Cynopsis

03/31/08

Good Morning.  It’s Monday, March 31, 2008, and this is your first early morning briefing. And if you prefer to watch this morning’s news instead of reading it, click here.

Late on Friday, the court battle between IAC/InterActiveCorp and Liberty Media reached a verdict two weeks after the five-day trial concluded in Wilmington, DE. Judge Stephen Lamb of the Delaware Chancery Court ruled in favor of IAC’s chairman Barry Diller and his plan to spin-off IAC into five separate entities which comprise of IAC, Ticketmaster, HSN, LendingTree and Interval International. Liberty, with 29% economic interest and 62% voting control of IAC, was initially keen on the spin-off idea, but later opposed the single-tier structure plan proposed by Diller saying it would split Liberty’s control and that it went against their proxy agreement with Diller. In a previous agreement, Liberty gave Diller an irrevocable proxy to vote their shares, and Diller took this to signify he could change the structure of IAC. Judge Lamb, in a 78-page ruling, said the single-tier plan was not in violation of the proxy agreement and further said IAC does not need Liberty’s permission to finalize the spin-off.

Sundance Channel premieres the U.S. television premiere of Big Girl’s Blouse, the six-episode 30m sketch comedy series from Australia May 10 at 9p. Originally airing in 1994, the series features Australian comedians Magda Szubanski, Jane Turner and Gina Riley before their hit series Kath and Kim which also aired recently on the Sundance Channel.

NBC will debut the anthology series Fear Itself on May 29 at 10p, produced by Lionsgate. The show will also debut on the FEARnet website and VOD on September 1st, Labor Day, with a new episode available for viewing each week. The episodes will also contain extra footage including chats with directors and scenes not shown on the NBC series.

Girls just wanna have fun, so says Fine Living Network’s new series All-Girl Getaways premiering April 24 at 9p. Host and travel expert Stephanie Oswald offers ideas and tips for gals to plan mini trips away from home, husbands, kids and work. The series will air in its regular time slot of Wednesdays at 9p. 

Weekend Box Office Estimates: Mar 28-30, 2008
21 (Sony)                                                $23.7 million – opening weekend
Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who! (Fox)        $17.4 million – 3 wk total $117.3m
Superhero Movie (MGM/W)                        $9.5 million – opening weekend
Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns (Lionsgate)  $7.8 million – 2 wk total $32.8m
Drillbit Taylor (Paramount)                        $5.8 million – 2 wk total $20.6m
Shutter (Fox)                                           $5.3 million – 2 wk total $19.1m
10,000 B.C. (Warner Bros.)                       $4.9 million – 4 wk total $84.9m
Stop-Loss (Paramount)                             $4.5 million – opening weekend
College Road Trip (Buena Vista)                $3.5 million – 4 wk total $38.4m
The Bank Job (Lionsgate)                         $2.8 million – 4 wk total $24.1m
Source: Box Office Mojo

Last year we launched Cynopsis Digital, the year before the Cynopsis Daily Video, the year before Cynopsis audio podcast, and the year before that Cynopsis International.  It seems it has become something of a trend for us to launch something new each and every year, and why should this year be anything different?  Announcing Cyn opsis Media: Top Tier, our newest Executive Search Division.  An extension of our well known Classifieds section, Top Tier will use our extensive reach to help locate and screen the best person for the executive job you are looking to fill.  Whether you’re looking for a new hire, or a change of scenery yourself, let us know, we can help.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM REELZCHANNEL

ReelzChannel is now available on Time Warner Cable of NYC.

ReelzChannel®, the only cable/satellite TV network dedicated to “Everything About Movies 24/7™,” is now available on Time Warner Cable of NYC (Channel 131).

ReelzChannel is the ultimate destination for everyone who loves movies. The network provides movie fans with news, information and entertainment about the world of movies, through innovative original programming not found anywhere else.  www.reelzchannel.com

ABC nabbed the drama pilot Captain Cook’s Extraordinary Atlas by Tom Wheeler and produced by Warner Bros. TV. The fantasy story is about a young girl who discovers a magical atlas that shows an alternative world underneath our world.

When The Mole from Stone & Co., returns to ABC, it won’t have either Anderson Cooper or Ahmad Rashad in the lead.  It returns with a new host – Jon Kelley, former weekend anchor for the syndicated series Extra.  The Mole kicks off on ABC this spring, reports Variety.

Planet Green has ordered up 10 episodes of Battleground Earth produced by The Greif Co., a reality competition series and featuring Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Tommy Lee, reports Variety.  The two will travel across the country, compete in a slew of tasks and all the while highlight environmental issues. At the end, the two will finish in LA at the Greek Theatre where they will hold a concert to benefit Griffith Park. Battleground Earth is expected to launch this summer.

Casting updates:

• NBC’s drama pilot Kings from Universal Media Studios cast Australian actor Christopher Egan to play King David and British-born actor Ian McShane as King Silas.
• Simon Baker joins the CBS drama pilot The Mentalist from Warner Bros. TV along with Owain Yeoman, Shaun Toub, Amanda Righetti and Tim Kang.
• For CBS’ drama pilot presentation Can Openers, Lauren Lee Smith was cast in the lead.  From Sony, Can Openers is about a female brain surgeon who has to elbow her way through the mostly male neurosurgical seven-year residency program. Also joining the cast is Omar Gooding who will play another doctor, reports THR.
• Sara Rue landed the female lead in the comedy pilot Spaced for FOX from Warner Bros. TV, Wonderland and Granada about two strangers who pretend to be married to rent an apartment.

Casting Call: The CW begins casting today for its new horror competition reality show called 13 (wt). The casting directors are looking for males and females from 18-30 years old with personality plus, a competitive nature and energy to be part of this show and to try for the grand prize of $66,666. Auditions in Los Angeles will happen today and this Thursday; email
for more information on the L.A. casting. Auditions can be scheduled in Philadelphia on April 13 and 15; send an email to
for information about this specific casting. Other auditions on April 13 and 15 will occur in Dallas and Miami. To apply online, download the application and for information on all audition locations, visit www.cwtv.com/thecw/13-casting. The deadline for online applications is April 16, 2008.

CYNOPSIS DIGITAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY: Further blurring the line between gaming and entertainment, Microsoft reached a deal with Hollywood producer and talent manager Peter Safran to produce original shows for distribution exclusively on the Xbox 360 console, reports The New York Times. The shows will debut on the gaming platform, some as paid downloads others ad supported, before being made available elsewhere.   Full edition: CYN DIGITAL. (Or to listen to the Cynopsis Digital Podcast click here or subscribe to it at iTunes here .)

CYNOPSIS KIDS – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  Disney Channel has begun production on the preschool-targeted CG animated series Jungle Junction.  Produced in the UK by Spider Eye Ltd., Jungle Junction is scheduled to premiere in 2009 on Disney Channels and Playhouse Disney channels around the world.  With a focus on environmental messages and pre-literacy skills, such as signs and symbols that are seen in the daily life of a preschooler, the music-filled series follows the jungle adventures of a group of characters that are part animal and part vehicle.  Jungle Junction is created by Trevor Ricketts (Shaun the Sheep).  Full edition: CYN KIDS.

CYNOPSIS INTERNATIONAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  Another lawsuit is brewing across the U.S./Mexico border, this time between DreamWorks TV and Mark Burnett’s LA-based Contender Partners joint venture and Mexico’s TV Azteca.  The trademark violation allegations were filed on March 26 in a LA court regarding the former’s Contender boxing reality series and TV Azteca’s Retador Azteca (Aztec Challenger).  The show was broadcast in the U.S. on Azteca America as part of licensing deal with the U.S.’ Mapitv Entertainment Group.  Contender Partners reportedly brought the boxing show idea to TV Azteca in 2007 to pursue a Spanish-language version, per Variety.  TV Azteca stated that the original Retador idea belonged to Mapitv and the U.S. licensing decision occurred before Contender Partners approached the Mexican network with promos already produced before the May 2007 upfront. A cease and desist order was reportedly sent to TV Azteca previously as well.  Full edition: CYN INTERNATIONAL. 

Thursday – A18-49 Analysis:  NBC had a turn in the winner’s circle Thursday night at 4.0/11 A18-49, according to final national ratings from Nielsen Media Research. Basketball ruled during the first two hours as the NCAA Championship coverage on CBS dunked a 3.2/10 at 8p and a 4.6/12 at 9p. NBC fought back at 10p with the last half of the Celebrity Apprentice finale and won with 4.9/13.

Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Thursday, March 27, 2008 time period averages. Source: NTI Galaxy, as dated. Live+SD.

NBC: 7.5/12        Deal or No Deal 7.1/12, Celebrity Apprentice [2-hour f] 7.7/13

CBS: 5.5/10         NCAA Basketball Championships 5.9/11 [from 7p-930p], NCAA Basketball Championships 5.5/10 [930p-11p]

FOX: 5.2/8             Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? 5.1/9, Don’t Forget the Lyrics! 5.3/8

ABC: 4.0/7           Miss Guided 4.0/7, Miss Guided 3.8/6, Lost 3.6/6, Eli Stone 4.4/7

CW: 2.1/3            Smallville 2.4/4, Reaper 1.8/3

UNIV: 2.0/3         Al Diablo con los Guapos 2.4/4, Pasion 2.1/3, Amas de Casa Desesperadas 1.5/3

MNT: 0.9/1           My Thursday Night Movie: Antitrust 0.9/1

TELE: 0.6/1         La Traicion 0.4/1, Victoria 0.9/1, Pecados Ajenos 0.6/1

A18-49: NBC 4.0/11, CBS 3.7/11, FOX 2.8/8, ABC 1.9/5, UNIV 1.9/5, CW 1.4/4, MNT 0.4/1, TELE 0.4/1

Friday – A18-49 Analysis:  CBS matched its overall ratings week to week Friday night at 3.1/10 A18-49, according to fast affiliate ratings from Nielsen Media Research. CBS’ NCAA basketball semifinal games were the champ during 8p with 3.1/11 and again through 9p at 3.2/10. At 10p, though, NBC’s Dateline beat all with a 3.9/12.

Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Friday, March 28, 2008 – time period averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research

NBC: 5.8/10      Amne$ia 3.5/6, Dateline 7.0/12

CBS: 5.7/10       NCAA Basketball Championships: Regional Semifinals 5.7/10

ABC: 3.7/7         Grey’s Anatomy [r] 2.9/5, 20/20 4.0/7, 20/20 4.2/7

FOX: 3.3/6         ‘Til Death [r] 3.3/6, The Return of Jezebel James 3.5/6, Canterbury’s Law 3.2/6

CW: 2.4/4          Friday Night Smackdown! 2.4/4

UNIV: 2.0/4       Al Diablo con los Guapos 2.1/4, Nuestra Belleza Latina 1.8/3

TELE: 0.5/1       La Traicion 0.5/1, Victoria 0.6/1, Pecados Ajenos 0.5/1

A18-49: CBS 3.1/10, NBC 2.6/8, UNIV 1.8/6, ABC 1.7/5, FOX 1.3/4, CW 1.2/4, TELE 0.3/1

Saturday – A18-49 Analysis:  CBS scored a victory Saturday night at 3.5/11 A18-49, according to fast affiliate ratings from Nielsen Media Research. College basketball regional matches on CBS won throughout primetime: at 8p CBS posted a 3.0/10; during 9p a 3.4/10; and for the 10p hour CBS then tipped in the winning rim shot at 4.0/12.

Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Saturday, March 29, 2008 – time period averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research

CBS: 5.9/11          NCAA Basketball Championships: Regional Finals 5.9/11

FOX: 3.9/7            Cops 3.5/6, Cops [r] 4.1/7, America’s Most Wanted 3.9/7

NBC: 3.8/7             Law & Order: CI [r] 2.5/5, Law & Order: SVU [r] 4.1/7, Law & Order [r] 4.7/9

ABC: 3.5/6              Movie: Catch Me If You Can [r] 3.5/6

UNIV: 1.4/2          Sabado Gigante 1.4/2

TELE: 0.3/1          Movie: Lethal Weapon [from 7p] 0.3/1, Movie: Kill Bill Vol. 1 0.3/1

A18-49: CBS 3.5/11, FOX 2.3/7, ABC 1.6/5, NBC 1.3/4, UNIV 0.9/3, TELE 0.3/1

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM ABC FAMILY

·              Last Monday’s Episode was #1 in W18-34 and F12-34

·              ABC Family’s Best Series Telecast Ever in A18-34 and W18-34

·              All-New Episode Tonight at 8/7c

Source: Nielsen, Live+SD. Ranks among basic cable: Mon 8-9pm (3/24/08), Cvg AA. Best original series telecast based on 000s.

This day in History:  1917 – The U.S. purchased and took possession of the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  In the 1976 made for TV movie The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, what famous astronaut does Tod (John Travolta) meet?  BUZZ ALDRIN  Kudos to: Dan Bernoske-VideoLantern/NY; Jacob Marmer-Available Light Productions/ETZ; Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing/NY; Michael Branch-TV Guide Network/NY; Sara Saedi/ABC/Burbank; Shelley Herman-Smitten Enterprises/W. Toluca Lake, CA

Today’s Trivia Question:  On the TV series The Wild Wild West (1965-1969), Phoebe Dorin played the singing partner of villain Dr. Miguelito Loveless (Michael Dunn) on several occasions and, in fact, was also his real-life singing partner. What was her character’s name?   (
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  — Cyn
03.31.08

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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CYNOPSIS MEDIA: TOP TIER

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

JOB OPENING: SVP STRATEGIC RESEARCH/Disney*ABC Dom TV/Burbank: 10 yrs broad-based TV exp + 7+ yrs mgmt; leading edge exec w/proven ability to assess media trends/developments. APPLY www.disneycareers.com Req #137377  (4/5)

JOB OPENING: VP, PROMOTION MARKETING/Comedy Central/NYC: Min 8 yrs exp. promotion marketing at a television network/advertising agency; BA/BS, strong PC skills. EOE/M/F/D/AAP apply at www.mtvncareers.com (4/5)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL RESEARCH MNGR/Bravo/Oxygen: Lead research analysis across Bravo/Oxygen properties. BA, Min 3 yrs exp, proficiency in Omniture & Media Metrix pref. Apply: www.nbcunicareers.com (job#812391) (4/5)

JOB OPENING: MGR- AFFILIATE AD SALES & DISTR. MKTG/LIFETIME TV:  Seeking creative thinker to manage projects that support the distribution efforts for Lifetime/ Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (4/5)

JOB OPENING: ADMIN ASST/Hallmark Channel/LA: Support SVP Network Program Publicity. 2 yrs.  admin/exec. experience in TV publicity. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (4/5)

JOB OPENING: MGR, AD SALES PLANNING/AETN/NY: Work to maximize rev across AETN through inventory mgmt, pricing & stewardship. Min 2 yrs ad sales cable exp as planner or in inventory/pricing group. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (4/5)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC, DIGITAL MEDIA/(WNBC NYC): 2+yrs Online Ad sales exp. Strong sales, presenting, negot. skills. Creative thinker who can sell on both local& nat’l level as well as online agencies. Post to: www.nbcunicareers.com     job# 798183   (4/5)

JOB OPENING:  VP PROD & PACKAGING, WE tv/NY: Cable ntwrk noted for creating unique content for women seeks top creative, exp’d prod. exec. to dvlp all orig series, specials, pckgng & pilots.Resume:
(4/5)

JOB OPENING:  FREELANCE COORD/USA Strategic Marketing: Support creation of client programs inc. sponsorships, finances, etc. 2+ yrs integrated mktg exp in TV or ad agency preferred.Resumes to
(4/19)

JOB OPENING:  ACCT EXEC/ BENNETT GROUP/LA:  RESPONSIBLE FOR BOOKING HI-DEF Mobile Prod System.  Strong comm. skills, live HD TV prod knwldg a must. Proven track record in prod sales. Res:
  (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  MKTG MGR/BBC/RI: Dvlp mrktng campaigns & strat, analyze mrkt, price trends, cr8 trade prod catalog. Track success campaigns to sales goals of company. 3-5 yrs exp. Apply: www.bbcamerica.com/employmnent.jsp (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  SR AR ADMIN/BBC/NYC: process invoices, mng cred contrl. Cash collectns/cred cntrl for ad sales of bbc.com. minimize debt outstanding. Attn detail, comm skilz. SAP. Apply: www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  SR PUB MGR/BBC/NYC: Wrk w/ media contacts & talent to max chnl exposure. Cr8 campaigns to supprt BBCA & BBC.com. manage messge to consumers. Exp w/ online campaigns. Apply: www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  DIG RSRCH MGR/BBC/NYC: maintain rsrch sls system, compile estimates, cr8 sales presentations. Track performance, monitor mrkt & industry trend. Comm w/ rsrch vendors. Apply: www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  NTWRK OPPS COORD/BBC/MD: Coord BBCA trffc & ntwrk ops. Trfc logs, monitor transmission logs & delivery. Verify delivery sched materl. 1-2 yrs exp. Apply: http://www.recruitingcenter.net/clients/bbc/publicjobs (4/4)

JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/Fox Latin America Channels/NYC: Support Ad Sales, Programming, Marketing. 2+ years in managing quantitative and qualitative research. Email
  (4/3)

JOB OPENING: MGR, DIGITAL MEDIA AD OPS/AETN, NY: Manage trafficking & operations associated with Digital Media Sales of growing dept. Exp in Internet or Broadcast Ad Ops/Traffic dept. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (4/3)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL ASSOCIATE MEDIA DIR: 3-5+ Yrs digital media planning/buying exp, Develop POV’s, client location West Chester County. Competitive salary/benefits. Resume to:
(4/3)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/Gospel Music Channel/NY: Fast growing new ntwrk seeks dynamic nat’l ad sales acct exec. 2 yrs media sales exp; agency exp pref’d. Proven track rec w/ new bus dvlpmnt. Resume:
(4/3)

JOB OPENING: AFF. FINANCE ANALYST:  Cash application of MSO remittances and subscriber updating. Under grad degree Fin/Accting w/ 1-3 yrs of exp. Apply: www.mtvncareers.com EOE (4/2)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/Scripps Networks/HGTV:BA pref. 2+ yrs exp in advertising/buying/planning. Knowledge/exp in cable TV Ent. industry a+. Proficient in MS Office. Submit resume at http://scripps.com/ (4/2)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH COORD/ANALYST/MANAGER at MTV Networks. Please apply at www.mtvncareers.com. EOE/M/F/D/AAP (4/2)

JOB OPENING: (2) SR MGR, PROMOS & SPONS/Cartoon Network/ATL: Oversee the dev & execution of CN and Adult Swim promotions & sponsorships across platforms. 10+ yrs mkt/sales/promos exp in the ent ind. www.turnerjobs.com #90643BR (4/2)

JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/Fox Latin America Channels/NYC: Support Ad Sales, Programming, Marketing. 2+ years in managing quantitative and qualitative research. Email
  (4/2)

JOB OPENING: SR DIRECTOR FIELD SALES/ESPN/Burbank CA:  10+ yrs affiliate sales Local/region/Div exp. with 3 yrs people mgt .Email resume to: 
  (4/1)

JOB OPENING: INVENTORY ADMIN/New York Interconnect, Jericho NY:  Min 2 yrs in TV media traffic dept.  Exp. with STRATA system.  See full posting at www.cablevision.jobs and apply to 5723BR (4/1)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/CABLEVISION/BROOKLYN NY:  Seeks AE for local ad sales.2+  yrs ad sales exp.  pref cable TV, radio,  internet adv.  Valid NY DL.  See full posting and apply to www.cablevision.jobs req 4802BR (4/1)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CABLEVISION/NORWALK CT: Seeks AE for local ad sales.2+ yrs  ad sales exp. pref  cable TV, radio, internet adv.  Valid NY DL.  See full posting and apply to www.cablevision.jobs req 5057BR

JOB OPENING: TEMP CREATIVE SRVCS DIR/Sundance Ch/NY: 7+ yrs adv/mktg exp in brdcst/cable. Strong client serv/proj mgmt skills. Liaise betw internal clients & creative team on non-brdcst media. Res:
  (4/1)

JOB OPENING: BRAND MANAGER/HGTV.com/Knoxville TN: Ideal candidate has 5+ yrs exp online brand mgmt for overall creative and site programming, including selection of content and copywriting. www.scrippsnetworks.com (4/1)

SPRING AND SUMMER 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
.

SPRING/SUMMER INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY:  Entertainment Production Co. in Armonk, NY seeks interns. Responsibilities: general office work, phones, mailings, research, errands. Email resume to
(4/2)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  PR/MKTG Internship/Shelton CT HQ: The Cynopsis Foundation seeks 2 highly organized, mature interns to work with planning/organizing summer gala. Great communications skills a must. Email:
    (3/31)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED … Interested in posting your Video Resume?  Contact
for more information ….

SITUATION WANTED:  DIRECTOR/PRODUCER : 5 years exp. writing, producing & directing. Specializing in Promos, Short form, New Media: Virals, and Music Videos
(4/4)

SITUATION WANTED: TRAFFIC MANAGER/ with 12 years exp seeks position in Radio/TV/Entertainment or Traffic Software. NY Metro Area only.Experienced, Focused & Extremely detailed.
(4/1)

E-mail 
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Interested in posting your Video Resume?  Contact
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Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email
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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT – MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2008

ABC: Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor: London Calling
AZTECA: Ladrones, Cambio de Vida, Bellezas Indomables
CBS: The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, The New Adventures of Old Christine, CSI: Miami
CW: Gossip Girl [r], Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious
FOX: House [r], New Amsterdam
ION: Mama’s Family, Mama’s Family, Drew Carey Show, Drew Carey Show, Drew Carey Show, Drew Carey Show
MNT: Celebrity Expose, Paradise Hotel 2
NBC: My Dad is Better than Your Dad, Deal or No Deal, Medium
PBS: Antiques Roadshow, American Experience, Retirement Revolution (Part 1)
TELE: La Traicion, Victoria, Pecados Ajenos
UNIV: Al Diablo con los Guapos, Pasion, Cristina

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