Monday, May 14th, 2012

Cynopsis: Kids!
05/14/12

Good morning. It’s Monday, May 14, 2012, and this your first early morning briefing.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment launches its first licensed-products website, MySeaWorld.com (www.myseaworld.com), which offers consumers ocean, nature and animal-themed digital games, toys and apparel from Mattel, Office Max, SkinIt, Ruckus Media Group, Palmer Cash and InMotion Entertainment. The website features new products such as three educational interactive digital storybooks created in partnership with Ruckus Media Group and based on SeaWorld animals and conservation efforts. Available on various digital mobile platforms and devices, the stories are designed to both encourage kids to read as well as develop an interest in animals and science. Also new are 19 Skin It – SeaWorld marine-mammal themed skins for electronic devices including cell phones, laptops, iPads, Kindles, Nintendo DS among others. A portion of all net proceeds from SeaWorld’s licensed consumer product sales on the site will benefit the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

Marvel’s The Avengers stay on top of the domestic box office with an estimated $103.2 million, and reaches more records. The Avengers sets a record for the best second weekend for a feature film ever – knocking the previous record holder, Avatar (2009, $75.6 million), out of the way, as well as becoming the fastest movie to hit $300 million and $350 million, and the highest eight day, nine day, and ten day grosses ever, per Box Office Mojo.


A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE


 

Cynopsis Kids !magination Awards

The Cynopsis Kids!magination AwardsBreakfast is set!
June 7 | 8:00-10:30am | Le Parker Meridien | NYC

Join award finalists, support your colleagues + network with the best in the industry!

Register



MARKETING

McDonald’s Europe and digital agency partner Fuel launch of Happy Studio (www.happystudio.com), a kid-targeted virtual world based on McDonald’s Happy Meal, which has been in beta since August 2011 and has 1.8 million activated registered users. Accessible online and on mobile devices, Happy Studio is a free, and ad-free, virtual world that features licensed characters from various global entertainment properties, currently including Tom and Jerry, Tintin, Puss N Boots, and The Pirates! Band of Misfits pirates, among many others) and invites kids with fun and educational games and activities. Kids can create their own avatars to play with the various characters, complete missions, receive in-game rewards and interact safely with kids from 41 countries. The site also allows parents to monitor their kids activities via the Grown Up Dashboard. Happy Studio’s game play and educational content was developed with the guidance of child development experts.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter conjures its way to Japan. Universal Studios Japan, in partnership with Warner Bros. and Universal Parks & Resorts, will be bring the Harry Potter attraction to Japan, which is slated to open in late 2014.  The theme park attraction is based on the almost two-year-old original The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan will be created with the creative leadership of Stuart Craig, Production Designer for the entire Harry Potter film series.

MORE KIDS STUFF

HoHo Entertainment‘s first series Cloudbabies (52×10) will launch on CBeebies (UK) on Monday, May 14, 2012.  Created by art director Bridget Appleby (Fifi and the Flowertots, Noddy, Enjie Benjie) and animated at Manchester-based Studio Liddell, the CG animated preschool series will air on the channel weekdays at 11:25a. The Cloudbabies website, www.cloudbabies.co.uk, will go live simultaneously on May 14. Cloudbabies revolves around four caring kid-like characters, Baba Pink, Baba Blue, Baba Yellow and Baba Green whose are responsible for looking after the sky and their Sky Friends. They live together with Bobo White, a mischievous imp, in a house on a fluffy cloud, and every morning they jump on their Skyhorsies and begin their work.

Disney XD in Canada, part of Astral Media, will premiere the new animated series Motorcity on Saturday, May 26 at 6:30p. The series debut is part of the channel’s Drift, Draft and Drive Marathon that features car and racing centric episodes (2-7p). All episodes from the marathon will be available on Disney XD OnDemand beginning Wednesday, May 29. Following the series premiere, new episodes of Motorcity will take up its regular timeslot on Thursdays at 8p. Additionally, viewers can visit DisneyXD.ca this month and play the new Motorcity: Drive game to get a first look at the series. The free six-level racing game is also available for iOS devices. Motorcity is a production of Robin Red Breast, a subsidiary of Titmouse, and Disney Television Animation.

Canadian broadcasters CBC Radio Canada and Teletoon Canada acquire the second season of Big Bad Boo Studios‘ animated series 1001 Nights. In the mean time, Big Bad Boo is in pre-production for season 3 of 1001 Nights and has two other shows in development with a Canadian broadcaster. Big Bad Book is also publishing more 1001 Nights comic books, novels as well as online and mobile efforts based on the brand. An original comedy and adventure series, 1001 Nights (www.1001nightsshow.com) features Shahrzad presenting the tales of the classic 1001 Arabian Nights, including Sinbad, Aladdin and Ali Baba. 1001 Nights is launching in over 60 countries and 15 languages this year.

Entertainment One is set to release the debut DVD Babar: The Classic Series: The Complete First Season on June 5, 2012. The 2-disc set includes 13 episodes of the HBO Family animated series, which is based on iconic Babar storybook created by Jean de Brunhoff that in turn was based on the tale created by his wife, Cecile, for their kids. The DVD is in English, with French and Spanish language options. The Classic Babar animated currently airs on NBC, Telemundo and Ion, while the new animated series, Babar & the Adventures of Badou, can be seen on Disney Junior.

Join us for the 1st annual Cynopsis Kids !magination Awards Breakfast on June 7 from 8:00-10:30 a.m. at Le Parker Meridien in NYC. Join award finalists, support your colleagues and network with the best in the industry! Register now http://www.cynopsis.com/events/kids-awards !

STONE SOUP

Weekend Box Office Estimates for kids/tweens/teens rated G, PG or PG-13; May 11-13, 2012:
Marvel’s The Avenger (Disney) PG-13                               $103.2m-2 wk total $373.1m
Dark Shadows (Warner Bros.) PG-13                                 Opening Weekend $28.8m
Think Like A Man (Sony) PG-13                                        $6.3m-4 wk total $81.9m
The Hunger Games (Lionsgate) PG-13                               $4.4m-8 wk total $386.9m
The Lucky One (Warner Bros.) PG-13                                $4.1m-4 wk total $53.7m
The Pirates! Band of Misfits (Sony) PG                              $3.2m-3 wk total $23.1m
Chimpanzee (Disney) G                                                   $1.6m-4 wk total 25.6m
Girl In Progress (Lionsgate) PG-13                                    Opening Weekend 1.4m
The Three Stooges (Fox) PG                                            $1.0m-5 wk total 41.1m
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (Universal) PG                                  $409,500-11 wk total $209.6m
Source: Rentrak (www.rentrak.com)

EXECUTIVE MOVES

HIT Entertainment names Shari Donnenfeld to the newly created position of Head of HIT Global Brands. Donnenfeld will report into Edward Catchpole, SVP/HIT Brands. In her new position, Donnenfeld is responsible for guiding the global brand and marketing strategies for HIT’s existing and new properties including Thomas & Friends, Mike the Knight, Fireman Sam, and Bob the Builder. Most recently, Donnenfeld ran a running a consultancy business specializing in developing consumer-centric brand strategies for the launch and revitalization of kid’s TV, digital and publishing properties. She previously served in senior positions at Nickelodeon, Disney and Fox Kids Europe. Donnenfeld began her career at FCB advertising in NY.

RATINGS

Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Thursday, May 10, 2012, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
DISNEY CHANNEL:       K2-11 828; K6-11 428; TWEENS 9-14 338
NICKELODEON:            K2-11 746; K6-11 273; TWEENS 9-14 188
CARTOON NETWORK:    K2-11 444; K6-11 262; TWEENS 9-14 207
DISNEY XD:                K2-11 140; K6-11 106; TWEENS 9-14 110
NICKTOONS:              K2-11   74; K6-11   43; TWEENS 9-14  46
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data


A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE


 

Who do you want to reach?

Cynopsis Media e-publications are read by…
235+ major brands | Cable/MSO/DBS Representatives | Agency Reps/Buyers/Planners | Cable & Broadcast Network Decision Makers | Talent | Technology Executives | Producers | Writers/Editors | Analyst/Researchers | Freelance Consultants | Publicists/Agents | Crew/Operators |
Other Industry Professionals & Influencers

Contact Mike Farina, VP Sales & Marketing to drive results & reach your target market.


Answer to Our Last Trivia Question: What is Sylvester the Cat’s full name? Sylvester J. Pussycat, Sr. Kudos to: R J Cavallaro-Mills James Productions/Columbus, Ohio; Ed Dall’Aste-UPROAR!/NYC; Deedra L. Roberts-Turner Broadcasting Systems/Atlanta; Michael Ratliffe-B.E.T. Networks/Washington DC; Brett Ashy-The Ashy Agency/LA.

Today’s Trivia Question: What cartoon character was famous for saying, “This makes me very angry, very angry indeed.” (Email John@cynopsis.com 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!
05.14.12

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Mike Farina – VP/Sales and Marketing – 203-218-6480 / mike@cynopsis.com
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 888-702-3858 / trish@cynopsis.com

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here.
To unsubscribe from this edition, click here.


Cynopsis CLASSIFIEDSFor More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here .


JOB OPENING: DIR,SCHEDULING/WEtv/NYC: Oversees all aspects of short term ntwrk prmg strategies, inventory usage, comp analysis, stunt prmg; 2+yrs mgr or above pgmming/rsrch, resumes to: amcjobs@amcnetworks.com (5/19)

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER/Lifetime TV/NY: Write & produce high impact promo campaigns for scripted & unscripted series. 3+yrs On-Air Promo TV exp. Apply: www.aenetworks.com/careers.html (5/19)

JOB OPENING: DIG. MEDIAANALYST/A+E NETWORKS/NY: Define analytics reqs for web, mobile/gaming/social apps.Lead A/B testing, implementation, QA. Build reports/prsntions.3+yrs Omniture/reqd. 5yrs web anlytic www.aenetworks.com/careers (5/19)

JOB OPENING: ADV-PLATFORM ASSET PROD MGR/AMC/NYC: Manage product life-cycle & project plan effectively for progmmng content delivered to VOD, iTunes, Netflix. Submit res at: http://tinyurl.com/c9m33x9 (5/18)

JOB OPENING: SCHEDULING MANAGER/WE tv/NYC: research/analyze competitive data, create monthly VOD schedule, strategic scheduling Resumes to: amcjobs@amcnetworks.com (5/18)

JOB OPENING: SR DIGITAL SALES PLANNER/NYC/ABC: 3 yrs exp: rsrch/planning/executing dig campaigns, client service driven, manage multiple projs, manipulate data for analysis/presentation. Apply to: www.disneycareers.com Req:44469 (5/17)

JOB OPENING: MGR DIGITAL INTEGRATED MARKETING/MTVN/NYC: overseeing the life cycle of assigned advrtsng spnsorshps & prgrms across dgtal, mobile, social, video production & event mrkting. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (5/17)

JOB OPENING: AE-DIGITAL/NYC/ABC Network Sales: Devlp/maintain strategic accounts/sponsorship deals for abc.com, abcnews.com, GMA on Yahoo!, Oscar.com, SOAPnet.com & Hulu Network Apply to: www.disneycareers.com req ID: 44397 (5/17)

JOB OPENING: DIR, ON AIR PROMO/LOGO/NYC: 5 – 7 yrs exp. promo/advertising; excellent conceptual & creative thinker; passion for ent, promo & brand building; strong comm skills a must. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (5/17)

JOB OPENING: SR MANAGER PROGRAM RESEARCH/NBC Universal/NY: 5+ years Program Research experience required. Experience with Explorer/Arianna/Npower needed. Must have mgmt & presentation exp. Apply: www.nbcunicareers.com Job #4291 (5/17)

JOB OPENING: SR DIR, NATL ACCTS/WWE/LA: Oversee affiliate sales & marketing for Western Reg across multi-platform prods (PPV, on-demand, altern distrib, netwk launch, etc) 10+ yrs including premium netwk expr: www.wwe-careers.com (5/17)

JOB OPENING: DIG OPTIMIZATION MGR/New York: Drive Ad Sales Rev thru Direct & 2nd Channel Partnerships & Solutions across A+E Networks Dig initiatives http://www.aenetworks.com/careers (5/17)

JOB OPENING: TRAFFIC COORD/TV One/NY: BA pref’d and/or 2 yrs of exp TV Ops & Traffic. Build daily comm. log within parameters to ensure accuracy. Wrk w/ Ad sales mgmt, traffic mgmt. and agencies. More info: www.tvone.tv (5/17)

JOB OPENING: COPY COORD/TV One/NY: BA pref’d and/or 2 yrs of exp in TV Ops & Traffic. Wrk w/external agencies & traffic mgmt to secure commercial copy for network. Brdway exp a +. Visit www.tvone.tv (5/17)

JOB OPENING: TLK SHW PRODCR/Stamford, CT: Mng team of AP/PA. Booking real guests. Must hve talk/court shw exp. Writing skills a must. Resume to: michelle.baetiong@nbcuni.com (5/16)

JOB OPENING: MGR, BUS AFFAIRS/Sundance/NYC: Monitor & process weekly production & payroll funding, Producer Royalty Entitlements & other payment scheds for Sundance’s Owned Productions. Submit res @ http://tinyurl.com/7vgcj3e (5/16)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF POST PRODUCTION/Pilgrim Studios/LA: Oversee all aspects of Post Production.  5-7 years exp. preferred.  Resumes:  resumes@pilgrimstudios.com (5/16)

JOB OPENING: VP FINANCE/DailyCandy/NBCU/NYC: 10+yrs exp, Dig Media/ Fin. Planning & Anls/Planning Systems/Operations exp. Lead LRP, Budget & Reforecasting. MBA/CPA desired. Apply: www.nbcunicareers.com Job#5514BR, EOE/M/F/D/AAP (5/16)

JOB OPENING: VP STRAT. & OPSS., EDN/IM, NBCU/NYC: 8+yrs exp. Strategic Plan/Proj Mgmt/ID Ind. Trends & Biz Ops4 rev. growth. Invest Bank & Biz Dev exp w/in media. MBA desired. Apply: www.nbcunicareers.com Job#5299BR, EOE/M/F/D/AAP (5/16)

JOB OPENING: VP CREATIVE/G4/NBCUniversal/LA: Manage OnAir, Print & Online Design teams and work on programming & network brand mktg strategy. 8 yrs exp in Creative Exec role req. Apply at: www.nbcunicareers.com Job#5312BR (5/16)

JOB OPENING:  SR ACCT DIR DOMESTIC DISTRO/Discovery/NY: Responsible for distro & mrktg efforts for 18 ntwrks; 6+yrs in cable distro w/proven track record of territory mgmt & client relations; http://careers.discovery.com/ #4823 (5/16)

JOB OPENING: REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXEC/Screenvision/NYC or ATL: Cinema or Spot TV sales exp. preferred. 4+ yrs exp selling media advertising.  Client acct mngmnt & develpmt.  Apply: www.screenvision.com (5/16)

JOB OPENING: GENERAL EDITOR/ESPN: Position Title: Part Time – General Editor, espnW: To view full job description please use this link – http://track.tmpservice.com/ApplyClick.aspx?id=1457350-2161-2140 (5/16)

JOB OPENING:  TV prod. company specializing in reality/docu-series for multiple series. Need exp APs, PMs, LPs, SPs, ShowRunners, Editors, Post Sprvsrs & Post PC/NYC: Docusoap exp a must. Resume to realitytvnyc.productions@gmail.com (5/16)

JOB OPENING: DIR, PRGMG & SCHEDULING/DISCOVERY/MD: Dvlps/executes ntwrk prmg strategies, oversees schedlng & completed prgrm acquisitions; 10+yrs prmg/schdling or prgm rsrch exp in TV industry. http://careers.discovery.com/ #5803 (5/16)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASST/LIME/NY: Hotel ad ntwrk seeks energetic, smart, organized Sales Asst; Create sales proposals, research materials, acct maint, post-buy and sales admin; Exp w/ Micro Office; resume to: adsales@lodgenet.com (5/15)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/ABC/NY: Responsible for identifying & negotiating potential business opportunities in digital media for ABCNews.com. Min 7+ years exp. Apply at: www.disneyabcjobs.com (ID 42311) (5/15)

JOB OPENING: VP SCHEDULING/BBC AMERICA/NYC: Build long-term netwk strategy to encourage rating grwth & sales rev. Evaluate current schedules & identify acquisitions. 7-10 yrs TV program scheduling. Rez: sally.sy@bbc.com (5/15)

JOB OPENING: GAME DESIGNER/COMMUNITY MANAGER/NBCU/NYC: Manage and develop virtual economy for new gaming portal and engage users as community manager. Min 1 year relevant experience. To apply, www.nbcunicareers.com 5550BR (5/15)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCER, DIG CRTV ADV/MTV/NYC: 3 yrs Exp as online producer and/or project mgr. Manage the production process of digi advertiser programs Apply: www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (5/15)

JOB OPENING: SHOPPER MARKETING/NEW YORK: Media company seeks a Strategic & Sales Shopper Marketing candidate to join our dynamic team. Competitive salary & benefits. Send resume to: mediacoinny@yahoo.com (5/15)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR, MKT & MEDIA RSRCH (COMM)/NASCAR/CHARLOTTE: 8 plus yrs exp PR, Comm, Consumer & Media Rsrch. Knwldg of primary rsrch & working w/ Nielsen/Scarborough/Simmons, etc… data a plus. Apply: www.employment.nascar.com (5/15)

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 trish@cynopsis.com.

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  SUMMER INTERN/NY: Multimedia co. seeks intern to assist in network production, programming and misc. projects. Min of 2 days/wk. Computer proficiency & sports interest a +. Res: hr30ml@gmail.com (5/17)

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 trish@cynopsis.com.

SITUATION WANTED: WRITER’S/SHOW RUNNER’S ASSISTANT/LA: Has worked 4-cam sitcom, 1-cam writers’ rooms and as executive producer gatekeeper. Great proof and coverage skills. Very experienced with Final Draft. Timothy.l.barley@gmail.com (5/17)

SITUATION WANTED: Dedicated & Experienced ADV. SALES PLANNER/NYC: Sales proposals, resolving client discrepancies, quarterly post analysis, special sales service projects, expert computer skills. Contact- runelyon@aol.com (5/16)

SITUATION WANTED: LEGAL/BUSINESS AFFAIRS OUTSOURCING: Experienced attorneys; will handle legal for production companies or business affairs depts (www.metallawgroup.com). rjefferson@metallawgroup.com (5/15)

E-mail Trish@cynopsis.com or call Trish Pihonak at 888-702-3858 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

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

Cynopsis Media, a division of Access Intelligence
65 Lantern Road
Stratford, CT 06614
Ph: 888.702.3858
Fx: 203.386.8855

Copyright Cynopsis 2012

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2012

To unsubscribe from just this Cynopsis Kids! email, please click here.

 

Related Stories

Cynopsis 11/20/25: Canadian Drama Headed to HBO Max

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM OMEDA Thursday November 20, 2025    IN THE NEWS Major League Baseball has inked new media rights deals with NBC, Netflix and ESPN. Sunday night games will move from ESPN to NBC Sports, which also nabbed ESPN’s Wild Card rights. Netflix will have the annual Home Run Derby, along […]

The State of Audience Data for Broadcast, Cable & Streaming Media

Audience expectations are shifting faster than ever, and broadcasters are under pressure to move beyond traditional ratings to truly understand who their viewers are—and what keeps them engaged. Opportunity is knocking, but few are answering. TV Execs see first-party data as a growth driver, yet most aren’t leveraging it to create real audience value or […]

11/19/25: Cynopsis Jobs

jobs4

Wednesday November 19, 2025 CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2026 Your Free VIP Access to the Future of Video At Convergent TV World 2026, industry leaders break down the shifts redefining cross-screen advertising—from converged planning and measurement to creative innovation and privacy-first strategies. If you’re a brand or agency, complimentary VIP Passes are available. Apply today—space is […]

Cynopsis 11/19/25: AMC Networks Launches Reality TV Streamer

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM HALLMARK CHANNEL Wednesday November 19, 2025    IN THE NEWS AMC Networks has launched subscription streaming service All Reality, featuring over 2500 hours of reality programming from We TV and other AMC Networks brands. Programs include “Love After Lockup,” “The Braxtons,” and “Mama June,” among others, along with a […]

Cynopsis 11/18/25: Content Discovery Problem Persists

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM PREMION Tuesday November 18, 2025    IN THE NEWS Sinclair has been in discussions with rival broadcast station owner E.W. Scripps for several months regarding a “potential combination,” according to an SEC filing, and has acquired an 8.2% stake in the company. Scripps operates 60 local stations and owns […]

CynCity

Cynsiders

Instagram