (6/12)

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH ANALYST, DISTRIBUTION/AETN/NY: Support trad’l & new distrib platforms. Create reports/review synd res studies. 2+ yrs media res exp. Know Nielsen syst & other res sources. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (6/10)

JOB OPENING: LEGAL SECRETARY/IFC-SUN/NY: Admin support to Legal Dept. w/Heavy phone,calendar& contract asst. 4+ yrs admin exp legal dept/law firm pref. Exc comm, organztl & PC skills must. Res: www.cablevision.jobs ref #8734BR (6/10)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES ASSISTANT/Gospel Music Channel/NY: fast growing cable net seeking dynamic individual to assist sales team and schedule and maintain commercial units for advertisers. Email [email protected] (6/10)

JOB OPENING: SVP LEGAL AFFAIRS/DISNEY ABC CABLE NTWK/LA: Top legal counsel/Sr mgmt advisor; JD 20+ yrs ent legal exp w/expert knwldg of cable ind. child/family prgrmng, media regulatory issues. www.disneycareers.com Req # 196288 (6/10)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/TV One/NY: prepare post analysis, prepare advertiser’s scheds; create presentations; research; track liability schedules. Exp sales/plnnig preferred. Visit www.tvoneonline.com to apply. (6/6)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL PRODUCTION COORDINATOR/NYC: Seeking FT with strong Excel skills, self-motivated, able to work in a fast-paced, evolving and dynamic environment, ent. industry experience required. Apply: [email protected] (6/6)

JOB OPENING: SR. MGR, RESEARCH/Music Choice: Support sales, mrktng& prgrmng initiatives across multiple platforms w/accurate & actionable research. BA/BS, plus 6-8 yrs relevant media research exp. required [email protected] (6/6)

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] .

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDIT ONLY: Intern for TV Syndication Co.Learn various aspects of TV Rsrch including ratings positioning, tracking and software. Min 10 hrs per wk in AM. Resume/Covr lttr to: [email protected] (6/12)

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]

SITUATION WANTED: Bilingual Latino PRODUCER/DIRECTOR specializing in documentary & TV of Women, LGBTQ and Urban Youth, including testimonial commercials in English and Spanish, contact [email protected] (6/12)

SITUATION WANTED: PR & MARKETING PROFESSIONAL with 13 yrs exp in non-profit fine arts, music, film, TV & finance is seeking FT opportunity in LA or NYC. Exceptional writer & communicator. Contact Marni at: [email protected] (6/12)

SITUATION WANTED: Mult-talented TELEVISION EXECUTIVE w 20 yrs exp in sales, marketing, programming, finance, research, operations. Cable, satellite, IPTV. VOD, PPV, subscription. Let’s talk! Contact [email protected] (6/11)

SITUATION WANTED: TV/PRINT/RADIO/ONLINE/EVENTS MRKTG/PRODUCTION EXPERT NY: Cost cutting, well rounded,client services expert who can get the job done. Fantastic references. Freelance or FT. [email protected] (6/11)

SITUATION WANTED: FILM/TV/Ent PR/NYC: Seeking F/T or Freelance opps. Write press releases/pitch to targeted print/online & brdcst media, track news clips, editorial calendar opps, build press lists w/Cision [email protected] (6/11)

SITUATION WANTED: WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER  Exceptional and fast writer, client friendly, EPK’s and DVD bonus features, webpods, video games for Disney, Universal, New Line etc. In LA, will travel or relocate. [email protected] (6/11)

SITUATION WANTED: Experienced MARKETING/EVENTS COORDINATOR with experience in the music and entertainment industry seeks freelance and/or full-time opportunity in NYC. Please contact via [email protected] (6/10)

SITUATION WANTED: ASST PRODUCER/COORD/MGR/PA (NY) Experience: ABC, NBC, CBS, BBC, MTV, Food Network, History Channel, Sesame Street, NY1. Seeks FT, PT, freelance. Resume: charles.goon.googlepages.com Email: [email protected] (6/10)

SITUATION WANTED: CELEBRITY TALENT BOOKER/RESEARCHER LA Looking for long-term freelance or staff position. Solid PR contacts, incredible research skills, great problem-solver. References on request. [email protected] (6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: EVENTS/PRODUCTION/TALENT BOOKING, COORD’N & MGMT NY – Produce high-profile int’l events/productions; corporate/non-profit; nat’l TV credits, superb contacts. Freelance or FT. Contact Jodi: [email protected] (6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: 3+ yrs as a dynamic, exp & results oriented sales professional w/ an extensive track record of creating new buz opportunities in North/Central America, Europe/Caribbean. MA graduate, email [email protected] (6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: EXPERIENCED GRAPHIC DESIGNER (LA) Reality-TV, Film, Commercial, Documentaries & Corporate. Creative & Flexible. Seeking Freelance or Staff Position, Remote or In-House. Reel & Contact Info: www.ChaztizedMedia.com (6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/DIR. All things non-fiction. Vh1, NBC, TLC, CMT, CNN, E!.; field and post; reality treatments and sales tapes.
3 Emmy noms. [email protected] LA based, can travel. (6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIRECTOR 20+ yrs media, Nielsen, Hispanic, research & sales experience. Save money over a FT director. Let’s talk.Email: [email protected] (6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: SCRIPT DOCTOR/PROD w 16 yrs as Brdcst exec can consult/edit/polish your TV/film/web pitch/bible/screenplay. Credits inc. DeGrassi, DaVinci, Dragon Boys. Exp w/ convergence models No freebies. Contact: [email protected] (6/6)

SITUATION WANTED: PROD/DIR/DEV: strong work ethic, able to communicate & utilize creative outside the box thinking.Live action& animation exp. in Film/TV/Web w/credits.LA based, will relocate. [email protected] (6/6)

SITUATION WANTED: Highly experienced HR/Talent Acquisition Specialist with 10+ years of experience within the creative, finance and IT spaces seeks a contract and/or full-time opportunity. Please contact via [email protected]. (6/6)

SITUATION WANTED: Recent Hofstra Grad with strong ad sales/media buying background looking for SALES ASSISTANT position, contact [email protected] for more information. (6/6)

E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203.926.9878 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email [email protected] for specs.

Cynopsis Media LLC
One Corporate Drive, Suite 724
Shelton, CT 06484
203.926.9878

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2009