Cynopsis: DIGITAL
08/13/12

Good morning. It’s Monday, August 13, 2012, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis editions online, click here.

Good news for copyright owners: Google has updated its search algorithms to penalize websites that host illegal content online. Beginning this week, Google is going to take into account the number of “valid copyright removal notices” it receives for any website. The search giant will then punish sites that are flagged most often for possessing and distributing infringing content by pushing them down the search rankings. “This ranking change should help users find legitimate, quality sources of content more easily — whether it’s a song previewed on NPR’s music website, a TV show on Hulu, or new music streamed on Spotify,” said Amit Singhal, SVP/Engineering, in a blog post announcing the update. Singhal also said Google now receives and processes more copyright removal notices every day than it did in all of 2009, including over 4.3 million URLs in the last month. This data will now help inform the company’s search rankings. However, this doesn’t mean that any offending website will be wiped off the results page. Google will only do that if it receives a valid copyright removal notice from the rights owner.

AOL has released the second version of its connected TV app for the AOL On Network. Formerly called AOL HD, the new AOL On app for connected TVs pulls content from the AOL On video library, which features over 380,000 short-form videos from AOL properties like HuffPost Entertainment, Engadget, and Moviefone, as well as from content partners like Reuters, AP, BBC, Newsy, Entertainment Tonight, Sugar, E!, Splash News, CNET, and Gourmet TV. AOL says new content will be added to the app on a daily basis. The new app also features ad-serving capabilities, enabling advertisers to reach consumers across a number of connected TV platforms. These ads will be delivered as pre-rolls leading into the platform’s wealth of content. While the connected TV app is available on seven platforms, the upgraded version will be made available on three of these platforms, Samsung Smart TVs, Roku streaming players, and Sony connected TV devices. Currently in beta, an agreement with TiVo will bring the AOL On app to TiVo Premiere DVRs in the coming weeks.

WIGS, a female-focused premium channel on YouTube that was created by filmmaker/producer Jon Avnet (Black Swan, Fried Green Tomatoes) and producer Rodrigo Garcia (Albert Nobbs, In Treatment), is premiering Lauren, a new three-episode series starring Jennifer Beals, today. The short series follows a woman in the US military who comes forward to report a sexual assault she suffered at the hands of three fellow soldiers. Beals plays the victim’s commanding officer who helps her seek justice and navigate the scrutiny that comes with such allegations. Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, Lauren also stars Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars) in the title role. With the first episode going live today, the second two episodes will follow shortly, airing on Wednesday and Friday of this week. To date, WIGS has amassed over 15 million video views and 75,000 subscribers.

An update to the WatchESPN app for Android devices brings with it full access to the sports network’s TV Everywhere service for Comcast subscribers, per Engadget. Comcast joins Bright House Networks, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon FiOS TV in offering access to live video from multiple ESPN channels, as long as customers subscribe to a TV package that includes ESPN. For Verizon High Speed Internet subscribers who do not pay any of the above providers for TV, the WatchESPN app only offers access to ESPN3.

Univision Communications has unveiled a new multiscreen video advertising initiative, called Base Media Plus, which will allow television advertisers to repackage their existing TV spots into interactive video ads and then run them on desktops, smartphones, and tablets, all with one single buy. Base Media Plus will be powered by multiplatform ad platform provider Mixpo, which also allows advertisers to measure campaign results with metrics such as engagement and completion rates and brand uplift.

Digital video ad solutions provider Videology has launched a new TV Amplifier tool that is designed to allow media planners to supplement their TV buys with digital video buys using a common set of metrics. This new tool comes on the back of Nielsen’s recently announced Online Audience Segments — TV Viewing cross-plaform ad solution, of which Videology is an early tester. The partnership between the two companies allows advertisers to access and use data from Nielsen through Videology’s ad-decisioning platform. According to Videology, some things advertisers will be able to do with this product include the ability to create custom audience segments based on specific TV shows or TV ads viewed; extend TV campaigns by adding interactive elements; reach light-TV viewers; and determine cross-device duplicated and unduplicated reach with greater accuracy.

Facebook has settled with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on charges that the social network deceived users by sharing their private information after saying that it wouldn’t. The terms of the settlement call for Facebook to take several steps in protecting user privacy, including giving users “clear and prominent notice” and obtaining their express consent before sharing information beyond their established privacy settings. The social networking giant also has to allow its privacy practices to be audited by an independent third party once every two years. Facebook agreed to a settlement over this matter last November, but after a public comment period the FTC has finally accepted it.

Cable One has signed a TV Everywhere deal with Fox Broadcasting, according to a report from Multichannel News. The cable operator will offer Fox programming on multiple devices to its customers for eight days following a new episode’s airdate. This deal falls in line with Fox’s decision last year to not immediately offer free access to its shows online and on multiple platforms, unless the viewer subscribes to Fox channels from a participating pay-TV provider.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

In other news from Videology, the company recently released a report on the topic of entertainment marketing. In the report, findings from a survey of online video viewers showed that 44% of TV viewers and 31% of moviegoers considered watching a preview as the most important motivator in their decision to watch a full show or movie. In addition, among the heaviest TV viewers (20+ hours a week), 56% of respondents indicated that watching previews was the biggest motivator of deciding to tune in to a TV show or go see a movie. When broken down by age groups, watching previews continued to hold on to the top spot across all age groups up until those ages 55 and older, for whom flipping channels was a slightly bigger motivator. With all of that in mind, Videology argues that TV and movie studios’ best marketing tool is their own content, and that digital video offers a “unique, efficient way to showcase and encourage interaction with this content.”

New research from Kantar Media Compete on search advertising and SEO analyzed “tens of millions of search results pages generated by actual consumers in” the fourth quarter of 2011. Its findings show that 55% of those search engine results pages (SERPs) contained at least one paid ad somewhere on that page. The study also found that 85% of search listings across those same SERPs are organic, with the other 15% being paid listings, 61% of which appeared on the right-hand side of the page, with the top of the page accounting for 24% of paid listings and the bottom of the page accounting for the remaining 15%. Kantar compared where paid listings appear on the page to where consumers most often click. It found that 85% of paid clicks occur on the paid listings at the top of the page, versus only 13% on the right-hand side and 2% at the bottom of the page.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

The Harley-Davidson Ridebook is a branded content series created by NY-based marketing agency Campfire for the popular motorcycle company. Each edition features stories and content from filmmakers, writers, musicians, photographers, and other personalities that highlight experiences featuring Harleys in some way. For example, in the most recent edition, singer-songwriter Butch Walker curated a video called “The Prohibition Tour,” which captured a ride with friends to Napa Valley where Walker and his buddies sampled some wine. There’s also “Ghost Towns,” in which videographer Scott Toepfer takes a road trip to an abandoned town in California. Other features include “Bike Anatomy,” an interactive guide to a Harley-Davidson curated by UrbanDaddy. I’m not a biker (by any shot), but this is some pretty appealing stuff, even if you’re just into site design.

Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Editor for Cynopsis Digital
08.13.12

Denise O’Connor: Group Publisher, Media Entertainment
Diane K Schwartz: Senior Vice President, Media Communications Group

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JOB OPENING: BROADCAST DESIGNER/MLB Network Promos/NJ: Design/animate/edit promos/gfx pckgs. Strong tech. execution & 5 yrs exp w/After Effects, Cinema 4D, Final Cut Pro, etc. Send resume/link to reel to [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC. AD SALES/NY: Growing multimedia sports co. seeks experienced TV ad sales rep. Excellent compensation/benefits pkg. Agency relationships and ratings exp. a+. Send resume Attn: Rose to [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR AD SALES RSRCH/Ovation/NYC: Proactive, detail-oriented, creative, team player. 7+ yrs exp. with cable or BC sales team req’d. Strategic & hands on w/ Nielsen, MRI, Mendelsohn etc. [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: EXEC ASST, PRESIDENT/SYFY, NBCUNIVERSAL/NYC: Looking for a talented Executive Assistant to support the Pres of Syfy. Must have 2 years of admin exp as well as a min 1 year working in TV. www.nbcunicareers.com (6201BR) (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR, CONSUMER RESEARCH/Showtime Networks/NYC: Resp. for acq, trking and forecasting of consumer info in support of corp. directives. 8+ yrs of primary and second rsch exp in media a must. Apply at www.sho.com #12180BR (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR. PROG & SCHEDULING/Nat Geo TV/DC: Prog/Schdling expert will create Chl’s prime/daytime/fringe/late-night strategy. Strg schdl/nielsen exp analysis/strategy. 3-5 yr Cbl TV, Strg Excel/PP, Mgt. http://bit.ly/OY8Ebg. (8/17)

JOB OPENING: DEV/PRODUCTION MGR/DC: Non-fic theatrical product, giant screen films & documentaries. Highly creative & orgnzd & great comm skills. 3D film prod exp a plus.  Apply: www.nationalgeographic.com ID 5273. EOE. (8/17)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AE/A+E Networks/NY: Sell A+E Network’s suite of dig advertising opportunities within assigned territory to agencies/clients. Apply: http://www.aenetworks.com/careers (8/17)

JOB OPENING: MGR NAT’L PARTNERSHIPS/HOME TEAM SPORTS SALES/FOX/CHI: Prspt/Sell/Dev multi-platform sponsorships w/Mdwt clients & properties to drive revenue. 5 yrs Ad Sales exp/Sports prog/Stnd Pres skills/Syst/PP. http://bit.ly/MCEYOR (8/17)

JOB OPENING:  Established NYC prod co is expanding its reality development dept. Seek several DEV EXECS with rolodex, proven track record selling shows, finding characters and writing. [email protected] (8/16)

JOB OPENING: VP, PROGRAM STRATEGY/Viacom. 10+ yrs exp. in TV prog/sched; Min 2 yrs @ Sr. Dir level and above; Min 5 yrs exp managing a team. Prog research bckgd desired. B.A req. EOE/M/F/D/AAP apply www.viacomcareers.com (8/16)

JOB OPENING: Hd BUS AFFAIRS/NY: Solid BA bkgrd in TV and Digital Prod. Draft, negotiate, review agreements. Standards & Practices/copyright. JD+3yrs industry exp, network & cable. Resume/credits to [email protected] (8/16)

JOB OPENING: VP/DIR, DISTRIBUTION/JIM HENSON CO/LA: Oversee sales TV, DVD & dig platforms for current & catalog series for Western Europe. [email protected] (8/16)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE FCPX EDITOR/Uncommon Content/NYC: Experienced and creative FCP X editor with background in creative services, promo and short-form.  Please send resume and link to reel to: [email protected] (8/16)

JOB OPENING:  ACCT EXEC/OUTDOOR CHANNEL/CHICAGO: Dvlp, sell, implmt on-air/online media plns; new biz, mng accts, meet sls gls; 5 yrs media sls ind exp, 4yr deg reqd. Apply @ outdoorchannel.com/employment; EEO/M/F/D/V (8/16)

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER/Pac-12/SF: Resp for producing creative content for on/off-air marketing platforms incl promos, szle clips, launch campngs, shoot scripts, image campngs http://hire.jobvite.com/j/?aj=oBbBWfw3&s=General (8/15)

JOB OPENING: DIR, STRATEGIC INSIGHTS, MKTG RSRCH/GSN/LA: primary rsrch leader, aud engagement specialist, multi-platform expe, Nielsen sys knwldg, mktg or agency background a +; 5+ yrs.media exp; [email protected] (8/15)

JOB OPENING: DIR, RESEARCH/GSN/LA: Strong Nielsen system knwldg, responsible for tracking, forecasting and competitive analysis, all digital rsrch, multi-platform exp a +, ; 5+ yrs.media exp; Apply: [email protected] (8/15)

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RESEARCH/OUTDOOR CHANNEL/LA,CA: Head of resch funct; provd anlytcs; make recomndtns to top mgmt; degree & 7-10 yrs resch exp in TV ind reqd; apply at www.outdoorchannel.com/Employment EOE,M/F/D/V (8/15)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR/CAFEMOM/NY: Res. studies for ad prgrms, update synd. res. reports, ad hoc reports for mgmt insight. 3+ yrs exp; exp w/comScore or Nielsen NetRating data; Excel, PPoint. More at www.cafemom.com/about/jobs.php (8/14)

JOB OPENING: SENIOR APS/NYC: Seek 2 SR APs for PBS/feature doc. 3+ yrs serious journalism exp. req’d. Strong booking, archive, investigative, research, driver’s license, and good story sense. Res/cov letter to [email protected] (8/14)

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 CREDITS ONLY: INTERNS/Pink Sneakers Productions/Orlando: A one-stop, all-inclusive prod co creating entertaining, high-quality prgrmng. [email protected] (8/16)

FALL INTERNSHIP FOR CREDIT ONLY:   FanBridge/NYC: Online fan marketing & management platform for music, sports, entertainment & brands seeks interns interested in biz dev/marketing/social media. [email protected] (8/16)

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: RESEARCHER/EXEC ASST/LOS ANGELES AREA: 16+ yrs exp + key player in Primetime TV as researcher, proofreader, copy-editor, writer, exec asst. Exc. etiquette. [email protected] (8/18)

SITUATION WANTED: SENIOR PRODUCER/FIELD DIRECTOR (NYC):  Experienced long-form, short-form and studio producer proficient in booking, writing, directing, talent producing, and post. [email protected] (8/18)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/RESEARCHER: for TV/webcomedy and variety series and specials at the network level. NY-based and looking for new opportunities. Visit http://about.me/markselby for more info. Contact [email protected] (8/18)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCHER/EXEC ASST/LOS ANGELES AREA: 16+ yrs exp +key player in Primetime TV as researcher, proofreader, copy-editor, writer, exec asst. Exc. etiquette. [email protected] (8/16)

SITUATION WANTED: EXP’D SPORTS SPONSORSHIP AND MKTG PROFESSIONAL/(LA/SF): 3+ years of exp on the agency/team/client side in sales, client mngmnt & sponsorship roles. Strong analytical/project mngmnt skills. MBA. Email [email protected] (8/14)

SITUATION WANTED: CREATIVE LIFEGUARD: Advertising & promotion, writer/producer/director – on-air, presentation, Internet. Site: http://www.creativelifeguard.com Contact: [email protected] (310)849-8596 (8/14)

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