A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM DIC ENTERTAINMENT

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Cynopsis: Kids!

4/16/07

Good morning. It’s Monday, April 16, 2007 and this is your first early morning briefing.

Nelvana Enterprises expands its digital distribution with news that its kids programming will be available for download in the US via Amazon Unbox (amazon.com).  Shows that will be available via Amazon Unbox include The Adventures of Tintin, Babar, and Bob and Margaret, as well as Di-Gata Defenders (US$1.99/ep).

NEW PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

The word we have all been waiting for, well some of us anyhow.  Christina Ricci will play Trixie to Emile Hirsch’s Speed, in the live-action feature film Speed Racer from Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures.  Speed Racers is scheduled for release on May 9, 2008.  Directed by the Brother’s Larry and Andy Wachowski, the movie will also star John Goodman and Susan Sarandon as Speed’s Pop and Mom. 

Ed Norton will play the Bruce Banner and his alter ego, the big green guy, in Marvel Studios’ new live action adaptation of The Incredible Hulk, per Variety.  Slated for release on June 13, 2008, the movie is being directed by Louis Leterrier and distributed by Universal.  The previous Hulk movie was directed by Ang Lee, and starred Eric Bana as Banner and the green one.

Nelvana Studios has inked a deal with producers/production consultants Marion Edwards and Derek Reeves to represent and manage the studio’s international co-productions. Under the non-exclusive deals, Edwards and Reeves will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with production partners; managing international co-productions on an ongoing basis and scouting for new content. Edwards and Reeves will report to Irene Weibel, VP/International, Corus Kids, who oversees US and international development relationships and co-productions for Nelvana Studios.

• Edwards will focus on Europe, with her first project titled Willa’s Wildlife (52×11′), a Canada/France co-production based on author Dan Yaccarino’s book, An Octopus Followed Me Home.
• Reeves will oversee the Asia Pacific territories.  His first project is The Future is Wild (26 x half-hour), a Canada/Singapore co-production based on the Animal Planet Special of the same name.  Co-produced with ST Electronics (Training & Simulation Systems) through its subsidiary, ST Electronics (Digital Media), this kid-targeted 3-D computer animated series will air in Teletoon (Canada) and on Discovery Kids (US).

MORE KIDS STUFF

Taffy Entertainment and Nickelodeon International have completed a broadcast rights deal that will bring the series Growing Up Creepie to Nickelodeon channels in Asia-Pacific, Europe and Latin America, with an expected launch date of early 2008.  Under the agreement Nickelodeon has also been named as Taffy’s licensing and merchandising agent in specified territories for the 26 x 22min episode series.  Nickelodeon is set to implement a consumer products campaign in key markets, including the UK, Germany, Benelux, Japan and Australia and video gaming in France.  Taffy Entertainment will continue to handle licensing and merchandising in the rest of the world with the exception of the US where Discovery Channel holds the US broadcast, licensing and merchandising rights.

Aliens will overrun five shows this spring during Cartoon Network Invaded, a month-long programming stunt.  Like when Granny (The Beverly Hillbillies) visited Petticoat Junction, and Eb (Green Acres) visited Granny and the gang in Beverly Hills, five of Cartoon Network’s shows will be part of a single story arc that will run Fridays at 7p throughout May.  The event will culminate with an alien marathon and final episode on Memorial Day.  The mischievous aliens in questions will commence their evil endeavor for universal domination beginning with an episode of Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends titled, Cheese A Go-Go (May 4), followed successive Friday evenings by episodes of Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Ed’s are Coming! (May 11), My Gym Partner’s a Monkey: That Darn Platypus (May 18), Camp Lazlo: Strange Trout from Outer Space (May 25), and rounding out the invasion with The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy: Billy and Mandy Moon the Moon (Monday, May 28, 9p).

MARKETING/LICENSING

Zorro Productions, Inc. has named Joy Tashjian Marketing Group as exclusive domestic licensing representative for Zorro across feature films, telenovelas, stage productions and classic branding.  JTMG plans to debut a licensing program for the classic Zorro character, as well as a consumer products licensing and merchandising for the company’s current and upcoming Zorro projects.  Sony Pictures Television International, Telemundo-RTI, and Zorro Productions, Inc produces Zorro: The Sword & The Rose, a telenovelas that runs daily on Telemundo.  There are 120+ x 60 min episodes of the telenovela currently in production.  The new show, Zorro, the Musical is slated to launch in London in spring 2008, with plans to make its way to Broadway.  The musical features an original score by the well-known group, the Gipsy Kings.  Additionally, Culture Clash’s Zorro in Hell, another stage production, opens July 2007 in LA.  The show premiered in spring 2006 at Berkeley Repetory.  Johnston McCulley created Zorro in 1919.

BCI, a Navarre Corporation Company, and FremantleMedia Enterprises will release the DVD of the six-part TV series, Prehistoric Park, this June 5, 2007, under the new International Voyage brand.  Prehistoric Park was created by UK indie producers Impossible Pictures, best known for its Walking With … series.

The Stephan Co. has entered into a licensing deal with United Media to manufacture and distribute bath, body and sun care products based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts characters.  Currently under development the initial line of products, iSnoopy Naturals, will include shampoo/conditioner, detangling spray, bath foam, and moisturizing body spray.  The iSnoopy Naturals line features a blend of natural and environmentally friendly plant extracts.

STONE SOUP

Weekend Box Office Estimates for kids/tweens/teens rated G, PG or PG-13; April 13-15, 2007:
Disturbia (Paramount (DreamWorks)) PG-13          Opening Weekend $23.0m
Blades of Glory (Paramount (DreamWorks)) PG-13 $14.1m-3 wk total $90.2m
Meet the Robinsons (Buena Vista) G                      $12.1m-3 wk total $72.0m
Are We Done Yet? (Sony (Revolution)) PG              $9.2m-2 wk total $33.0m
Wild Hogs (Buena Vista) PG-13                             $4.6m-7 wk total $152.2m
Redline (Chicago Pictures) PG-13                           Opening Weekend $4.0m
Firehouse Dog (Fox) PG                                        $2.8m-2 wk total $9.9m
TMNT (Warner Bros.) PG                                      $2.1m-4 wk total $50.7m
The Namesake (Fox Searchlight) PG-13                 $1.3m-6 wk total $8.7m
Premonition (Sony / Columbia) PG-13                   $1.2m-5 wk total $46.9m
Source: Box Office Mojo

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Gary Miereanu has been named Director/Publicity, Warner Bros. Animation.  Miereanu will oversee all publicity activities for WBA’s properties, including all first-run TV series and the Studios’ animation library.  Miereanu will also oversee publicity for Kids’ WB! on The CW.  He will also work closely with Warner Home Video on WBA’s made-for-DVD releases.  Additionally, Miereanu will manage the communications relationship between WBA and the studio’s other business units that distribute or license WBA content, as well as serving as WBA’s communications liaison with DC Comics.  Prior to joining Warner Bros., Miereanu served as VP/Communications for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Previously, he was Director, Publicity, for Walt Disney Television Animation and ABC Cable Networks Group.

Ken DuBow has become President/Worldwide Distribution at PorchLight Entertainment. The company that specializes in producing and distributing family entertainment and TV movies has now branched out to include theatrical and video films and new TV areas. Furthermore, PorchLight Entertainment has named Jeff Gonzalez to the position of CFO. Previously, Jeff served as a Principal with Shorelight Partners, Inc.

Nick Shepherd has been named SEVP and COO, Blockbuster Inc.  Shepherd, who had been EVP and President for the company, will continue reporting to John F. Antioco, Chairman and CEO, Blockbuster.  Shepherd joined Blockbuster in 1995 and has served a various capacities since that time.  Previously, Shepherd held senior positions both in several foreign countries with corporations, including Grand Metropolitan Plc, Allied Lyons Plc and British retailer Kingfisher Plc.

RATINGS

Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Thursday, April 12, 2007, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON:          K2-11 1305; K6-11 662; TWEENS 9-14 496
DISNEY CHANNEL:     K2-11   715; K6-11 416; TWEENS 9-14 351
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11   581; K6-11 388; TWEENS 9-14 281
TOON DISNEY:           K2-11   146; K6-11   80; TWEENS 9-14   50
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data

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Answer to Yesterday’s trivia question: On the show Animaniacs what actress was the voice of Rita the cat?  BERNADETTE PETERS.  Kudos to: Kimberly Keeley-Safety4Kids/Stamford, CT; Jim Ryan-AETN/NY; David Stern-BARD Entertainment/NYC; Cassel Kroll-The Lexicomm Group/NY; Randy Meredith-Brighter Minds Media/Worthington, OH; Betsy Bozdech-Common Sense Media/San Francisco; Pat Brady-Cunningham*Escott*Slevin*Doherty/LA; Scott Carlson-Scott Carlsons Entertainment/LA; Lauren A. Whitehead-JAKKS Pacific/Malibu

Today’s Trivia Question: Who said this quote from “The Office”:  “I actually look forward to performance reviews. I did the youth beauty pageant circuit, and I enjoyed that quite a bit. I really enjoy being judged. I believe I hold up very well to even severe scrutiny.” ( click here 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 — Gwen
Gwen Billings for Cynopsis: Kids!
04.16.07

Cynopsis Ad Sales:  Mark Bohn- 203- 583-1224 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]

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

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JOB OPENING:  SR MGR LICENSING-HARDLINES/LA: Gift, toy, collectibles, sporting goods sls presentations to North Am manufacturers; concept to sell-in with licensees; strong sls/close skills/budgets.  Apply: [email protected]   (4/21)

JOB OPENING:  ASST MEDIA BUYER/ABACUS MEDIA/SANTA MONICA: Entry level job- learn media business. BA degree, PC prof, Good phone skills, Detail oriented, Web knowledge a plus. E-mail resume: [email protected] (4/20)

JOB OPENING:  COPYWRITER/EDITORIAL COORD/Silver Spring, MD:  Write/edit for DVD products, oversee freelancers. Min. 2-5 yrs exp. Excel’t English, Chicago Style, degree req’d. Resume/ltr/ 2 samples to [email protected]. EOE (4/20)

JOB OPENING:  WRITER/PRODUCER/USA, NBC Universal/NY: Responsible for conceiving, writing, editing and producing on-air promos for USA Network. Min. 3yrs related exp. www.nbcjobs.com keyword job #591587 (4/20)

JOB OPENING: LICENSED CONSUMER PRODUCT SALES/FAIR LAWN, NJ: 5+yrs key acct exp kids/toy/fashion access. Communicate w/ retailers & design dept to dvlp custom pgms for dept/specialty/mid tier. Email resume: [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC, AD SALES/GolTV Soccer Network/LA: Fast growing soccer network seeks motivated, creative self-starter.Multi-platform sales exp. a +. Netwk or agency exp. pref’d.Email [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR PROGRAMMING RESRCH/Comedy Central NY: 3-4 yrs resrch preferably cable/ broadcast. Expert w/ Nielsen systems esp N-Power. BA/BS; Adv knwldg Excel. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (4/19)

JOB OPENING: RSRCH DIR/ MTV/NYC/4 mth cont: Support internal clients translate rsrch & consumer insights. Skills Req: 5+yrs res’ch exp, Strong pres skills, knwlg of res’ch data systs,. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Email [email protected]  (4/19)

JOB OPENING: PROD MGR/Prod Co/NY: Support VP, TV Prod. US in coordination & mngmt of multiple projects (series & specials) for domestic & int’l broadcast. Budgeting & Scheduling. Apply to: [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DEPT ASST/Prod Co./NY: Assist Script Coord., Creative Mgr & Creative VP’s in dvlpmnt of multiple animated shows for domestic & int’l brcst.  Apply to: [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR LICENSING/FUSE/NYC: 6-8 yrs exp in entertainment/legal, negotiate rights, emphasis on digital media. Educate on copyright, trademark union/guild etc.Resume to: [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR AFFILIATE MARKETING/The Weather Channel/Atlanta, GA: Develops Affiliate Sales Marketing programs & implements strategic affiliate marketing plans. 5+ years exp. Resumes to: [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: VP AD SALES & CONSUMER MARKETING/The Weather Channel/Atlanta, GA: Responsible for leading strategic marketing, focused on cable & internet ad sales support, program & brand promotion. Resumes to: [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASST/Oxygen/NY: Support 2 AEs and Sales Planner. Detailed oriented w/strong computer skills. 1+ year cable experience or advertising agency. Resume to: [email protected] . Ref job title in subject line. (4/19)

JOB OPENING: ACCT. DIR. (Int. Ad Sales) NY/DISCOVERY: Dev. new bus./generate ad sales revenue; build & maintain exceptional relations with advertisers/agencies. BA req’d; 5+ yrs exp. Intl. preferred. [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: DIR RSRCH/Vme Media/NY: Bilingual Span a must. 7-10 yr exp in media/syndic research& US Hisp mkt. Design, execute & oversee research pjcts, dvlp research-based mktg tools.Email res: w/sal req’s: [email protected]  (4/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR SALES ASSISTANT SUPPORT/Fox Cable/NY: Provide operational & strategic sales support, systems & process training; 2-4 yrs sales or sales ops rqd; strong Microsoft exper; DealMaker & PACE pfd; www.foxcareers.com (4/18)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASST/AMC/WE tv/LA: Assist AE w/daily sales/service of clients. Hvy phone vol. Book orders, create flow charts, allocate prod’s. Good org/interpers’l/com skills.BA req’d. rez to www.cablevision.jobs ref #3136BR  (4/18)

JOB OPENING: SR MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS/Nickelodeon/NYC: 5+yrs exp TV Comm/PR/media relations, Strg written/oral comm. skills, Strng strategy exp, Strng media contacts, EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (4/18)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS/ Nickelodeon/NYC: 5+yrs exp TV Comm/PR/media relations, Strg written/oral comm. skills, Strng media contacts, Digital/Online campaign exp A+ EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (4/18)

JOB OPENING: SR. NEGOTIATOR/National Broadcast/Pearl River NY(15 miles NYC): Exp in all areas of Nat’l Brcst placement. Strong analytical & presentation skills req’d. Resume: [email protected] or call 845 732-8943  (4/18)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CABLEVISION CENTRAL NJ:  Min. 3 yrs ad sales exp. pref cable tv, classified, internet adv.  Resp. for selling Optimum Homes. Real Estate /Ad industry exp a plus. Apply www.cablevision.jobs req 661BR (4/18)

JOB OPENING: PRINT PROD ASST/Silver Spring, MD: proof, manipulate, traffic/track art files. NOT a design position. Must be very organized, detail-oriented. 1+ yr exp, Mac pref., fast-paced. Resume/ltr to [email protected] (4/18)

JOB OPENING: GROUP BUYING DIR/Spot TV-Active Int’l /Pearl River NY (15 miles NYC): 10 Exp+. in Supervising/Buying TV. Strong negotiating, operations & team bldg skills req’d. [email protected]  845-732-8943 (4/18)

JOB OPENING: SR. BUYER/ Job Share /SPOT TV /Active Int’l Pearl River NY (15 miles from NYC): 3 days-24hours total, 7 yrs+ agency Buying Spot TV exp a must; Resumes to: [email protected] or call 845-732-8943  (4/18)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH/ANALYTICS MGR/Interactive TV & Broadband/Cablevision NY, NY:  Min 3 yrs exp in interactive media & adv research, analysis & reporting. TV/Cable exp a plus.  Visit www.cablevision.jobs apply to 1786BR (4/18)

JOB OPENING: SALES & MNGMNT/Burbank: Established & growing captioning co. looking for a Director of West Coast Sales. Extensive exp. in TV/Post prod a must.Salary + commissions.Great benefits & great people. www.captionmax.com (4/18)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES MKTG MGR/WEtv/NYC:  Dev & exec multi-platform, integrated partnerships for key clients w/our National Ad Sales team.Creative media mktg & sales savvy prof w/proven record. www.cablevision.jobs ref #2749BR (4/18)

JOB OPENING: SR PRODUCTION MGR/SF, CA: Manage multiple national tv series-scheduling, budget, crew, equipment, deliverables. Upbeat, love detail. 5+ yrs exp juggling 5+ concurrent series. Ltr/Resume to: [email protected] (4/18)

JOB OPENING: SR CLIENT SRVS REP/NYC: Manage/maintain scheduling/logistic support for Rainbow Media/MSG Networks post. 2+yrs related exp/ScheduAll a +. Highly organized, attention to detail, people person [email protected]     (4/18)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIRECTOR/Tribune Ent./NY:  Provide in-depth analyses on data like South Prk & Idol Rewnd. 6+ yrs rsrch exp, proj. mgmt, supervisory skills. Contact: www.trijobs.com keyword 5890. (4/17)

JOB OPENING: ACCT MGR-AFF SALES/AETN/NY: Support Eastern Reg. Aff Sales/Mktg in distrib., promo & mktg. 2yrs Aff Sales or cable operator exp. LAS a +. Strong presentation/interpersonal skills req. Apply: www.aetn.com /careers tab (4/17)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE CREATIVE DIR/AETN/NY:Provide design work for off-air promo proj’s. 6+yrs exp in design/art dir in TV, Film or Ad Agency. Exp w/Adobe, Indesign, Photoshop, MS Office is req.Apply: www.aetn.com/ careers tab (4/17)

JOB OPENING: DIR RESEARCH/ABC/NYC: Extensive knowledge of media research, methodologies & systems. 7+ yrs in broadcast network, cable or agency research. Kids and/or sales experience a plus. Apply:www.disneycareers.com Req: 77141 (4/17)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF SALES/LA 18 KSCI-TV/LA: Must have 3-5 yrs sales mgmt exp, client contacts, and excellent sales track record. Develop new business in #1 ethnic market and manage sales team. Apply to: [email protected] .  EOE  (4/17)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING RESEARCH ANALYST/Univision/New York:  Develop marketing presentations to support national sales. Strong writing & analytical skills required. Contact: [email protected]     (4/17)

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE PRODUCER WPIX/CW11- NYC: AM news 5-9a, strong creative/collaboration/people mgmt skills, resp. for overall editorial decisions/news content, 5+yrs EP exp. 4+yrs line prod/writer exp., visit www.cw11.com EOE  (4/17)

JOB OPENING: SALES SOLUTIONS ANALYST/iVILLAGE, NBC Universal/NY/NJ: Market the iVillage brand to the media trade & increase sales revenue.  Bachelor’s  Degree w/ 5yrs experience. www.nbcjobs.com keyword job #586339  (4/17)

JOB OPENING:  ACT MGR ONLINE SALES/Digerati iSales: National digital sales exp required. Robust client/agency rolodex. Salary + incentives + benefits. Resumes to [email protected] (4/17)

SPRING 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  [email protected] .

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  The Digital Innovation dept at NBCU is accepting resumes for the spring internship program. Applicants should have int in EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, DESIGN/DVLPMNT, PRODUCING/EDITING. Apply: [email protected] (4/19)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  MKTG/MNGMNT : A-list music exec & venture capitalist est. new Ent/Media comp. Clients range from Fortune 500 to clients in Radio-TV-Film. May lead to perm position within co. for right person. [email protected] (4/19)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED —

SITUATION WANTED:  RECOGNIZED GLOBAL TELEVISION EXECUTIVE, exp. in sales, licensing, acquisitions, distribution, co-production packaging, is available either full time or on consulting basis. [email protected] (4/19)

SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING EXECUTIVE/LA: 6+yrs exp in Marketing, event plan’g & promotions in US & Mexican mrkts (AETN, Turner, radio). Bilingual and Bicultural. MA in the UK. Creative, proactive, driven. Email: [email protected]   (4/19)

SITUATION WANTED:  Soon to be college grad looking for ENTRY-LEVEL PRODUCTION or MEDIA BUYING/SELLING position. Previous internships in TV and advertising sales. Hard-working, driven, outgoing & well-orgnz’d. [email protected] (4/18)

SITUATION WANTED: WRITER/ASSOC. PRODUCER: Young NYC based versatile screenwriter/Dev AP seeks writing/prod work on compelling TV/Film proj’s. Recent Exp w/ BBCNY, TLC & PBS Kids. For res/samples please email!  [email protected]   (4/17)

SITUATION WANTED: EXP’D WRITER/PRODUCER/DIRECTOR /CAM-OP/EDITOR in LA with diverse background seeks work. Esp. interested in creating fresh, dynamic digital content. View work: http://web.mac.com/benschlomo EMAIL: [email protected]  (4/17)

SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING BRAND MANAGER/Charlotte, NC:  15 yrs exceptional exp in marketing, advertising & promotions. Moving to Charlotte, NC on April 27th from LA, CAcall Robert McRary@ 310-795-6384 or email [email protected]   (4/17)

SITUATION WANTED: Recent college grad looking for ENTRY-LEVEL PRODUCTION, MEDIA RESEARCH OR MEDIA BUYING/SELLING position. Experienced in television with knowledge of industry. Hard-working and well-organized. [email protected]   (4/17)

E-mail Trish Pihonak for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email Trish Pihonak for specs.