Cynopsis: DIGITAL

05/29/09

Good morning, it’s Friday, May 29, 2009, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. 

As expected, Microsoft unveiled its latest answer to Google’s dominant search engine at the All Things D conference yesterday. The company describes “Bing,” scheduled to launch online next week, as an “organized search experience.” (Why the name? It’s short, easy to say and was relatively cheap to clear, according to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.) It features new tools such as Best Match, Deep Links for further research, Quick Preview to query relevance and Instant Answers, providing targeted info within the body of the search page results. On the same day Google conducted its first public demo of Google Wave, an ambitious multiyear project designed to integrate e-mail, instant messaging, photo sharing and social networking. Developers will begin working to develop new apps around the open source platform this summer.
 

 
Bigger screen producers Morgan Gendel and Jeremy Littman unveiled their first made-for-the-web drama for TheWb.com under their Anvil Studios banner. Pushed is a slickly-produced thriller aimed at the traditional WB demographic about a young model London (Gossip Girl’s Veronica Taylor,) married to an “internet genius” who wires the house to spy on his wife’s every move. “Choosing the house to shoot in was as important as any casting decision we made,” noted Mr. Gendel. As with The WB.com’s medical show romp Children’s Hospital, all 25 episodes of the initial season have been posted in one shot on TheWb.com.
 
IFC.com is developing a new web show based on graphic novelist and comic book artist Dash Shaw’s latest book The Unclothed Man in the 35th Century A.D., set for release by Seattle-based Fantagraphics Books in Nov. 2009.
 
ESPN360.com is adding live coverage of Major League Gaming (as in video gaming) events beginning with coverage of the MLG’s upcoming Pro Circuit stop in Columbus, Ohio.
 

                                                                                
Digital media venture capital firm Velocity Interactive Group, which is changing its name to Fuse Capital, announced a new fund with Best Buy to incubate new digital businesses around music, video, games, and personal media management. Fuse will also work closely with Best Buy on digital media strategies and support the company’s existing digital assets.
 
“How To Suck at Photoshop” is a comedy masquerading as a primer on the world’s most popular photo manipulation software. Film Riot, the latest regular show from Revision3, offers DIY tips on how to make low-budget films. (You have to sit through a silly skit before you get to the primer.) It seems to focus on special effects and host Ryan Connolly sprinkles in lots of insider knowledge.
 

 
Branded content can be an effective tool in getting your message across but marketers must be careful to craft the message to fit the distribution outlet, according to a new qualitative research study from London-based Simply Media. The group, which interviewed a group of college-educated adults at length on the subject, found that:

• Viewing on a branded website makes the content seem more official, can deliver a coherent message and also aids the opportunity to ‘up sell’. However respondents highlighted that it could be seen as lacking objectivity
• Relevant websites offer an introduction to new users as well as the potential to collaborate with other brands and benefit from their influence. Yet in this space viewers can become distracted as there is plenty of competition for their attention
• Respondents felt that placing content on YouTube or other video portals made the content seem less genuine or lower budget when simply uploaded to a basic account; branded channels helped viewers to distinguish what was professional and what was not

 
Dynamic ad placement service Dapper launched a new product dubbed ImpressionDNA which scans impressions to extract unique user intent based on a matrix of factors including context, behavior, geographic location, and performance.
 

 
In the latest chapter of what is widely considered the most disastrous merger in recent history, Time Warner announced plans to spin off AOL into a separately listed company. Time Warner, which also recently spun off its cable MSO, will repurchase the 5% stake in the portal it does not already own from Google during Q3 and try to complete the transaction by year-end.
 
Local media digital management and CMS provider Inergize Digital introduced SMS text messaging to its Web Content Management System (CMS) clients. The platform can be used to deliver localized information, coupons and promotions to mobile phone users with a local ad component.
 

 
A new study released by The Digital Watermarking Alliance conducted by market research firm Interpret suggests that embedding watermarking serial numbers on digital content would reduce illegal downloading by a third and curtail illegal uploading by more than 50%. Unlike DRM, watermarking places invisible numbers within content’s metadata files – allowing the content to be shared freely among devices but allowing content owners to identify and track unauthorized uploads. 
 
A new Nielsen Multi-Screen Migration study commissioned by CTAM identifies a new “Extreme Techies” segment that streams significantly more online video content, watching up to 91 minutes (1.5 hours) per week, compared to the mean of 44 minutes for all broadband viewers. These video junkies represent some 8% of the total adult 18 and older broadband population, (4.6 million viewers) and are technology innovators, with 38% connecting their computers to their televisions via devices such as a Media Center PC or direct connection to view TV and movie content. Other behaviors and tendencies include:

• 63% are male, with a mean age of 31 and an average annual income of $67,000
• 47% are married and 57% have children in the home under the age of 18
• 74% report accessing video content over their computers using the internet
• 64% say that watching TV shows online adds to their regular TV viewing
• 60% (vs. 33% total sample) report they typically know what they want to watch online before they sit down at their computer
• 55% (vs. 23% total sample) report they have found shows online and watched them on TV

 

 
More Palm Pre news surfaced yesterday a week before its June 6 launch. Although its initial release will be through an exclusive deal with Sprint, Verizon may have a crack at the second generation of the device, according to widely reported comments from Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam, who also promised Verizon support of Google’s Android OS later this year. The Pre will also ship with integrations to both Twitter and the iTunes store. 
 
ESPN and EA Sports have launched two new virtual graphic apps in time for the NBA Western Conference Finals. The NBA Virtual Player Card gives ESPN’s commentators an interactive tool to break down highlights and illustrate pivotal player match-ups, while the EA SPORTS Virtual Playbook allows announcers to dissect plays using up to ten virtual players on a basketball court.
 

 
Photo sharing site Shutterfly named former MediaMaster co-founder Neil Day as SVP and Chief Technology Officer, reporting to Shutterfly’s President and CEO, Jeffrey Housenbold.
 
Casual game producer Brandissimo! added three new hires to its production team. Sean McKenzie joins as Web Developer; Mat Segal was hired as Producer; and Todd Schultz joins as Community Manager of the NFLRUSH Zone virtual games world. All three will report to Executive Producer and VP/Content Josh Fisher.
 
Hollywood-based animation and game company Titmouse hired Sales and Marketing VP Sam Schoemann along with a new Creative Director and Head of the Titmouse Games division, Aaron Habibipour.
 

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Hulu’s new Hulu Labs division launched a new Desktop application designed to simulate the “lean-back” experience of watching TV on your computer. Optimized for navigating with the simple Apple remote or the clunkier Windows Media remote, the downloadable application allows you to search or scroll through various menu options. The interface is amazingly robust, offering the same options the normal Hulu player does with just a few buttons. And when you’re finished watching a video, simply scroll through a pop up menu at the bottom for more episodes of the same show, more from the same genre, recommended titles or to view “your queue.” To use the app to its fullest advantage, users will want to log in and create a profile so that it can learn what you like and what to recommend to you. And of course from a business standpoint, this kind of knowledge about users tastes and preferences should prove invaluable to advertisers. What’s ironic about Hulu’s Desktop is that it is simulates the kind of functionality that last-ten-feet devices like the Boxee-powered Apple TV provide. But Hulu doesn’t want you using the service on that big a screen, where its network owners’ real ad revenue still comes from. One has to ask – isn’t this cracking open Pandora’s box just a little wider?
 
Clarification: There are no premium charges associated with SMS voting for American Idol, only the standard charges that kick in depending on your plan. (If you don’t buy a text package from AT&T, each text cost .20. So those folks in Arkansas who were sending up to 10 simultaneous texts will end up paying up to $2 per blast to try and sway television’s most closely watched election.)
 

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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

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Later — Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
05.29.09

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JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/Screenvision Cinema/NYC: 2-4 yrs exp; proficient w/Nielsen & Research systems. Ability to analyze data & execute for sales in fast pace environ. Apply at www.screenvision.com (6/5)

JOB OPENING: ENT CAREER COUNSELOR (LA temp FT thru Sep 09): Career support to grad students in young, unique Carnegie Mellon mgmt prog. Advise on career paths & job srch, dvlp ntwrks w/in ent industry. Info: heinz.cmu.edu/MEIMCS (6/5)

JOB OPENING: DIR DVLPMNT/2C MEDIA/LA or NYC: Creative, aggressive idea generator to oversee dev. Net or prod co dev exp a must w/demonstrated series picked up to air & casting exp a +. Res: [email protected]  2Cmedia.com (6/5)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR NAT ACCTS/Los Angeles: Dist ntwks/prdcts/srvcs aff cbl/sat/telco dist/srvc nat accts/neg carge/5+ yrs sles w/ cble/new media exp
https://www.abso.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=507&JobDetail=58104 (6/4)

JOB OPENING: SR DIR COMMUNICATIONS/iVillage/NY: Develop & lead creative communications plans centered around editorial content/community stories/talent/business wins. Min 7 yrs exp.
www.nbcunicareers.com job#1058374 (6/4)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR MKTG/ABC Daytime/SOAPNet/LA: Mng/execute mktg strategy initiatives; lead devl of digital mktg/social netwk strat; 4+yrs enter /consumer mktg exp. Apply www.disneycareers.com , Req ID# 191605 (6/4)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, OUT OF HOME DEVELOPMENT/mtvU/NYC: 5+ yrs exp w/Digital Out of Home Sales, Strg OOH contacts w/agencies and clients, Successful track record in building partnerships EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (6/3)

JOB OPENING: MGR NEW BIZ DVLPMNT/KIDZ BOP/NY: Resp for new biz outreach consumer goods licensing, tech, sponsorship, touring, kids’ TV& films, dig. & mobile apps. Exc written/oral skills/PPT/Excel/P&L’s. Apply: [email protected] (6/2)

JOB OPENING: SR DIR, DRTV MEDIA BUYER/Razor & Tie/NYC: Resp for set up & execution of successful DRTV campaign. Min 5 yrs exp. Req biz to biz sales exp in advert/ent/media. Must have TV/DRTV exp.Apply: [email protected] (6/2)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, MEDIA PLANNING/LA: Develop/implement media plans/anlyz off-air media campaign/comp activity/rtngs/ROI/Mng vendors/identify ad concepts/products.  https://www.abso.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=507&JobDetail=58020 (6/2)

JOB OPENING: NEW MEDIA SPECIALIST/AETN/NY:Asst ops AETN VOD & other new media initiatives. Strong proj mngmt exp within brdcst/cbl ind. Emerging media & VOD mktplace exp a +. Prof database apps a must. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (6/2)

JOB OPENING: PR MANAGER/NY RANGERS: Obtain non-traditional and “off the ice” media coverage w/ focus on celebrity outreach. 5 yrs exp in ent. w/ established contacts. Rez to: [email protected] “PRNYR” in sub (5/30)

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH ANALYST, AD SALES/ AETN/NYC: Strong analytical, strategic thinking/sales positioning/2+ yrs nat’l TV research exp, network/ad agency. Prof in Nielsen systems/MRI pref. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (5/30)

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FALL INTERNSHIP CREDIT ONLY: Looking for star students to intern for “The Dr. Oz Show” & Zo Co Productions in NYC! Students must be able to receive college credit. Send resumes and cover letters to [email protected] (6/5)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDIT ONLY:  Interns sought for MSLO Production’s live show “MARTHA” in NYC! Interns MUST be able to receive college credit. Candidates should send their resume to [email protected] w/ “Fall Internship” as the subject (6/2)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RLR Associates Ltd. (NYC) seeks intern w/interest in Entertainment w/ strong creative, research & writing skills. Word, Excel, Powerpt. 4-5 days/wk Resume to Bella: [email protected] (6/4)

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: Director of RESEARCH in LA at TV network shifting to synd looking for Freelance or Perm opps. 10 yrs exp. Vast knowledge of nat’l & local utilities (Nielsen/WRAP/Simmons/Scarborough/TNS-MI/comScore). [email protected] (6/5)

SITUATION WANTED: SALES PRO with 15+ years broadcast sales, broadcast management, and cable sales experience is looking for a Senior Sales Position. I am willing to relocate.  Email: [email protected] (6/5)

SITUATION WANTED: 20 + yrs. experience in TV Broadcasting & Cable ACCOUNTING/FINANCE. Seeking FT, PT or Temporary position: immediate start. Please contact [email protected] (6/5)

SITUATION WANTED: WRITER/ PRODUCER -TV producer w/ 15 yrs exp producing long& short form prgrmng. Directed studio shoots & field pieces. Enjoys ‘telling a good story!’ Available FT or freelance. Contact: [email protected] (6/5)

SITUATION WANTED: AWARD-WINNING REALITY PRODUCER/DIRECTOR/WRITER/TALENT. Versatile, Dependable and Indefatigable! References and Samples available. Contact email: [email protected] (6/5)

SITUATION WANTED: 5 PRIME TIME EMMYS/ DOC. PROD, DIR., WRITER in L.A. Credits: National Geo, PBS, Discovery, History CH, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (6/4)

SITUATION WANTED: Brand & Business Dev. Consultant —15+ yrs of profitable TV, media, corporate branding/mngmnt exp. Able to creatively pckg & strategically mkt you, your exp or business successfully. contact: [email protected] (6/4)

SITUATION WANTED: Media sales position wanted: 10yr veteran with onair, online and at event sales, planning, strategy and communication experience. British ex-pat based in California. [email protected] (6/4)

SITUATION WANTED: College Student. NJ/NY/CT. A summer internship with hands on exp (paid or unpaid). Majoring in Internat’l Business at Sacred Heart University, CT. Diligent; hard working; open to all industries. [email protected]   (6/4)

SITUATION WANTED: SALES PRO/NYC with 10+ years cable experience is looking for a sales position. Email: [email protected] (6/4)

SITUATION WANTED: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR/MANAGER: 10 yrs exp.in Contract/Sales Admin, avails, reporting, etc., looking to work out of home office, or locally in Rochester, NY. Contact e-mail: [email protected] (6/3)

SITUATION WANTED:  Recent Harvard grad and FREELANCE WRITER will do pretty much anything involving words and writing them. Currently writing for a Gawker blog. Hard worker, strong writer, great bargain. (NYC) [email protected] (5/30)

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] (5/30)

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