Cynopsis: DIGITAL
08/29/11

Good morning, it’s Monday, August 29, 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. 

Google is shutting down Slide, a social games and apps company that it purchased last year for about $200 million, according to AllThingsD. Max Levchin, Slide’s founder and CEO, will also be leaving Google. Furthermore, the company’s products will not escape the hammer as all but one of Slide’s apps, Prizes.org, will be discontinued. In a blog post on their site, Slide reassured existing consumers that, while the products will be axed, they understand that “many [users] have stored valuable content with us … wherever possible, you will have ample time to download that information or transfer it to another service.” Slide had operated as an autonomous company the entire time they were owned by Google. The move is attributed to Google CEO Larry Page’s efforts to streamline Google’s product structure and Slide’s inability to meet high expectations.

The FCC issued an order enacting the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, requiring the Big Four networks to provide voice over video descriptions for the blind on 50 hours of programming per quarter. The deadline is July 1, 2012.

3net, a joint venture all-3DTV network from Sony, Discovery, and IMAX, will launch kid-centric content on September 25 at 8pm. A week later, on October 1, the network will also launch 30 hours of family-friendly 3D weekend content.

Google TV will arrive in the United Kingdom within the next six months. Along with all of the regular features available on Google TV, the UK version will also offer users the chance to watch content from BBC’s iPlayer and ITV Player, two UK online VOD services.

The pilot of NBC‘s new Thursday night comedy, Whitney, starring comedian Whitney Cummings, will be available on VOD a week before it airs on the network, as revealed by Broadcasting & Cable. This is not entirely a new concept for the network as it has previously streamed pilots of TV show premieres on Facebook and Yahoo!

Flipboard, the iPad social magazine, has announced its intent to enter the online movie and TV market. Looking to reinvest its capital, the company will likely target this video project at the end of 2011. The company also expects to launch an iPhone version of the app in the coming weeks.

Taboola ( http://www.taboola.com/ ), a service that is used to generate video recommendations, whose clients include the New York Times, CNN, Slate and Bloomberg, has raised an additional $9 million in funding. It brings the total funding amount to $15 million.
 
Diffbot (http://www.diffbot.com/ ) has released its first set of APIs that are available to developers for free. Diffbot is a technology that can process content on the Internet like how a human being can in the sense that it knows the difference between a social network profile, a blog post, a site’s front page, and numerous other page types. The purpose of the technology would be to create smarter apps that can differentiate between fluff and important content. (via TechCrunch)

Apple‘s most-watched ad of all time is not the iconic “1984” Super Bowl commercial, as most people would guess. In fact, it’s the six minute video that introduced the FaceTime feature for the iPhone 4. According to a report by the Visible Measures blog, the video for Apple’s iPhone 4 FaceTime has the 17.3 million total views across different sites while the “1984” ad comes in second at 10.3 million views.
 
AdoTube, Adap.tv and Tremor Video are also going to start placing Digital Advertising Alliance’s Ad Choices icon, which notifies users that they are being behaviorally targeted and provides a choice to opt out of the program, on their videos.

Ustream is bringing Telestream‘s live video production technology to all Ustream subscribers. With the agreement, the two companies are launching a version 2.0 of Ustream’s streaming media apps that will update its “Producer Studio” and expand the line’s offering into three different versions ranging from free to $549.

USA Network is the summertime alpha dog for the sixth year in a row. Preliminary Nielsen ratings indicate that the Comcast-NBC network brought in an average of 3.61 million viewers in primetime, 30% more than the second-place Disney Channel. The network swept all three of the major demos and boasted a 3% increase in its overall nightly audience over the previous year. TNT, History Channel, and Fox News Channel rounded out the top 5.
 
According to Nielsen‘s latest quarterly survey of mobile device owners, there has been a noticeable demographic shift from eReader and tablet owners being young and male to now older and female. In the third quarter of 2010, 62% of tablet and eReader owners were under the age of 34, while only 10% were over the age of 55. In the same time period, only 46% of eReader owners were female. Fast forward to the second quarter of 2011: 46% of tablet owners are under the age of 34, while 19% are over the age of 55. 61% of all eReader owners are now female.
 
Starting with the July 2011 report, comScore‘s Video Metrix now offers YouTube Partner Reporting. The feature takes a look at audiences for different YouTube channels. The July 2011 data revealed that, among current beta partners, Machinima led the way in viewer engagement with 16.9 million viewers watching an average of 1.2 hours of content over the course of the month. Meanwhile, VEVO‘s YouTube channel brought in the most unique viewers at over 59.7 million. comScore and Google are planning to include more partners in the August data release.
 
Select YouTube Partner Channels – July 2011 – Total U.S. – Home/Work/University Locations
 
Property                   Total Unique Viewers    Videos Viewed     Minutes/Viewer
                                              (000)                             (000)
VEVO                               59,709                      844,053                  65.8
Warner Music                   31,251                      197,090                  28.5
Machinima                       16,926                      265,409                  72.7
Demand Media                 15,222                      46,189                    12.2
Maker Studios                  11,445                      101,912                  38.1
Revision3                         7,594                        25,858                   15.7
ClevverTV                        7,302                        17,572                   10.3
Associated Press               6,580                        14,467                   8.3
IGN                                 5,863                        21,845                   16.4
Next New Networks           4,772                        21,039                   17.5
 
Source: comScore Video Metrix
 

“The Sims Social,” made by EA and out of the beta phase since last Thursday, already has 4.6 million daily players, making it the number 10 app on Facebook, via Mashable. The game is similar to its PC- and console-based predecessors in which you create and control the daily life of an avatar. However, the big difference is that the other characters are controlled by your Facebook friends, not the computer. While it’s difficult to interact with other Sims in real-time, you can watch a video replay of interactions with your friends’ characters while you were away.
 
For those who get exasperated with the logistics of conference planning and attending, “Bloodhound,” a new app launched by the company of the same name, seeks to make all of that easier for you. After collecting all the information from planners, it populates the app with everything you would need to know about said conference. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for trading business cards as it allows you to connect with that person via LinkedIn or Facebook and even provides real-time recommendations, based on your history and interests at prior events, on what you should check out at the current conference. Over 300 events are using Bloodhound with 1,000 more lined up in the next month. The app is free and is available on the iPhone, Android, Blackberry and via a full mobile HTML5 site.
 
If you have an HP TouchPad, for a limited time the company is offering six apps, ranging from $0.99 to $14.99, for free. A new set of free apps will be available in September.

Bill Wohl, Chief Communications Officer at HP, is being reassigned to take on a “special assignment.” In his place, the corporate communications team will be run by Lynn Anderson, a marketing VP in HP’s Enterprise Systems Group, and will report to Marty Homlish, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Reasons for the executive shuffle, or what the new role is, were not given.

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For all the budding Scorseses out there, and for people who just really enjoy making some movie magic, check out Splice. It’s an iPhone app that lets you capture, edit and share movies straight from your iPhone. You can assemble video clips, photos, music, visual effects, text and even mix audio all via an easy-to-use timeline editing feature. Once you’re done with your all-iPhone homage to Goodfellas, you can share it with everyone Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and/or e-mail. The app may cost you $3.99 (they also have a free version available for … free), but the visual memories you create will be priceless … or at least a very cool waste of time.

Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Access Intelligence, filling in for Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital. 08.26.11

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

JOB OPENING: ONLINE SALES EXEC/NCC Media/ Dallas: Prospect, dev & close sales for online & Dig Media product lines. 5+ yrs dig media sales exp, w/ part knwlg, affinity & of online & advanced Advrtsng space. Apply: www.nccmedia.com (9/3)

JOB OPENING: MGR, ANALYTICS/Current TV/NYC or SF: 3-5 yrs exp. Define & execute tracking, reporting, & analysis of digital data. Must know Web Analytic tools. Content exp. preferred. http://current.com/jobs (9/2)

JOB OPENING: UX DESIGNER/PRODUCT DEVELOPER/Current TV/NYC or SF: Lead digital UI, UX Product Dev’t. Min 3-5 yrs exp. Content and multi-platform exp. preferred. http://current.com/jobs (9/2)

JOB OPENING: SR. PRODUCT MGR/Current TV/NYC or SF: 5-7 yrs min product, project mgmt, and digital exp. Strong communication skills. Content exp. preferred. http://current.com/jobs (9/2)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER/RESEARCH /TRAVEL CHANNEL/DC. Manage network’s brand and marketing research efforts, using Nielsen ratings data & other consumer databases. Full details, http://www.scrippsnetworks.com & select req 2537 (9/2)

JOB OPENING: VP PRODUCTION/NBCU/Syfy/NY: Lead all on-going promotional production activities in support of Syfy Mktg. Min 10 yrs exp in TV promotions. Apply online www.nbcunicareers.com (9/2)

JOB OPENING: MKTG DIR/Classic Media/NYC: Lead brand strategy  dvlp & execute marketing plans across the Company’s Pop Culture & Boys’ Action properties, including: Where’s Waldo? and Voltron. Resume/cover: [email protected] (9/2)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER/SEO/Interactive/SCRIPPS/NY. Implement and manage search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and campaigns. Full details, http://www.scrippsnetworks.com & select req 2449 (9/2)

JOB OPENING: CSD /Weigel-Chicago. Focused on the strategy and mgmt of on air for two Networks and local stations and streams. Must lead, mentor and grow and have exp. to match. Resume/reel to: [email protected] www.wciu.com (9/2)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AE/CHICAGO: Sell A+E Networks suite of dig advertising opportunities within assigned territory to agencies/clients https://www.abso.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=618&JobDetail=106995 (9/1)

JOB OPENING:  ACCOUNT SALES MGR/KGTV, the McGraw-Hill owned ABC affiliate in San Diego: Resp for existing bus & generating new bus.  Exp brdcst ind. Please apply online at www.mcgraw-hill.com/careers (9/1)

JOB OPENING:  ACCT EXECUTIVE/TV Guide.com/Chicago: AE w/ 2+ yrs digital ad sales exp a must. Consumer exp preferred. Competitive salary commensurate w/ exp & excellent benefits prgm. [email protected] (9/1)

JOB OPENING: EDITORIAL ASST/NYC: PT Assisting with on-boarding writers, organizing contracts and managing invoices. College graduate with major in Journalism, English or related field. Email: [email protected] (8/31)

JOB OPENING: PHOTO EDITOR/NYC: Research and edit compelling photography for humorous articles and photo-driven features. 1-2 years of online photo editing experience required. Email: [email protected] (8/31)

JOB OPENING: VP PRGM ACQUISITIONS/Lifetime/NY: Mng the acq process for all Lifetime nets, incl off-net, first run series, formats, co-prod. 7+ yrs exp buying /selling prgmng within TV industry. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (8/31)

JOB OPENING:  MGR, DIGITAL MARKETING & PROMO/ABC/NY: Work w/AEs, Ad Ops,Integrated mktg, pre & post-sale dev of digital ad custom solutions;4-5 yrs digital mktg & sales support exp Please apply: www.disneyabcjobs.com Req #319007 (8/31)

JOB OPENING: PST/PROD TECH 2nd Shift/MD: Mng videotap/MPEG QC, Avid ditgitizing, encoding, duplication,& DVD author, knwlg sign flow, video scope. 2+yrs exp, broadcast tape/acq format +, traf log exp + Visit: www.tvoneline.com (8/31)

JOB OPENING: OPS CONTENT COOR/Captioning/MD: Mng daily caption schd, prog log, mng work tapes/caption files to/fm vend; meet deadlines; verify billing, scheding process, bck-up to Netwk Ops log, 2+yrs exp Visit: www.tvoneline.com (8/31)

JOB OPENING: DIR PRGM RESEARCH/REELZCHANNEL/Albuquerque, NM: Provide rsrch-based analysis & trends to Sr Mgmt & Prgmng in support of prgm strategy. 7+ yrs exp in TV Rsrch. Proficient w/ all apps. Apply: [email protected] (8/31)

JOB OPENING: DIR AD SALES RESEARCH/REELZCHANNEL/NYC: Analyze data, support Ad Sales, develop decks. Creativity a must. 7+ yrs exp in TV Research. Proficient with all applications. Apply: [email protected] (8/31)

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 INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY: Media firm/Beijing: 40 hrs wkly. Unique/exciting media internship overseas.Includes RT flight to Beijing. Fluent Chinese reqd. Fluent English reqd. Apply: [email protected] (9/1)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: SALES/MARKETING FALL INTERNSHIP/PLUM NTWRK/NYC:Gain practical experience in the communications industry by working with a top-notch sales & marketing team at a multi-platform media company. Resume to [email protected]   (8/31)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  GSN SM Creative Services Fall Internship. Unpaid School Credit Only. Learn creative process, print design and prod. Send Resume and CL to [email protected] (8/31)

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: Talented, passionate Voice Over Artist, Impressionist, and Children’s Media “Girl Friday” :0) www.lailaberzins.com , [email protected] (9/2)

SITUATION WANTED:  ASSISTANT POSITION/LA:  Executive, writer, or creative producer with a comedy focus preferred. I have 1 year related experience, a B.A. and great references. Hard working with a reliable car. [email protected] (9/1)

SITUATION WANTED: MANAGER/DIRECTOR/CONSULTANT, PROGRAMMING/SCHEDULING/LA. Exp at broadcast/cable nets. Extensive knowledge of programming/scheduling strategies. Exp in short/long term scheduling. Please contact: [email protected] (9/1)

SITUATION WANTED: DIGITAL WRITER & PRODUCER/social media, experience in producing web series, ARGs, digital content, 360 integration. [email protected] (9/1)

SITUATION WANTED: MANAGER/DIRECTOR FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ANALYSIS/LA. 10+ yrs exp in corporate entertainment finance. Extensive background in financial budgeting, planning, modeling and executive presentations. [email protected] (8/31)

SITUATION WANTED: Jeanne Intile Burns, VOICE-OVER ARTIST, http://jburns.voices.com , www.allegro-music.com , [email protected], Cell: 845-721-9681. Specializes in unique character voices for various animated productions. (8/31)

SITUATION WANTED: SALES PLANNER/ASST-LA: 2+ yrs Sales Ntwrk exp. created sales proposals/power point presentations, online marketing/promotions, media math, detail-oriented, multitask, prioritize, MS Office. Contact [email protected] (8/31)

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

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