Cynopsis
Good morning. It’s Monday, November 16, 2009, and this is your first early morning briefing. And as always, if you prefer to watch this morning’s news instead of reading it, click here. Tonight’s Premieres: ~ MORE STUFF ~
While news of a joint venture between Comcast Corp and General Electric Co have not been finalized and announced, Reuters and others report the Board for the new company has been determined, tho no other details have been provided. The two sides were expected to finalize the deal this weekend. In the meantime, GE is working with Vivendi SA to finalize the company’s 20% stake in NBC Universal. The current value of NBC Universal is set at $30 billion. Reported to head up the new venture will be NBC Universal head Jeff Zucker. MGM film studio is seeking a buyer. MGM is also pursuing a merger or acquisition, after receiving the go ahead from lenders allowing the Studio to skip its monthly interest payment thru the end of January, while it develops a new capital structure and long term business plan. As far as potential buyers, there are several candidate including Time Warner, 20th Century Fox, Viacom, a private equity fund called Qualia Capital, but the leader in the rumor mills is Lionsgate. According to the New York Times, MGM valuation could range between $1.5 billion and $3 billion. The studio was taken private in 2004 by a group including Comcast, Sony, Providence Equity Partners and Quadrangle Group for a cost of $5 billion. TBS’ The Very Funny Show is scheduled to debut on November 19 at 12m following the Lopez Tonight show. The half hours series will feature a variety of stand up comics, all providing their insights into life on the road. Emmy Award-winning writer David Lloyd, 75, died last Tuesday at his home in Beverly Hills. During his career, David worked on The Tonight Show and The Dick Cavett Show through the 1960s and early 1970s then got a job as writer for The Mary Tyler Moore Show for its 1973-74 season penning 31 episodes. While writing for The Mary Tyler Moore Show show, David became best known for writing the famous and hilariously memorable “Chuckles Bites the Dust” episode in 1975. In 1997, TV Guide selected the Chuckles episode as the greatest episode in TV history. David also won Emmys in 1977 as one of the writers on the final episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and one in 1998 for Frasier. He was also nominated for writing Emmys for Rhoda, Taxi and Cheers; David also worked on other series such as The Bob Newhart Show, Lou Grant, Brothers and Wings. Survivors include his son Christopher, who is an executive producer on ABC’s Modern Family and son, Stephen, a producer on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother. FamilyNet Television earlier this month on November 1, premiered the new reality series The Wacky World of Bruce Barry. The original docu-series follows the antics, life and creations of cartoon animator, Bruce Barry. Check local cable guide listings for encore air times of the series. Top 10 Weekend Box Office Estimates: November 13-15, 2009 A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM THE GEORGE FOSTER PEABODY AWARDS Call for Entries
69th ANNUAL PEABODY AWARDS Entry forms and detailed information available online at: Since 1941 … the World’s Oldest Award for Electronic Media ~ DISTRIBUTION, CLEARANCE & CARRIAGE ~
Debmar-Mercury announced it has sold off-cable episodes of Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns in more than 70% of the US. The comedy will launch in broadcast syndication starting September 2010. Meet the Browns was picked up by such station groups as Fox, Tribune, Weigel, CBS, Capital, Cox, Meredith, Peachtree, Granite, Newport and Belo groups. The show was licensed on a cash-plus-barter advertising basis in seven of the top ten markets: New York (Fox), Chicago (Weigel), Philadelphia (Tribune), Dallas-Ft. Worth (Fox), Atlanta (Peachtree), Washington, D.C. (Fox) and Houston (Fox). Meet the Browns debuted on TBS in June 2009. This month, HISTORY launched History International HD (HI HD), a new 24-hour hi-def network as part of the AETN HD roster of networks including HISTORY HD, A&E HD, BIO HD, CI, HD, LIFETIME HD and LMN HD. HI HD opens on Time Warner markets in New York City and Los Angeles; on Brighthouse’s Tampa and Orlando markets; and on Cox in Kansas and Arkansas. HI HD will simulcast all of HISTORY’s programming of original, non-fiction series and specials. ~ PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT ~
Comedy writer/director Larry Charles is again working in broadcast television, this time on a semi-scripted project for NBC. NBC handed the untitled show-within-a-show project a production order to a presentation. The ensemble comedy, set in a small town, focuses on a group of people who creatively make episodes of their favorite show after its conclusion. Charles is writing, directing and executive producing; Warner Bros. Television is producing with McG’s studio-based Wonderland Sound and Vision. McG and Peter Johnson will also executive produce. The CW is working on a medical school drama titled HMS from writer Amy Holden Jones (Mystic Pizza), cites THR. The ensemble project in development is about a group of students at Harvard Medical School and is produced by Warner Bros. Television. Hayden Panettiere, star of NBC’s Heroes, will co-executive produce while Jones will write and executive produce. Veteran actor Jeffrey Tambor was tapped to co-star along with David Tennant in the NBC pilot Rex Is Not Your Lawyer, per THR. The 60m project is from Universal Media Studios and BermanBraun and is about Rex Alexander (Tennant) a top litigator in Chicago who suffers from panic attacks and trains his clients on how to represent themselves in court. Tambor will play Rex’s psychiatrist and a specialist in anxiety disorders and who also becomes romantically involved with Rex’s mother. A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CYNOPSIS MEDIA
Advanced Advertising & Interactive Television Research
Available to all Cyn opsis Media readers Cyn opsis Media conducted a study to understand the progress being made in Advanced Advertising and iTV solutions. In partnership with Ensequence, WE tv, Wedding Central, & Comcast Spotlight, Cyn opsis Media is providing our readers with the understandings & findings of this industry-wide investigation. ~ RATINGS ~
Thursday A18-49 Analysis: ABC kept its first place status Thursday night winning the A18-49 demo with 4.0/11, according to final national ratings from Nielsen. CBS began the evening at 8p a champ with Survivor: Samoa at 4.0/11 with FOX’s Bones next at 2.9/8. ABC won the 9p hour with Grey’s Anatomy at 5.6/14 with CSI on CBS in second at 4.1/10. Competition was tighter during 10p though ABC’s Private Practice prevailed with 3.9/11 and CBS’ The Mentalist was not far behind at 3.6/10. Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Thursday, November 12, 2009 (November Sweep Day 15) time period averages. Source: NTI Galaxy, as dated. Live+SD. CBS: 9.6/15 Survivor: Samoa 7.5/12, CSI 10.9/17, The Mentalist 10.4/18 ABC: 7.2/12 Flash Forward 5.3/8, Grey’s Anatomy 9.6/15, Private Practice 6.7/11 FOX: 5.0/8 Bones 6.3/10, Fringe 3.6/6 NBC: 3.4/5 Community 3.2/5, Parks and Recreation 2.8/4, The Office 4.5/7, 30 Rock 3.5/5, The Jay Leno Show 3.1/5 CW: 2.1/3 Vampire Diaries 2.5/4, Supernatural 1.7/3 UNIV: 1.9/3 En Nombre del Amor 1.9/3, Sortilegio 2.3/4, Rosa de Guadalupe 1.5/3 ION: 0.7/1 Ghost Whisperer 0.7/1, NCIS [r] 0.7/1, NCIS [r] 0.8/1 TELE: 0.6/1 Mas Sabe El Diablo 0.8/1, Ninos Ricos 0.6/1, Victorinos 0.5/1 A18-49: ABC 4.0/11, CBS 3.9/10, FOX 2.6/7, NBC 2.4/6, CW 1.6/4, UNIV 1.4/4, TELE 0.6/2, ION 0.3/1
~ EXECUTIVE MOVES ~
Allison Corn advanced to the new position of VP/Production and Development with Lion Television Inc. Allison has been executive producer on a number of series for Lion Television and will continue in this capacity for such series as Planet Green’s Wa$ted and Discovery Channel’s Cash Cab among others. Allison will also continue to develop new content for the company. Shine-Reveille tapped Clay Murphy as VP/Production to continue production supervision of the studio’s various reality/competition television series. A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM COMCAST SPOTLIGHT Comcast Spotlight-Make a Big Impression
With nearly 30 million represented customers in more than 80 markets, including 21 of the top 25 DMAs, Comcast Spotlight’s suite of on-air, online and on-demand digital advertising options helps you reach, engage and connect with your audience, wherever they’re consuming media. Comcast Spotlight offers easy-to-buy, easy-to-execute solutions customized around your goals and designed to meet your objectives. To learn more, visit www.ComcastSpotlight.com or e-mail This day in History: 1915 – Coca-Cola had its prototype for a contoured bottle patented. The bottle made its commercial debut the next year. Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question: The tag line for this product in 1929 was “The pause that refreshes”. At last Dr. John Pemberton thought so. What is the product? COCA-COLA Kudos to: Smiti Kumar-Merrill Lynch/NY; Karen Parmelee/NY; Sonia Mendez/Charleston SC; Cheryl Lightfoot-WTO5/Toledo; Victoria Kelley-Charter Media/Quincy; Lauren Carter-WPMI/Mobile; Malachy Wienges-Sedona Broadcasting/Sedona; Brian Fleming-WGNO/New Orleans; George La Fountaine-How I Met Your Mother/Granada Hills; Steve Howard/Burbank; Chris Day-The Weather Channel/Atlanta; Steven Whitney-White Cat Prods/Studio City; Jim Snider-CTV/Toronto; Arthur Reinstein-Canwest/Toronto Today’s Trivia Question: Captain Nathan Hale Bridger is the commander of what vessel? (Email A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM THE LUSTGARTEN FOUNDATION
Last one in is a rotten reindeer.
Save The Date: December 10, 2009
Holiday Rock & Roll Bash 9 B.B. King Blues Club, New York City A benefit for The Lustgarten Foundation Visit curePC.org. Later — Cyn Cynopsis Media Facebook Page here – all of our Job Listings and Top Stories reported here first! Cynopsis Ad Sales: Member of Interactive Advertising Bureau (iab) To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here . Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here . JOB OPENING: DIR AFFILIATE SALES & MARKETING/HALLMARK CHANNEL/NY: Increase distribution for Hallmark Channels; please see full posting and apply at http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/ConsumerWeb/JobOpening/Default.aspx (11/21) JOB OPENING: MGR DIGITAL ADSALES FINANCE/FNC.com min. 5 yrs ad sales financial exp. Respon. for fin. analysis of digital metrics. Strong business partner exp. Ad Servers/Yield systems req. Res + CL to JOB OPENING: STRATEGIC MKTG MGR/(USA)/NBCU/NY: Devel. & execute revenue generating, multi-platform mktg opportunities for potential & current clients, support USA network’s sales goals. BA 5 yrs exp. www.nbcjobs.com , #1109143 (11/20) JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS/Nat’l Geo Channel, DC. Lead/develop promo partnerships. BA & 7yrs exp & cable network pref. Apply www.FoxCareers.com job# FNG17451 (11/20) JOB OPENING: EXEC PROD/NYC: Proven track rec to lead prod arm of NYC post shop. Resp for successful completion of projs across all mediums. Bring proven leadership skills to all phases of prod thru post. Res: JOB OPENINGS: (2) DIR, SALES & ACCT MGR/The Hotel Networks/Chicago: 3+ yrs Ad Sales Exp, OOH/Dig-Place Based+, Creative, Aggressive, Proven Sales Pro, Exp w/ Sales Promo, Excel Comm Skills, Self-Motivated. JOB OPENINGS: MGR, STANDRD PRACTICES/RADIO DISNEY/BURBANK: Revw commercial copy/audio for policy compliance. Revw lyrics, video, sweepstakes, online content. Knwldg kids issues, COPPA, CARU, FCC, radio. www.disneycareers.com 212770 (11/18) 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 SPRING INTERNSHIPS CREDIT ONLY: Rock Ridge Music/Newark NJ: call tour promoters & retail stores, work directly w/RRM staff & artists, Internet promo/research, computer savvy, familiar w/social networking sites SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Trylon SMR ( www.trylonSMR.com), a NYC PR agency, is seeking a Spring intern that has familiarity with the media industry and tech sector, and strong internet skills. 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 SITUATION WANTED: DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION & ART DIRECTION (NYC)20 years experience working concept through completion. Portfolio: www.baerdavis.com Email: SITUATION WANTED: DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION, WEBSITE, VIDEO EDITING & ART DIRECTION (LA) Extensive industry experience. Portfolio: http://www.unlaccess.com / Email: SITUATION WANTED: EXPERIENCED FINANCIAL AND TURNAROUND EXECUTIVE – Over 20 years experience. Seeks challenging situation at broadcast/internet/print media company. SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/EDITOR(LA)10+ yrs in news, reality, features, docs, clip shows w/ ESPN, HBO, E! Ent., NFL Net, TruTV. Field and story producer, final cut/avid exp, great w/ deadlines & talent SITUATION WANTED:CONTRACT MANAGER/ADMINISTRATOR: 10 yrs exp.in Contract/Sales Admin: avails, reporting, etc.; looking to work out of home office, or in the NY area. Contact e-mail: SITUATION WANTED:CAMERA OPERATOR/LA Based… MTV, TRUTV, ABC, Watch my reel at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxsrcWAvvKw. Contact email: SITUATION WANTED: BIZ & LEGAL AFFAIRS ATTY: seeks studio position/10+ yrs exp/new media, content licensing, IP, rights mgt, use of name & likeness/ SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING MANAGER/LA with exp in independent film, home entertainment, television and entertainment partnerships seeks opportunity to make a difference for the right company. Email for resume. SITUATION WANTED: EIC/Line Prod/Dir.Ops. 10+yrs Versed in: live, synd, news, reality, lg. event sports & Ent. Budgeting Lg & sm. Exc. org. skills, Movie Magic, & union contracts. At ease in fast paced control room envir. SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA SALES/MARKETING MANAGER/LA: 15+ years experience in educational, documentary, advertising media sales.True Closer!!!!! SITUATION WANTED: EIC/Line Prod/Dir.Ops. 10+yrs Versed in: live, synd, news, reality, lg. event sports & Ent. Budgeting Lg & sm. Exc. org. skills, Movie Magic, & union contracts. At ease in fast paced control room envir. SITUATION WANTED:CAMERA OPERATOR/LA Based: MTV, TRUTV, ABC, Watch my reel at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxsrcWAvvKw. Contact email: SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR (NY) Ultra-creative, award winning, all formats, all genres, all major networks and major cable. Fast, frugal and fun! E-mail Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email WHAT’S ON TONIGHT – MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009 ABC: Dancing with the Stars, Castle Cynopsis Media LLC All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2009
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