Cynopsis

06/06/08

Good morning.  It’s Friday, June 6, 2008, and this is your first early morning briefing. 

UPFRONT UPDATE: Things went from a steady flow to a downpour as the primetime upfront marketplace finished a lot of business yesterday. It appears the final tally in sales will be only a few hundred million short of the $9 billion total from last year, as there were more dollars in play from larger advertisers than originally expected. Earlier this week, it had been predicted the networks would come in -14% in total sales compared to 2007. NBC finished its sales yesterday netting about $1.9 billion and getting a 5%-7% rate increase in CPMs for its 80% of inventory sold. Projected CPM rate increase ranges for the other networks are: +9% to +10% for FOX; +8% to +10% for ABC; +7% to +8% for CBS; and CW +6% to +8%. The remaining networks are expected to wrap up their sales by tomorrow. The CW is reporting a $570 million take for fewer hours sold overall, a similar amount compared to last year. After outsourcing its Sunday night block, The CW is selling just the Monday-Friday block. The cable upfront is next and sources say Turner is asking a +12% increase for TNT and TBS, while the NBC Universal networks are playing the waiting game to see how the market shakes out.

Tonight’s Premieres:
SCI FI Channel: Charlie Jade at 8p
Animal Planet: Meerkat Manor at 9p

Sunday’s Premieres:
TLC: Your Place or Mine? at 8p
Lifetime: Army Wives at 10p

Sunday’s Finale:
History: Ax Men at 10p

FOX September fall premiere schedule for new and returning series has been pushed back by one week from the original August 25th premieres.  Here’s the schedule:
Sept 1: Prison Break at 8p
Sept 3: Bones at 8p
Sept 4: The Moment of Truth at 8p
Sept 5: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? at 8p
Sept 6: Cops at 8p and 830p; America’s Most Wanted: America Fights Back at 9p
Sept 8: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles at 8p
Sept 9: Fringe (series premiere) at 8p
Sept 10: ‘Til Death at 9p; Do Not Disturb (series premiere) at 930p
Sept 11: Kitchen Nightmares at 9p
Sept 12: Don’t Forget the Lyrics! at 9p
Sept 13: MADtv at 11p; Talkshow with Spike Feresten at 12a
Sept 16: House at 8p
Sept 28: The Simpsons at 8p; King of the Hill at 830; Family Guy at 9p; American Dad at 930p

MyNetworkTV officially slated the new comedy reality series The Tony Rock Project to premiere this fall on Wednesday nights at 830p. The 30m series from Langley and C To The B Productions will feature the comedic insights of Tony Rock, younger brother to Chris Rock.

TV Land’s debut of She’s Got The Look Wednesday night (10p) scored a 0.4 rating and 427,000 viewers among A25-54 and averaged 669,000 total viewers.

WNBC/New York and LX.TV are teaming with the wedding media company The Knot on a new 10-episode weekly series I Do! The series will have a soft roll-out starting this Saturday at 7p on WNBC/New York then will air on other NBC O&Os beginning next month. The series will focus on everything wedding including the gowns, designer cakes, innovative invitation designs, reception locations, hot honeymoon destinations and more.

Okay, who invited the Planet to the Planet Green party?  The planned launch celebration for Discovery’s Planet Green network on Wednesday night at the Washington Nationals home game was called on account of severe thunderstorms and torrential rain, reported Multichannel News. Close to 1,000 Discovery employees came to the game and CEO David Zaslav was to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Once the game between the Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals was cancelled most everyone had gone home. The full program of launch celebrations has been rescheduled for next Monday night again at the Washington Nationals’ stadium during another home game. 

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Dennis Hopper will star in the original drama series Crash from Starz Entertainment and co-produced by Lionsgate based on the Oscar winning Best Picture. Production has begun in Albuquerque on the 13-episode one-hour series which will premiere in October. Filming will also take place in the Los Angeles area. Other cast members include Clare Carey, Luis Chavez, Ross McCall, Jocko Sims, Brian Tee and Arlene Tur with more announced later.

In other big-name casting notes, Jimmy Smits will be added to the cast of Showtime’s Dexter, the drama about a likeable serial killer. Smits will portray an ambitious assistant DA who comes from a powerful Miami family. He will appear in 10 out of 12 episodes for the show’s third season which opens this fall.

Described as a “passionate TV fan” film actor Samuel L. Jackson made a first-look two-year pact with CBS Paramount Network TV to develop and executive producer projects for television.

Steve Howey, Will Sasso, Brooke D’Orsay, Lee Thompson Young, Steve Rosen and Joy Osmanski have all been cast in the pilot Five Year Plan created by Joe Port and Joe Wiseman and directed by Gail Mancuso for Universal and ABC.

CYNOPSIS DIGITAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY:   Verizon Wireless pulled the trigger on its deal to acquire Alltel in a cash merger valued at $28 billion that will make Verizon the leading carrier in the U.S. with more than 80 million subscribers. The merger should be good news for Alltel customers, giving them access to Verizon’s robust V Cast content and speeding the roll-out of faster wireless broadband services. Regulators are expected to insist that Verizon maintains service in rural Alltel areas as a condition of the merger.  Full edition: CYN DIGITAL. (Or to listen to the Cynopsis Digital Podcast click here or subscribe to it at iTunes here .)

CYNOPSIS KIDS – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  Chapman Entertainment unveils plans to set up its own production studio based in Altrincham, Cheshire.  Scheduled to be up and running this July, the first show to be produced is the second season of Chapman’s preschool stop-motion animated series Roary the Racing Car.  In addition to Roary the Racing Car, Chapman also produces the preschool animated series Fifi and the Flowertots.  Prior to this both series were animated by Cosgrove Hall.    Full edition: CYN KIDS.

CYNOPSIS INTERNATIONAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  NBC Universal Global Networks finalized an agreement for Mini Movie International Channel to purchase its German free-to-air Das Vierte channel.  The nearly 3-year old general entertainment channel reaches close to 90% of German households.   Full edition: CYN INTERNATIONAL. 

Wednesday – A18-49 Analysis:  FOX danced the night away Wednesday at 3.7/11 A18-49, according to final national ratings from Nielsen Media Research. FOX stole the show at 8p with So You Think You Can Dance at 3.4/11 and the dancing competition show remained in the lead through 9p with 3.9/11. At 10p, the NHL Stanley Cup game 6 on NBC won with a 3.6/10.

Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Wednesday, June 4, 2008 time period averages. Source: NTI Galaxy, as dated. Live+SD.

FOX: 6.0/10       So You Think You Can Dance 6.0/10

CBS: 5.4/9          Price Is Right Primetime 4.5/8, Criminal Minds [r] 5.5/9, CSI: NY [r] 6.2/11

NBC: 4.0/7          NHL Stanley Cup Finals #6: Detroit at Pittsburgh 4.0/7

ABC: 3.7/6          Wife Swap 3.5/6, SuperNanny 4.1/7, Men In Trees 3.6/6

UNIV: 2.2/4         Al Diablo con los Guapos 2.4/4, Fuego en la Sangre 2.3/4, Don Francisco Presenta 1.9/3

CW: 1.1/2           America’s Next Top Model [r] 0.9/2, Farmer Wants A Wife 1.4/2

MNT: 0.6/1          Under One Roof 0.7/1, In Living Color 0.6/1, Impossible Magic [r] 0.6/1

TELE: 0.6/1         12 Corazones W 0.4/1, Victoria 0.7/1, Junto Al Tri 0.6/1, Rumbo Pregame Mexico vs. Argentina 0.6/1

A18-49: FOX 3.7/11, NBC 2.9/9, CBS 1.8/5, UNIV 1.8/5, ABC 1.7/5, CW 0.6/2, TELE 0.5/1, MNT 0.4/1

Dennis Adamovich moved to TBS in the new position of SVP/GM of Comedy Festivals. He joins from sister networks Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang where he was SVP/Marketing. In his new role, he will manage the TBS and AEG Live’s The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas this November. He will also be involved with Just For Laughs: A Very Funny Festival taking place in Chicago next summer. Based in Atlanta, Dennis will report to Steve Koonin, President, Turner Entertainment Networks.

CBS Corporation appointed Andrea Prochniak as VP/Financial Communications. She is charged with the company’s financial communications strategy which encompasses earnings releases and analyst presentations. Andrea will also be involved with CBS’ information presented to the financial press and key institutes.

Kevin Brockman advanced to EVP/Global Communications with Disney-ABC Television Group. Kevin will manage all corporate, news and entertainment communication activities globally for the group which includes ABC Television Network, ABC Daytime, ABC News and ABC Entertainment, Disney Channels Worldwide and various kids’ TV businesses. He will report jointly to Anne Sweeney, Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks and President, Disney-ABC Television Group and Zenia Mucha, EVP/Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company.

Comcast named Mary Hall to VP/Research and Frank Chao to Director/Research. Both are in charge of research analysis and support for E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network and G4. Specifically, Mary will manage audience measurement and programming research data for the networks, in addition to interfacing with Nielsen and overseeing a team of six researchers. She will also be a member of the strategic planning group. Frank will be involved with overall research support for the three networks offering analysis on audience behaviors and Nielsen data.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM IFC.COM

Friday Fun Fact: Available from the menu of The Wall Street Burger Shoppe in NYC is a $175 cheeseburger. It’s made of Kobe beef, topped with gold flakes, black truffles, a thick slab of seared foie gras and aged Gruyere cheese.   Hmmmm, think they deliver?

This day in History:  1933 – The first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, NJ.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  On the TV series 3rd Rock from the Sun, what dessert were the Solomons terrified of?  JELLO   Kudos to:  Cortni Callahan/Mt. Pleasant, SC; Mark Altabe–Citibank NA/NY; Alyssa Nordhauser-Gustin Advertising/Franklin, MA; Francine Purcell-Marketing Evaluations, Inc./The Q Scores Company/NY; Heather Floore-KDAF/Dallas; Kathy Yarbrough-Touchpoints Marketing/New Orleans; Patti Clements-KXRM/KXTU /Colorado Springs; Lorrie Shilling-DIRECTV/El Segundo, CA; Dale Warshaw-KMSB/KTTU/Tucson; Andrea Beckum-KCBS/LA

Today’s Trivia Question:  On the sitcom Rhoda, who played her husband Joe’s ex-wife?     (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.)

Later — Cyn
06.06.08

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JOB OPENING:  SR PROJECT MGR ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING RESEARCH/Turner/ATL: Design/analyze quant/qual mkt rsrch for entertainment programming/6-8 yrs TV exp a must /4 yr degree. Apply:
  (6/13)

JOB OPENING:  AE/DIRECT RESPONSE/GAC/NY: Develop & grow new and existing ad sales revenue for GAC, maintain and build client/agency relationships.  At least 4 yrs ad sales experience.  Apply at www.SCRIPPSNETWORKS.COM    (6/13)

JOB OPENING:  RSRCH DIR/FOX/NY: Mng daily aspects of Ad Sales Rsrch (tracks/trends & analysis) for channel. Formulate innovative concepts w/ regards to sales objectives/goals. 6-8 yrs exp media ind rsrch pref’d; www.foxcareers.com (6/13)

JOB OPENING:  AD SLS PROD/NAT GEO/DC: Conceptualize, write & produce elements for ad sls mktg. BA/BS, 3+ yrs exp marketing, ad sales or on-air promo producing creative pref’d. www.foxcareers.com . (FNG12454) (6/13)

JOB OPENING:  SR. MARKETING POSITION RAZOR & TIE ENTERTAINMENT/NYC: 5 + yrs exp in mrkt. Must have broad musical knowledge across many genres, proven track record & robust contact list. Resumes to
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JOB OPENING:  ADVANCED WRITER/ CNN’s AMERICAN MORNING/NYC:must have 5 yrs b’cast news writing/reporting exp., strong knowledge intl news & U.S. politics. Sched 1a-9a. Send CV+ 3 writ smpls to:
  EOE  (6/13)

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER, VH1 ON-AIR PROMO/MTV/NYC: 3+ yrs writing/producing on-air promo or Ad Campaigns. Strg pre & post prod. skills, Knwldg of TV depts., Music & Pop Culture, plus. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (6/12)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/Fox/NY: Sales Research Fox Broadcast. 2+ yrs exp ad sales research. Exp w/ Startrak, NPOWER, MyEvents & Simmons, Str analytic sk. BS/BA. Please apply at www.foxcareers.com (FNG12403)  (6/12)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL RESEARCH YOH POSITION/NBC UNIVERSAL/NYC: Seeking recent college grad to support NBCU’s digital sales. BA/BS, strong writing & verbal skills & proficiency with MS Office. Apply to: 
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JOB OPENING: BRAND MGR/GLOBAL LICENSING/Playboy Enterprises NYC: Strat. Mktg, Acct. Mgmt for new & existing licensees. 3+ yrs exp-major brand pref. Apply at http://playboy.net-apply.com/13433 (6/12)

JOB OPENING: DOCUMENTARY EDITOR/PRODUCER/FREELANCE: Lou Reda Productions, Easton, Pa Needs seasoned long form editors that possess strong directorial, creative thinking. Send resume to
(6/12)

JOB OPENING: MGR, SEO, VH1.com, MTV/NY: 2+yrs SEO/Prod. exp.lrg website. Strg product dvlpmnt exp. in a database-driven envir. Strg JavaScipt, HTML,CSS skills, Knwldg: AJAX, JSP. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (6/12)

JOB OPENING:  COORD PROMO SCHED/Fuse/NY: Contribute to promo strategy for the network & research poten acquisitions for Fuse.  2 yrs Cable/network expl pref., Rez to:
“CPS” in subj (6/12)

JOB OPENING: DIR, LICENSING/Taffy Ent./PARIS: 5-8 yrs. Exp in lic/sales/retail for kids consumer prods. Develop new biz & maximize brand potential. Proven results. Eng/French fluency.
(6/12)

JOB OPENING:  MEDIA BUYER/Boynton Bch, FL: 3-5 yrs media buying, negotiating, & analytical exp w/direct response short form on nat’l cable, syndication, and local broadcast. Exp w/ med buying software.
  (6/12)

JOB OPENING:  MGR, DIGITAL SPONSORSHIPS/Discovery/NY: Proj. manage and provide post-sales marketing supp. to all digital sponsorships, works across web, mobile, podcast and VOD Apply: www.discovery.com Req#7991 (6/11)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR NETWORK DISTRIBUTION & SERVICE/Hallmark Channel/NYC: Develop & implement strategies to increase distribution. Min 5 yrs exp. See full posting and apply at:   www.hallmarkchannel.com (6/11)

JOB OPENING:  SALES PLANNER/ BET Ad Sales CHICAGO: 1-2yrs exp.Sls Planning/media buyer perf’d. Det. oriented & ability to multi-task in fast paced envir. Dealmaker/VCI exp a +. Profic. in MS Word/Excel/PP. Resume:
(6/11)

JOB OPENING:  MEDIA BUSINESS ANALYST/NYC:  level 2Gabriel application support analyst. 4 month contract. End user support, and application troubleshooting. Exp. with MSA’s Gabriel software required. Apply to:
.  (6/11)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA PLANNING SPVSR/N. Westchester location:  Embedded at client’s office 4 days/wk. NYC agency 1 day. Pharma Exp a plus. Exc. Benefit pkg.  Send Resume:
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JOB OPENING:  ACCT MGR/The Hotel Networks/NY: Aggressive & creative. 3+yrs nat’l media sales exp. Exc media math, verbal & written comm skills, Exp in travel/finance/auto/hospitality ind. a + Res/cover:
   (6/11)

JOB OPENING: COORDINATING PRODUCER/NICKELODEON/NYC: Oversee audio & post prod, music, edits & delivery, for animated series, ensure project adheres to schedule. Sr. level need only apply. Fax resume to (212) 654-1083  (6/8)

JOB OPENING: MGR, FIN. REPORTING & PLANNING/LIFETIME TV/NY: Manage & coordinate financial planning & reporting processes (monthly fin. close, annual budget, year-end audits) Apply at: http://www.mylifetime.com/about/jobs.html (6/7)

JOB OPENING: STANDARDS & PRACTICES EDITOR/ABC TV Netwk/LA: Review scripts/rough cuts; alt series, wk w/network & prod staff on loc; detailed/critical thinking/writing; JD & prod exp a plus. Apply www.disneycareers.com Req 158299  (6/7)

JOB OPENING:  SALES COORD/Univision/NY: Highly motivated. Mng tasks/srvcng agencies/clients daily basis. Det. oriented/comm/PC & math skills.  1-2 Yrs Media Exp, Deal Maker exp a +, Spanish a +. EOE. Res: 
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SPRING AND SUMMER 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
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SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Green-Webstore /Los Angeles Valley: Phones/writg / editng / typng / resrch /website updtes. Strng comm skills & good attitude / Per asst CEO, begin ASAP. thru summer. Res/Cvr:
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SITUATION WANTED:  DC WRITER/PRODUCER Available: 15 year TV veteran available for writer / producer work in the DC area starting June 16th. Experienced in reality, documentary, entertainment, and talk formats. Contact:
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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT – Friday, June 6, 2008

ABC: America’s Funniest Videos [r], According to Jim [r], According to Jim [r], 20/20
AZTECA: Cambio Extremo, Historias Engarzadas, Bellezas Indomables
CBS: Ghost Whisperer [r], Ghost Whisperer [r], Numb3rs [r]
CW: Friday Night Smackdown!
FOX: Movie: White Chicks [r]
ION: Movie: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde [7p], Movie: Triplecross
MNT: My Friday Night Movie: Under the Tuscan Sun
NBC: Most Outrageous Moments [r], Most Outrageous Moments [r], Dateline
PBS: Washington Week, Now on PBS, Bill Moyers’ Journal, Pledge Programming
TELE: La Traicion, Victoria, Pecados Ajenos
UNIV: Al Diablo con los Guapos, Fuego on la Sangre, Fabrica de Risas

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