A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM DISNEY MEDIA ADVERTISING SALES AND MARKETING GROUP

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Cynopsis: Kids!

2/12/07

Good morning. It’s Monday, February 12, 2007 and this is your first early morning Kids! briefing.

The fallout of Adult Swim’s guerrilla marketing campaign fiasco causing the City of Boston to shut down roads and bridges on January 31 has resulted in the Friday resignation of EVP/GM Jim Samples of the Cartoon Network. In an internal memo, Samples wrote: “I deeply regret the negative publicity and expense caused to our company as a result of this campaign. As general manager of Cartoon Network, I feel compelled to step down, effective immediately, in recognition of the gravity of the situation that occurred under my watch.” Turner Broadcasting has been ordered to pay a $2 million fine by the Massachusetts Attorney General office and the company issued numerous public apologies for its gaffe. Samples had been with Turner for 13 years. Turner Broadcasting has not named a replacement for Samples, and in the meantime the network’s senior management team will report to Mike Lazarus, President, Turner Entertainment Group.

NEW PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

There will be a Toy Story 3 movie from Pixar, and it is on the calendar for release in 2009.  The news came at a Disney investor conference at the end of the week, when it was also announced the movie would be directed by Lee Unkrich, co-director of Toy Story 2 (not to mention Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo), and not John Lasseter director of the first two Toy Story movies. Lasseter now serves as Chief Creative Officer of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios.  Michael Arndt, who penned the screenplay for Little Miss Sunshine, will write Toy Story 3.

Coram Boy is currently on stage in London at the National Theatre and headed to Broadway here in the US this spring 2007, and now producers Scott Rudin and Allison Owen plan to adapt the story for the big screen, says the Hollywood Reporter.  The Coram Boy movie, which like the play will be based on author Jamila Gavin’s young adult adventure book of the same name, will be co-produced by Rudin Productions, Owen’s Ruby Films and BBC Films, in association with Miramax and the UK Film Council.

Also in the works is Tinker Bell, a new CG animated feature from Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment.  Slated for release in fall 2008, the title is part of Disney’s newer franchise, Disney Fairies.  Not only will she star in the title, but for the first time Tink talks, with the help of actress Brittany Murphy.  Produced by DisneyToon studios, Tinker Bell will be set in Pixie Hollow where Tink and her fairy friends live.  The Tinker Bell title will be supported through a broad licensed merchandise program and feature Disney Fairies consumer products in a range of categories.

MORE KIDS STUFF

Nick Jr. will debut a new episode of The Wonder Pets featuring the pets in a musical version of the Three Little Pigs through a puppet theatre tale, Save the Three Little Pigs, on President’s Day, Monday, February 19, at 11a.  A two-minute sneak peek of the episode will be available on Nick Jr. Video from February 16 at 2p.  Additionally, the full episode will play on Nick Jr. Video on February 19, at 2p.

MARKETING/LICENSING

WizKids Inc., a subsidiary of Topps, will release Star Wars PocketModel, a new collectable trading card game.  Based on content from the six Star Wars movies, each game pack includes four to eight styrene vehicle models, six game cards, micro dice and a set of rules and assembly instructions.  Star Wars PocketModel is an extension of Topps’ current licensing pact with Lucas Licensing. The game is scheduled for release in June 2007.

The Ty toy company introduces its new Ty Girlz this week at Toy Fair.  Ty Girlz are 14-inch soft-sculpt dolls, each with its own signature color and dressed in various trend fashions, which can be mixed and matched, as well as jewelry will be available at retail beginning March 2007.  Each doll comes with an individual scratch-off secret code that lets kids to unlock the 3-D virtual world online.

Cartoon Network Enterprises has inked a multi-year deal with FunKo to create bobble head dolls based on Cartoon Network characters for retail in the US, Canada, Spain, Australia and Japan.  Scheduled to launch in fall 2007, the Cartoon Network bobble heads will sold in two-packs beginning with Johnny Bravo, The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory and Samurai Jack.  Other Cartoon Network properties that will get the bobble head treatment include Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, I am Weasel, Cow & Chicken and My Gym Partner’s a Monkey.

Hit Entertainment has teamed with Screenlife to create Thomas & Friends DVD Bingo Game, a DVD game based on Hit’s Thomas & Friends property.  Hosted by Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway the game incorporates clips from the TV series into traditional Bingo styled gameplay.  Targeted to kids 4+, Thomas & Friends DVD Bingo Game is slated for release in spring 2007.

Running Press Book Publishers has acquired the primary Peanuts kid’s publishing license from United Media, which syndicates and licenses Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts.  Under the pact, Running Press will publish a line of novelty books for kid based on the Peanuts comic strip and holiday TV specials.  The first book title, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, is slated for release in fall 2007.  Running Press is an imprint of Perseus Books Group

STONE SOUP

In all 13 winners and 55 nominees were honored the Seventh Annual T.O.T.Y. Awards ceremony, which was held in NYC on Saturday evening, February 10, 2007. The winning products will carry a gold TOTY seal on their respective packaging at retail, while the nominated toys will feature a silver version of the seal. ( www.totyawards.org ).  Winners for the best in toys for the year include:

• Toy of the year: TMX Elmo (Fisher-Price)
• Infant/Preschool  specifically designed for the demo: TMX Elmo (Fisher-Price)
• Girl Toy (any age): FurReal Friends Butterscotch Pony (Hasbro, Inc.)
• Boy Toy (any age): a tie  Spy Video Car (Wild Planet Entertainment) and Disney’s    Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest Ultimate Black Pearl Playset (Zizzle LLC.).
• Game of the Year (board/electronic/CD-ROM/cards): Cranium’s Zooreka (Cranium, Inc.)
• Outdoor Toy: Fold 2 Go Trike (Radio Flyer Inc.)
• Educational Toy: Smart Globe 2.0 (Oregon Scientific)
• Activity Toy: Moon Sand (Spin Master Ltd.)
• Electronic Entertainment: Kid Tough Digital Camera (Fisher-Price)
• Most Innovative: FurReal Friends Butterscotch Pony (Hasbro, Inc.)
• Specialty Toy: Webkinz (Ganz)
• Property of the Year: Disney Pixar’s Cars (Disney Consumer Products)

Weekend Box Office Estimates for kids/tweens/teens rated G, PG or PG-13; February 911, 2007:
Norbit (Paramount (DreamWorks)) PG-13               Opening Weekend $33.7m
Because I Said So (Universal) PG-13                     $9.0m-2 wk total $25.6m
The Messengers (Sony / Screen Gems) PG-13        $7.2m-2 wk total $24.7m
Night at the Museum (Fox) PG                             $5.8m-8 wk total $232.1m
Epic Movie (Fox) PG-13                                      $4.5m-3 wk total $35.5m
Dreamgirls (Paramount (DreamWorks)) PG-13         $3.1m-9 wk total $97.1m
The Queen (Miramax) PG-13                               $2.5m-20 wk total $49.0m
The Pursuit of Happyness (Sony / Columbia) PG-13 $2.4m-9 wk total $160.5m
Stomp the Yard (Sony / Screen Gems) PG-13         $2.4m-5 wk total $59.1m
Catch and Release (Sony / Columbia) PG-13           $1.8m-3 wk total $14.4m
Source: Box Office Mojo

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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CTAM

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EXECUTIVE MOVES

Flying Bark Productions Pty Ltd. has announced that Geoff Watson will step down as Managing Director of the company as of February 28, 2007.  Watson will continue to serve as Managing Director, Trackdown Digital Pty Ltd, a unit of Flying Bark Productions.  Additionally, he will act as an advisor for Flying Bark Productions and Forest Interactive on a short-term basis.  Beginning today, February 12, 2007, Michael Hefferon will take over for Watson as an interim Managing Director.  Watson has held a number of positions with Flying Bark Productions over the last ten-years, including as GM (2001-2005).  Previously he founded Forest Interactive (1994), which was later acquired by Flying Bark.  Flying Bark Productions (f/k/a Yoram Gross-Em.TV Pty Ltd.) is a subsidiary of EM.Entertainment GMBH.

Dimensional Branding Group and Panic Entertainment Groupe have entered into a deal to merge their businesses, and from here on the combined companies will be known as Dimensional Branding Group.  Larry Seidman remains CEO and Chairman of the new venture while John Leonhardt, founder of Panic Entertainment Groupe, will become its new President.  Marsha Armitage-Bristow will serve as EVP/Licensing.  DBG will manage licensing rights for a range of brands including BBC Worldwide and its new property The Secret Show, Big Wheel, MoMA Modern Kids, Whac-A-Mole, Jenga, Skee-Ball, Roy Rogers, Colorforms, Pee-Chee, Chronicle Books, Quirk Books and Worst Case Scenario.

RATINGS

Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Wednesday, February 7, 2007, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON:         K2-11 1211; K6-11 559; TWEENS 9-14 366
DISNEY CHANNEL:     K2-11   773; K6-11 456; TWEENS 9-14 413
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11   575; K6-11 389; TWEENS 9-14 262
TOON DISNEY:           K2-11   123; K6-11   73; TWEENS 9-14   44
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data

Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Thursday, February 8, 2007, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON:         K2-11 1149; K6-11 500; TWEENS 9-14 344
DISNEY CHANNEL:     K2-11   778; K6-11 441; TWEENS 9-14 378
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11   520; K6-11 300; TWEENS 9-14 224
TOON DISNEY:           K2-11   124; K6-11   60; TWEENS 9-14   34
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data

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Answer to Friday’s trivia question:  What was the name of the pet lobster who was friends with Sigmund? PRINCE ON SIGMUND AND THE SEA MONSTER   Kudos to:  George A. Klein-Wahoo! Creative/Atlanta; Cassel Kroll-The Lexicomm Group/NY; Kimberly Keeley-Safety 4 Kids/Stamford

Today’s Trivia Question: What was the name of the ‘ape-boy’ on Land Of The Lost? (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!
2.12.07

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

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JOB OPENING: PUBLICIST /LIFETIME NY: Resp. for all Lifetime Movie Network programming consumer and trade publicity, specifically LMN Original Movies. Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (2/17)

JOB OPENING:  ASSOCIATE, MKTG & DVLPMNT/Celebrity Production Co/NY: Provide support in the plan¹g/exctn of ent. & non-media related projects. Creative proj mgr w/ 2 yrs exp @ ent/media co/agency.  Email: [email protected]    (2/17)

JOB OPENING: MGR STRAT-ANALYST/ Showtime Ntwrks/NY: 3+yr exp Design/exec/interpret analyst. Showtime/competitors sales/mktg activities/industry trnds Strng analytical/comm/organiz. sklls/strategic thinkr [email protected]   (2/17)

JOB OPENING: LSM /WCSC-TV (CBS, Charleston, SC): Energetic and creative negotiator needed to lead local team. Strong  new bus dev, training & team building skills req. Broadcast sales mgt. exp. pref. [email protected].EOE (2/16)

JOB OPENING: EVENT MARKETING MGR/Screenvision/NY: Provide strategic guidance/support in the plan’g/execution of all event-related activities,develop revenue-generating mrktng prgrms & support . Res: [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/CNN/NY: 1+ yrs tv research/agency exp, Multi-tasker, strong analytical/problem solving skills & MS Office proficient; info www.turnerjobs.com [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH PROJ MGR, TNT/TBS/COURT TV, Ad Sales/NY: Dvlp effective analyses & positioning .Exc analytic, proj mgmt & team mgmt skills req. 5+ yrs TV/media rsrch exp req; primary rsrch exp a +.  [email protected]      (2/16)

JOB OPENING: RSRCH DIR, TNT/TBS/COURT TV, Ad Sales/NY: Provide strategic sales support, create in-depth analyses & effective positioning. Primary rsrch exp,  proj mgmt, sprvsry skills req. 6+yrs exp. [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH ANALYST, TNT/TBS/COURT TV, Ad Sales/NY:   Provide research support; create sales positioning. Strong analytical/writing skills req.  3+ years exp req.  Contact: [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING: MKTG MANAGER/DIGITAL MEDIA/NBCU/NY: Manager will assist the Dir. to market & increase sales across NBCU properties. Mgr is responsible for creating online & integrated offerings. Apply www.nbcunicareers.com Job#576426 (2/16)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING ANALYST, DIGITAL MEDIA/NBCU/NY: Assist Marketing Mgrs & Directors in preparing, implementing, & delivering client presentations (internal & external) & recommendations. Apply www.nbcunicareers.com Job#576424 (2/16)

JOB OPENING: DIRECT RESPONSE PLANNER/AETN NY: Analysis for projections, pricing & trends.DR inventory  management. Backup AE. Strong analytical skills/advanced excel/2 yrs DR exp. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (2/15)

JOB OPENING: ASSOC. WRITER-PRODUCER/AMC/NY: write, cut spots, support Sr. creatives. Must know movies. Strong writer. Promo exp., reel, avid/final cut skills all a +.  Resumes to: [email protected] (2/15)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/The Outdoor Channel/Temecula, CA: 2 yrs research exp at media co, research firm or agency. Strong analytical/comm skils, exp. with Nielsen, MRI, CMR/TNS, etc. Resume to [email protected] (2/14)

JOB OPENING: VIRAL MARKETING DIRECTOR/Current TV, SF, CA: 7+ yrs. exp.  Drive Current TV brand awareness by developing & executing viral, guerilla & college marketing efforts. www.current.tv   Email: [email protected] EOE (2/14)

JOB OPENING: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE/NYC: Media auditing firm seeks exp’d business dvlpmnt exec. Duties include mngng active new business projects & developing further new business initiatives. Send resume: [email protected] (2/14)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA RECRUITER/TTS Media/NY: Prospect media & adv profs. Support Acct team with client service & netwrkg. Self-starter to join fast-paced team! Strg comm & desire to make big $$ nec. Apply: [email protected] (2/14)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES ASSIST/TV ONE/Chicago: Entry level to provide general support to office/maintain client schedules/general stewardship. See description and apply at www.tvoneonline.com (2/13)

JOB OPENING: ENTRY LEVEL, ASST TO CR. SERV. SVP/NYC:  Work w/ TV’s 7 best network on-air promo teams.  Must be sharp, ambitious, personable writer with STRONG work ethic. Resumes to [email protected] (2/13)

JOB OPENING:  COORD, INT’L PROG OPS/ MTV/NYC/3 mth cont. Client srvc role, resp for shipping tapes etc. Skills Req: Knwldg/Passion for TV, Proj mgt exp, Strg comm skills, Pro-active, Team player, EOE/M/F/D/AAP. [email protected] (2/13)

JOB OPENING:  MANAGER, RESEARCH/BURBANK: Buena Vista TV. 3+ yrs. exp. TV research and syndication. Nielsen Galaxy Expl, WRAP Overnights/Sweeps and interpreting local station ratings exp. Visit www.disneycareers.com REQ 64815 to apply (2/13)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH DIRECTOR, PROGRAMMING/ HGTV/Knoxville: 8 yrs cable networks exp. Strong analytical skills & strategic thinker. Expertise: N-Power, other Nielsen and secondary tools. [email protected] # 5850-U (2/20)

JOB OPENING:  PRODUCERS /NY based Nationally Syndicated Television Show: Must have at least 5 years experience RESUMES: [email protected]. (2/13)

JOB OPENING: DIG MEDIA RESEARCH SR PROJ MGR/Turner: Supports new/existing corp dig media efforts in mobile/online/port DVR/A2M2 6+ yrs new/trad media res exp req’d, [email protected] – www.turnerjobs.com req #73778BR (2/13)

JOB OPENING:  DIG MEDIA RESEARCH PROJ MGR/Turner: Supports new/existing corp dig media efforts in mobile/online/port DVR/A2M2 4+ yrs new/trad media res exp req’d, [email protected] – www.turnerjobs.com req #73779BR (2/13)

JOB OPENING: PUBLICIST /SCHOLASTIC NYC/3yrs PR exp;strong writing, pitching, & strategic PR skills;Interest in kids’ issues incl education a+ at mission-driven Co. Apply: www.scholastic.com job #NY1838 (2/13)

WINTER 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] .

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

SITUATION WANTED: COMEDIENNE with 20 + years, writer, speaker, adventurer and three time world record holder looking for television hosting position and freelance spokesperson work. contact: [email protected] (2/16)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION & OFFICE PA :   Experienced with all aspects of prod pre-post including casting, general reception, logging, and on set work.  Prev exp as AD and Scripty on numerous projects. Contact [email protected] (2/15)

SITUATION WANTED: Jon and John: Writing/Directing//Producing team with chops seek freelance projects. Pilot projects with talent attached are available. Promos, pilots, satire, guerilla shoots. Contact [email protected]  (2/13)

SITUATION WANTED: New Media Specialist, Experienced News Manager, Emmy Award seasoned Journalist & Network Producer seeks management opportunities. Bilingual, fluent in Spanish. Full time or freelance. [email protected]              (2/13)

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.