Cynopsis: DIGITAL

05/27/11

Good morning, it’s Friday, May 27, 2011, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.  If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis edition online, click here. 

Not one to dawdle in crucial new economic areas, Google is out in front again with a new tap-to-pay phone system that will enable Andriod users to wave their phones to pay for things. Google Wallet, tied initially to the Citi MasterCard or the Google Prepaid Card, can be seen as a Trojan Horse that will eventually be the transactional hub of a new digital marketing system that will include daily, targeted Groupon-like deals or store coupons users can score independently. (Purchasing habit data is the real goldmine here.) The search giant has already signed up thousands of merchants (watch them gush in this slickly-produced video). Google Wallet will launch in a beta trial with the 4G Sprint Nexus S handset in San Francisco and New York, before it rolls out across the country on multiple phones and cards beginning later this summer.
 

 
NBCU Networks Bravo, Oxygen and Syfy are partnering with discovery app maker Shazam (the one you hold up to identify songs) to launch a new social incentive program encouraging viewers to check in to score hidden content and exclusive offers. For instance, Bravo’s songwriting competition Platinum Hit” on Monday at 10p ET will feature three “Shazamable” moments in each premiere episode that will unlock bonus content including playlists from the judges and contestants and full performances of each week’s winning song. (Other integrations this weekend include ties with Oxygen’s The Glee Project on Sunday at 9p and SyFy’s Alphas, also on Monday at 10pm.
 
Amazon tried again with its 99-cent Lady Gaga “Born This Way” Gold Box Deal of the Day on Friday, reconfiguring its Cloud Drive digital storage system to handle the extra traffic.
 
ABC Family is launching an ambitious 3-week online game, The Nine Paths of Chloe King, to promote the one-hour drama The Nine Lives of Chloe King, premiering Tues., June 14. The game centers around a prophecy in which a circle of strangers can help lead the Mai people to their “Uniter” ­- (the Mai are supposed offspring of the Egyptian goddess Bastet if you must know.) Players must complete nine separate paths by visiting multiple sites across the web and recruiting friends via social networks to help. The network also announced the Switched at Birth: Hunt for the Code online initiative that sends users in search of stencil art on the web to support “Switched at Birth,” premiering on June 6. 
 
In honor of Memorial Day, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden visited Sesame Street as part of the White House’s “Joining Forces” Initiative and Sesame Street’s military families project. The PSA’s were taped to marshal support for American military families.

 
Massively Multiplayer social gaming start-up Kabam (Kingdoms of Camelot) has closed on the princely sum of $85 million in a funding round led by existing investors Google Ventures and Pinnacle Ventures. Kabam, which bridges the gap between involved MMO games such as World of Warcraft and social games such as Farmville, sees explosive growth in micropayments made by players who want to upgrade their character’s abilities. The developer currently has 7.2 million actively monthly users on Facebook.
 
Sifting through your email box to find an old coupon or offer may be a thing of the past. Online shopping start-up ProjectSlice helps you organize your online shopping experiences by tracking receipts, notices and purchases. The company announced a series A funding round of $9.4 million led by DCM and Lightspeed Venture Partners with Michael Birch, Floodgate, Eric Schmidt’s Innovation Endeavors and Rick Thompson participating. It begins with a new partnership with the newly-revamped Yahoo Mail.
 
FunnyorDie co-founder Will Farrell has made his latest appearance on the site with an overtly sponsored guest spot on Zack Galifianakis’s Between Two Ferns talk show.
 

 
Web advertising continues to put distance between now and its lackluster period of growth last year, racking up a record $7.3 billion in spending in the U.S. during Q1 of 2011, according to the IAB and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The mark represents an astounding 23% year-over-year increase from Q1 2010.
 
The U.S. Army is recruiting the new X-Men prequel to help in its newest integrated ad campaign including 3 national TV spots, in-cinema advertising, social media components and a new interactive site. The campaign also drives viewers to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and armystrongstories.com, where soldiers are invited to blog about their day-to-day life in the Army.
 

 
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously on Friday to approve the controversial PROTECT IP Act after slight alterations. The internet blacklisting bill, which requires search engines to remove links to entire websites that contain copyright infringing material, has not lacked for critics; an earlier version of the bill would have given the government enforcement controls over websites “dedicated to infringing activities,” according the Electronic Frontier Foundation.) Major rights holders and guilds including the MPAA, AFM, DGA and SAG expressed enthusiastic support of the measure.
 
Movie recommendation site Flixter, acquired by Time Warner earlier this month, will be the consumer-facing front end of the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem’s UltraViolet digital locker service, according to comments made by Time Warner CFO John Martin at a Barclay’s conference in New York as reported in Multichannel News.
 

 
The probability of getting online and mobile music users to ever pay for the usage of such services as Pandora and Spotify is low while free versions are still available, according to a new NPD Group survey based on more than 3,000 respondents. Eight out of ten consumers claim that what they get for free is good enough, so they have no need to upgrade from a free version of these programs. Also, very few consumers are willing to pay extra for the ability to access their music when they are out of range of their carriers’ service.
 
While smartphone apps are cutting into the market share of standalone GPS devices such as Garmin’s series of GPS gadgets, they’re not completely cannibalizing hardware, according to a new report from location-based software maker Abalta. Recent earnings figures indicate that the 15%-20% decline in sales of portable navigation devices registered in 2010 will taper off even as vendors release their own apps for smartphone platforms.
 

 
Amazon joined in a busy week for e-readers unveiling a new 3G-enabled version of the 6″ display Kindle. Joining the company’s $114 ad-supported Wi-Fi Kindle is the new $164 Kindle 3G, which gives consumers the option of saving $25 by dealing with ads.
 
Discovery Networks International struck a deal with app maker Phunware to create a series of foreign language apps based on Discovery Networks available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The apps, available in Spanish, Portuguese and German, feature video clips, check-in abilities, Facebook and Twitter integrations and location-based scheduling enabling users to set tune-in reminders.
 
Dr. Gerard Gioia, PhD, the Chief of Pediatric Neuropsychology at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C., has developed an iOS and Android app with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help parents and coaches diagnose kid’s concussions. The app takes users through basic questions about the signs (what they observe) and symptoms (what an injured athlete reports) to determine if the athlete has suffered a suspected concussion and how to respond.

 
The Weather Channel has hired former Vindigo CEO Scott M. Jensen in a new role as VP/Digital Product, Applications. He is charged with defining strategy and managing all aspects of TWCC’s mobile, Desktop and interactive television products globally.
 
Video ad network Tremor Media has upped Abbey Ramsey to National Director of Entertainment. Formerly Tremor’s director of West Coast Ad Sales, Abbey will oversee revenue strategy for the entertainment category of the network and will be based in Los Angeles.
 

 
AOL has relaunched its AOL TV listings and feature site and formed an intriguing new partnership with leading TV listings app maker i.TV to create an AOL TV app for the iPhone and iPad. The newly conceived AOL TV, build partly from its TV Squad site acquired with Engadget and TUAW in 2005, has added a social focus – enabling check-ins, personalized channel lists, DVR scheduling and cool new calendar view. You can add and remove channels that you never watch and changes you make automatically apply to your AOL TV app. i.TV is the perfect partner here because it has already done the heavy lifting of integrating and partnering with essential entertainment companies such as Hulu, Netflix and Tivo. It also has largest user base of any TV app on the iOS platform.
 
Later – Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis Digital
05.27.11

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Mike Farina – VP/Business Development & Sales – 203-218-6480 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-381-9096 / [email protected]

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

JOB OPENING: VP, EDITORIAL DEVELOPMENT/National Geographic Television/DC: Oversee development of high-end Specials and Event programming. Apply www.nationalgeographic.com to Job ID 4683. EOE (6/4)

JOB OPENING EXEC PROD/National Geographic TV/DC: Seeking exp’d producer of reality & format-driven series to head up high-vol. prod unit. Dvlp/staff/oversee all aspects of mult series. Apply www.nationalgeographic.com ID 4728. EOE (6/4)

JOB OPENING SALES COORD/TV Guide Mag/NY: Assist clients w/requests on sales orders/strong multitasking/prospect new leads through database. MS Office and Media or Ad agency exp pref. Res/salary reqs: [email protected] (6/4)

JOB OPENING Sr. PRODUCER-ON AIR PROMOS/MTV/NYC: Resp: conception to delivery of on-air promotions. 5+yrs writer/prod exp & 4+yrs Cable/Network On Air promotion exp a must. Apply: www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (6/4)

JOB OPENING: DVLPMNT RSRCHR/PRODUCER/NYC: For reality/non-fict TV. Extnsve rsrch for characters, subcultures, formats for next big hit. Basic shoot/edit/pitching & treatment writing. Res &C/L: [email protected]. 2+ yrs exp req’d (6/3)

JOB OPENING: DVLPMNT COORD/LA: For busy ind. TV prod co. Must be good writer, rsrchr, skilled @ graphics/pp, social media.Must love nonfic & reality TV, be resourceful & have tons of initiative. Contact: [email protected] (6/3)

JOB OPENING: SALES DEVELOPMENT COORD/DailyCandy:  Help the sales development team with custom marketing programs, creating materials, & general tasks. 1+ yr of relevant exp. in digital media. Submit resumes to [email protected] (6/3)

JOB OPENING: MGR, STANDARDS & PRACTICES/DISNEY/BURBANK  Disney Jr. – Review original and acquired programs, animation/live action. 5 yrs S&P exp, familiarity with Children’s Television Act.  Apply: disneycareers.com REQ ID: 264027 (6/3)

JOB OPENING:  VP, EDITORIAL DEVELOPMENT/National Geographic Television/DC: Oversee development of high-end Specials and Event programming.  Apply www.nationalgeographic.com to Job ID 4683.  EOE. (6/3)

JOB OPENING: MKTG MGR/CARTOON NETWORK/ATL: Dev/mng/implement consumer mktg strats for tentpole launches, including leading the network team, producing creative briefs and launch decks. Apply: turnerjobs.com (6/2)

JOB OPENING: DIR, DIG. RSRCH/CNN/ATL: Lead rsch & reporting for web/mobile sites/apps in fast paced news envir. Expert Omniture, comScore, analytic & reporting skills. Primary rsch exp prefd. 8+yrs rsch exp, [email protected] (6/2)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT/LER/NY: Exp w/ Excel/Word/PowerPoint, work closely w/AE’s in all aspects of sales, Multi-tasker,Strong comm skills, Fluent in Spanish. Send resume to [email protected] (6/2)

JOB OPENING: MGR AD SALES MKTG/Bravo/NY: Job Number: 1806BR Oversee the execution of on-air, digital and mobile sponsorships and interface with clients and their respective agencies. 5yrs exp.
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/search_nbc/ (6/2)

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/iNDEMAND/NYC:  Admin support for CEO & SVP of Affiliate Marketing. Bachelors degree +3 years senior level corporate exp. APPLY: [email protected] (6/2)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, BUSINESS STRATEGY & ANALYTICS/iNDEMAND/NYC: Provide info & analysis/presentations for programming/marketing/trends. Degree + 5 yrs primary/secondary research exp. Apply: [email protected] (6/2)

JOB OPENING: SALES RESEARCH ANALYST/Oxygen/NY: Job Number: 1819BR Support rsarch team in creation of sales & mktg materials. Assist in prod of TV & Digital estimates for sales, fiance & plan’g.
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/search_nbc/ (6/2)

JOB OPENING: SOLUTIONS PLANNER/MIA: Mng info from Programming/Production/Research/Marketing in order to dvlp sellable product deliverables; exp in media/advertising fields, preferable in US TV. www.discovery.com #3990 (6/2) 

JOB OPENING:  DIGITAL SALES PLANNER/TV Guide/NYC: 2+ yrs digital exp, execute online media plans from start to end of RFP process, collaborate w/mrkting to dvelp presentations, monitor campaign delivery. [email protected] (6/2)

JOB OPENING:    DIR OF SALES/Cynopsis Media/NY/LA (2):5+ yrs ent media sales exp w/established contacts within industry; able to dvlp new biz for all Cynopsis Media brands, exc comm skills. Resume and salary req: [email protected] (6/2)

JOB OPENING: REVENUE ANALYST/Tribune Broadcasting Company/Chicago: Assists in preparing and consolidating revenue and receivable analyses. BA/BS & 1-2yrs exp brdcst/cable envir.Apply on-line go to www.tribjobs.com (6/1)

JOB OPENING: PRICING/PLANNING ANALYST/NYC: Daily mgmt of inventory MSG Networks/radio. Revenue, inventory, pricing and liability reporting. Rate card maintenance. Strong analytics & 2+ yrs exp in Media. Apply: http://bit.ly/lg04Dj (6/1)

JOB OPENING: WRITING ASST/NYC: Kids Ed TV co. seeks admin asst. to execute demanding writing schedule. Must be organizational wiz, detail oriented w/ability to multitask. Email cover letter/resume to: [email protected] (6/1)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE COPYWRITER/ION Media Networks/NY: Experienced copywriter needed for corporate communications writing/web copy, etc.; TV & entertainment copywriting a plus. EOE Apply at [email protected] (5/28)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR, MKT & MEDIA RSRCH (COMM)/NASCAR/CHARLOTTE: 8+ yrs exp PR, Comm, Consumer & Media Rsrch. Knwldg of primary rsrch & working w/ Nielsen/Scarborough/Simmons, etc… data a +. Apply: www.employment.nascar.com (5/28)

JOB OPENING: DIR PR/AMC/NY or LA: 6+yr PR exp in TV/Cble indstry. Exp w/ scrptd ent, premieres/screengs/pres junkets/film festvls. Strng talent relatns & writing skills/Media contcts. Rez: [email protected] (5/28)

JOB OPENING: COORDINATOR, STRATEGIC MKTG/USA Network/NY: Responsible for tracking & accuracy of all sponsorships, maintaining dept budget, & premiums. 2-3 yrs of mktg experience required. Nbcunicareers.com req#1646BR (5/28)

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 [email protected].

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: LA:Seeking PR intern for boutique firm specializing in entertainment, gourmet, fashion and arts clients for Summer. Course credit/social media savvy. Send a resume, letter & writing sample to: [email protected]  (6/3)

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY: SALES & MARKETING SUMMER INTERN/iNDEMAND/NYC: Assist Affiliate Sales & Marketing team w/ marketing campaigns/database &website mgmt. College credit only, 15-25 hrs wkly.
Apply: [email protected] (6/2)

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY:  ENTERTAINMENT FIRM/NYC: 15-25 hrs wkly. Fluent read/write Chinese reqd. Fluent read/write English reqd. Apply: [email protected] (put “Internship” in subject). (6/2)

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY:  MEDIA FIRM/Beijing: 20 hrs wkly. Unique/exciting media internship overseas. Fluent Chinese reqd. Fluent English reqd. Apply: [email protected] (put “Beijing” in subject). (6/2)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: LA. Non-profit arts, pop culture, politics & humor Internet magazine & podcast. Great learning exp assisting writers & editors. Must be computer savvy and smart. Apply: [email protected] Put internship in subject (6/1)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: CULVER CITY CA: Seeking Social Media intern for non-traditional advertising company for Summer. Must take course credit and be social media savvy. Check us out at www.lbox.com . Apply at [email protected] (5/28)

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:  DOCUMENTARY. PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER in L.A. Five prime time Emmys, Credits: National Geo, PBS, Discovery, History CH, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (6/4)

SITUATION WANTED:  CASTING ASSISTANT/LA 2+ years reality & scripted casting experience. Will help with outreach, schedule auditions, cold calls, run camera, work with talent, bake cookies  whatever you need! [email protected] (6/3)

SITUATION WANTED: Hard working marketing pro. Expertise in brand mgmt, licensing, promotions and integrated mktg seeks full-time NYC position. Passionate about working with great brands. Please contact [email protected] (6/3)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIR – 20+ yrs Media, Nielsen, Hispanic Mkt, Research, Sales, and Presentation experience. Prefer Telecommute. Email: [email protected] (6/3)

SITUATION WANTED: Seeking entry position in TV (scripted or unscripted). B.A. from USC in 2007, veteran, 4 years experience assisting senior government leadership. LA based. Contact [email protected] (6/3)

SITUATION WANTED: EXECUTIVE LEVEL PUBLICITY POSITION: Well respected/solid publicity pro seeks position in NY/LA or wherever the opportunity arises. Willing and eager to relocate. Please contact [email protected] or 720-278-4325 (6/2)

SITUATION WANTED: Hard Working Producer/UPM for film or television. Looking for next project that is fully paid. please contact [email protected].  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2735106/ (6/2)

SITUATION WANTED: ACCOUNTING/FINANCE – 20+ yrs. experience in TV Broadcasting/Cable & Digital. Seeking a FT/PT or Temp-to-Perm position: [email protected] (6/1)

SITUATION WANTED: CREATIVE MEDIA MIND: Seeking to assist, Entry- Junior level positions, B.A. & Communications/Media background, 3-5 years of experience domestically & internationally. NY based. Please contact, [email protected] (5/28)

SITUATION WANTED: I’ve written a 1-hour dramedy entitled, Tree House, which is loosely based on my life story. It’s, “Touch by an Angel” meets “Why Did I Get Married.” I’m looking for studio executive assistance. [email protected] (5/28)

E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203.381.9096 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

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

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