Cynopsis

11.09.09

Good morning. It’s Monday, November 9, 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 Premiere:
TBS: Lopez Tonight at 11p (also simulcast on TNT and truTv)

Tonight’s Finale:
ABC Family: Lincoln Heights at 8p

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM COMCAST SPOTLIGHT

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
.

Following the August 2009 absorption of Lifetime Entertainment Services by AETN and the partnership of Disney-ABC TV Group, NBC Universal and Hearst Group, news came late Friday of staff cuts across A&E and Lifetime, and hitting an array of departments and divisions.  The total number of positions eliminated are estimated at 100, or 10% of the overall staff. 

Showtime announced a slew of upcoming premiere dates in first and second quarters of 2010 as well as the opening air date of a popular film.

• Kicking off the New Year, Showtime will air the television premiere of popular film Twilight on January 23 (time TBD).
• Then following on January 25, the premium network will debut the third seasons of Secret Diary of a Call Girl at 10p and Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union at 1030, followed by the premiere at 11p of La La Land , starring British comic Marc Wootton.
• Showtime is sizing up Mondays for a comedy block consisting of the second season of Nurse Jackie beginning March 22 at 10p followed by season two of United States of Tara at 1030p.
• The fourth and final season of The Tudors will premiere April 11 at 9p.

Thursday’s fifth season opener of The Real Housewives of Orange County on Bravo attracted 1.98 million A18-49 as well as 2.58 million total viewers, an increase of 44% and 38% respectively compared to the show’s season four premiere on November 25, 2008.

A&E Network announced the opening date of its reality miniseries chronicling the Jackson family, The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty for December 13 at 9p. Back-to-back 60m episodes will air that night with the program airing at 10p the following Sunday night. Over six total episodes, the series will focus on brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon as they prep for a concert tour and document how they are handling the death of their brother Michael.

Top 10 Weekend Box Office Estimates: November 6-8, 2009
Disney’s A Christmas Carol (Disney)           $31.0 million  opening weekend
Michael Jackson’s This Is It (Sony)             $14.0 million  2 wk total $57.9m
The Men Who Star At Goats (Overture Films) $13.3 million  opening weekend
The Fourth Kind (Universal)                       $12.5 million  opening weekend
Paranormal Activity (Paramount)                $8.6 million  7 wk total $97.4m
The Box (Warner Bros.)                             $7.9 million  opening weekend
Couples Retreat (Universal)                        $6.4 million  5 wk total $96.0m
Law Abiding Citizen (Overture Films)           $6.2 million  4 wk total $60.9m
Where The Wild Things Are (Warner Bros.)  $4.2 million  4 wk total $69.3m
Astro Boy (Summit Entertainment)             $2.6 million  3 wk total $15.1m
Source: Rentrak

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM INSTITUTE FOR MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

TNT acquired the exclusive off-net syndication rights to the CBS drama The Mentalist from Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. The Mentalist begins airing on TNT in 2012. It is currently in its second season on CBS.

USA Network picked up the exclusive off-net syndication rights to the CBS series NCIS: Los Angeles, currently in its freshman season. USA Network will begin airing weekly episodes from season one starting September 2011 and later will be able to strip the series by September 2013.

CBS Television Distribution announced a three-year renewal for Dr. Phil, taking the syndicated talk show through its twelfth season. Dr. Phil has been reupped through the 2013-2014 season in 70% of the US in 20 of the top 25 markets including WCBS/New York, KCBS/Los Angeles and WBBM/Chicago. The stripped show was cleared by such station groups as CBS Television Stations, Gannett Broadcasting, Belo, Media General, LIN Television, Sinclair, Dispatch Broadcasting, Cox, Midwest Broadcasting, New Vision, Young, Cordillera, Capitol, Barrington and Fisher among others.

TV Land and TV Guide Network will jointly obtain the basic cable rights to the HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm. The sitcom, produced and headlined by Larry David will air first over a multi-year term on TV Guide Network beginning February 2010. TV Land will then air the series in its TV Land PRIME block immediately following the run on TV Guide Network.

The Ski Channel, after only nine months in existence, has surpassed 21 million subscribers in addition to signing a long-term VOD distribution deal with DISH Network.

A&E Network approved a 60m pilot called Sugarloaf headlined by Australian actor Matt Passmore. Produced by Fox Television Studios, the plot is about Jim Longworth (Passmore) an ex-cop in Chicago who gets fired from the force after being shot by his ex-captain, who wrongfully accused him of having an affair with his wife. Longworth then moves to a small Florida town joining the state police. Clifton Campbell is penning Sugarloaf and executive producing the pilot along with Gary Randall. Peter O’Fallon is directing.

In other A&E news, per THR, the network cast Jeffrey Nordling, John Heard and Michael Arden to co-star in its new drama pilot The Quickening, starring opposite Radha Mitchell, who is also from Australia. This project, produced by Fox Television Studios, is about Maggie Bird (Mitchell) a homicide detective who is demoted to a desk job after being diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. Nordling will play her ex-partner; Arden will play a doctor assigned to Maggie’s case; while Heard will play her boss. 

HBO has a 30m drama series, simply titled T in development involving the gender transition of a woman into a man. The project is from married team Anya Epstein and Dan Futterman who also recently agreed to a third season as showrunners on HBO’s In Treatment. For T, Epstein and Futterman will write the pilot and executive produce along with Ira Glass and Alissa Shipp.

Casting Call: NBC’s upcoming alternative series Losing It With Jillian launched a national search for families to participate on the show. Families who want to become more energized, healthy and want to work with fitness and wellness expert Jillian Michaels (NBC’s The Biggest Loser) are encouraged to apply. The first open casting call occurred yesterday in Los Angeles. Other open casting calls will take place on November 17-18 in Dallas; November 22 in Nashville; December 8-9 in Detroit; December 13 in Chicago; January 12-13 in Boston; and January 17 in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nbc.com/casting or www.castingduo.com/jillianmichaels.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CYNOPSIS MEDIA

Thursday  A18-49 Analysis: ABC captured a win, albeit narrowly Thursday night among A18-49 at 3.7/10, according to final national ratings from Nielsen. At 8p, CBS dominated with Survivor: Samoa at 3.7/10 while ABC’s FlashForward and FOX’s Bones tied for #2 at 2.6/7 each. ABC had the cure at 9p as Grey’s Anatomy won with a 5.1/13 followed by a tie between CBS’ CSI and the average of NBC’s sitcoms The Office and 30 Rock at 3.5/9 apiece. In the final hour at 10p, CBS’ The Mentalist was successful with a 3.6/10 over ABC’s Private Practice at 3.4/10.

Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Thursday, November 5, 2009 (November Sweep Day 8) time period averages. Source: NTI Galaxy, as dated. Live+SD.

CBS: 9.1/15       Survivor: Samoa 7.3/11, CSI 9.7/15, The Mentalist 10.4/18

ABC: 6.9/11         Flash Forward 5.5/9, Grey’s Anatomy 9.1/14, Private Practice 6.0/10

FOX: 4.1/6           Bones 5.3/8, Fringe 3.0/5

NBC: 3.6/6           Community 3.5/6, Parks and Recreation 3.2/5, The Office 4.8/8, 30 Rock 3.7/6, The Jay Leno Show 3.2/6

UNIV: 3.0/5        Latin Grammy 09 3.0/5

CW: 2.1/3           Vampire Diaries 2.6/4, Supernatural 1.6/3

ION: 0.6/1          Ghost Whisperer 0.6/1, NCIS [r] 0.7/1, NCIS [r] 0.7/1

TELE: 0.6/1         Mas Sabe El Diablo 0.6/1, Ninos Ricos 0.4/1, Futbol Estelar: Unam vs. America 0.7/1

A18-49: ABC 3.7/10, CBS 3.6/10, UNIV 2.7/7, NBC 2.5/7, FOX 2.1/6, CW 1.6/4, TELE 0.5/1, ION 0.3/1

CYNOPSIS DIGITAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  Ebay reached a legal settlement with the co-founders of Skype on Friday, clearing the way for a planned $2 billion deal to sell a majority share in the online communications company to a group of investors led by venture capital firm Silver Lake. As part of the settlement agreement, Joltid and Skype founders Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis will join the investor group, contributing Joltid software and a “significant” capital investment in exchange for a 14% stake in Skype. Silver Lake and other investors will end up with a controlling 56% of Skype, with eBay retaining the remaining 30%. (Former investor Index Ventures has withdrawn.) The deal, which values Skype at $2.75 billion, is expected to close during the current quarter. Full edition: CYN DIGITAL.    

CYNOPSIS KIDS – TODAY’S TOP  STORY:  Magic Lantern Entertainment concludes a $10 million deal with TF2 Ventures via its Innovation Entertainment label for up to 20 feature films for production over the next three to five years.  The first movie under the pact is Bad Kitty, a mixed media/CGI animated adventure comedy based on the famous droll cat character Heathcliff.  Featuring a script by noted animation writer/producer Tom Ruegger (Animaniacs, Tiny Toon Adventures among many others), Bad Kitty is currently in pre-production and targeted for a 2011 release.  No word yet on the voice cast for the movie. Full edition: CYN KIDS.    

Leftfield Pictures hired Rob Shaftel as Director/Development to manage the company’s increasing development slate, network relationships and to develop business relationships. Rob joins Leftfield Pictures from Discovery Channel where he served as Manager/Program Development. In his new position, Rob will report jointly to company principals Brent Montgomery and Colby Gaines.

Joe Brown joined VERSUS as VP/Research in charge of analyzing the growth and strength of the network through brand studies and via Nielsen ratings and viewership numbers for VERSUS’ sports franchises including the NHL, the IZOD IndyCar Series and Tour de France as well as others. Joe formerly worked for Fox Broadcasting where he was Senior Director/Audience Intelligence and Research Strategy. In his new role, Joe will be based at network headquarters in Philadelphia.

This day in History:  1965 – The great Northeast blackout occurred as several states and parts of Canada were hit by a series of power failures lasting up to 13 1/2 hours.  Where were you?

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:    For the full run of this series, the Ford Galaxie was the featured vehicle.  Updated regularly as new models came off the line. Who drove this car?  IT WAS THE SHERIFF’S CAR ON THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW  Kudos to: Lewis Cosby/Knoxville; Paul Prange-WWJ & WKBD/Detroit; Paul Gluck-LiveUpdate Multimedia/Ardmore; Linda Grillo-NBC Universal/NY; Tim Rank-Cox Reps/St. Louis; Rick Arredondo-T29 Prods/LA; Susan Nessanbaum Goldberg-Merv Griffin Entertainment/LA; Lorrie Shilling-DirecTV/El Segundo; Jim Berwanger-Fox Broadcasting/LA

Today’s Trivia Question:  Only three shows in television history ranked #1 in the ratings for their entire final network seasons.  What were they? (Email
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
11.09.09

Cynopsis Media Facebook Page here – all of our Job Listings and Top Stories reported here first!

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Chuck Bolkcom, Pres/COO – 646-468-6180 /

Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 /

Member of Interactive Advertising Bureau (iab)

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here . 
To unsubscribe , click here or click the button at the end of this email.

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

JOB OPENING:  VP BIZ AFFAIRS METRO TV/ATLANTA: 7+ yrs Exp’d Media Exec. Work on Budgets, Acctng, Potential Partnerships/Acquisitions, Extensive Margin Analysis & Back Office Ops. Apply/Details: www.westwoodone.com (11/14)

JOB OPENING:  SVP, INTEGRATED MKTG/MTV/NYC: 15+ yrs in Integrated/Ad Sales Mktg or Advrtsng; Proven success in dvlpng & implementing innovative, revenue generating, campaigns; BA req’d, MBA pref’d. EOE/M/F/D/AAP www.mtvncareers.com (11/14)

JOB OPENING:   DIR PRICING/PLANNING/GSN/NY: 10 yrs ad sales exp. Respon. for ad sales rate cards, stewardship, Knowledge of Dealmaker/VCI systems needed. Res + CL to
  (11/14)

JOB OPENING: SALES/MKTG COORD/CYNOPSIS MEDIA/ Summit, NJ offices of Cynopsis: Support sales team, manage inventory, create mktg materials, manage partnerships.2-3 yrs exp. Resume:
(11/13)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ASSISTANT FOR E! / LA – Assist Research Dept. & EVP. 2 yrs admin experience and an interest in Research/TV required. Please submit resume:
(11/13)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASST CABLEVISION/NORWALK CT: 1-3 yrs exp in mrkt, adv or bus related field. Assist sales team & mgmnt. Strong Excel and Powerpoint skills. See full posting and apply to www.cablevision.jobs Req 9615BR (11/13)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIR/MSG VARSITY/LI: Lead research for network functions incl. Programming, Digital Media, Outreach, Branding & Audience Measurement. 7+ yrs network research, 10+ yrs total www.cablevision.jobs req 9431BR  (11/12)

JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE, MEDIA STRATEGY & PLANNING/Nat’l Geo, WILD Channel/DC:  Responsible for the planning and execution of on-air strategies.  BA & 5 yrs on air planning exp req. Apply www.FoxCareers.com job# FNG17607 (11/12)

JOB OPENING: MGR PRGRMG & SCHED/Nat’l Geo, WILD Channel/DC: Strategic creation of the Channel’s sched; mgt of day to day relationship w/Ad Sales, listings & titles. BA 5 yrs prgrmng exp & rsrch. Apply www.FoxCareers.com job# FNG17610 (11/12)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH ANALYST/DISNEY ABC/CA: min 1 yrs exp in TV research, apt at Nielsen, strong written & analytical skills, college degree pref. Apply at: www.disneyabcjobs.com (ID 207697)   (11/12)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA AS’T/PLUM TV/NYC: Organized, detailed admin to assist CRO/sales team of lifestyle media org (tv, web, social) focused on upscale market. 2+ yrs prev exp, Excel, Sales force exp req’d. See full post plumtv.com   (11/11)

JOB OPENING:  VP EAST COAST SALES – IFC & SUNDANCE /NY:Mng east coast sales team to drive ad rev. Great relationships w/ media clients, proven sales record & exp mngng team a must. 10+yrs in TV/agency. Apply:
(11/10)

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
.

WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: WEB INTERN/Ramsey, NJ: Comp Sci/IT. Detail oriented, knows FTP, cpanel & CMS.HTML + CSS by hand. Can adjust CSS to match JPG. Pluses: XML, javascript, PHP, slicing PSDs into webpages.
(11/13)

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

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:
(11/14)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIR/STRATEGIST – See what 20+ yrs media, Nielsen, Hisp, research, sales, presentation experience can do for you.Email:
(11/14)

SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA PUBLISHING, EXEC MNGMNT & SALES– 18 yrs in creative online/print client solutions for the most prestigious titles in the legal & fashion ind (ALM and Conde Nast).
  (11/14)

SITUATION WANTED:  20+ yrs. experience in TV Broadcasting & Cable ACCOUNTING/FINANCE. Seeking FT/PT or Temp-to-Perm position: 
(11/12)

SITUATION WANTED:  Extensive & experienced domestic & int’l broadcast and A/V equipment Sales and Mgt. (Atlanta). Can operate from home office & travel. Write
(11/11)

SITUATION WANTED: TV PRODUCER/ BOOKER (NY) Professional with experience in syndicated shows and news looking for Producer opportunity or in Media Relations/Communications/ Public Affairs.Email:
    (11/11)

SITUATION WANTED:  +5 yrs exp Media and Film Prod with exp in Marketing & Digital Film Sales, NBC reality tv, NYC MOFTB. Seeking on location/office Prod Coordinator position. email
(11/11)

SITUATION WANTED: Extremely detail oriented PRODUCTION MANAGER with 18+ years experience able to handle several projects simultaneously in a fast paced environment. Possess strong interpersonal skills. Email:
  (11/10)

E-mail
or call Trish Pihonak at 203.926.9878 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

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

WHAT’S ON TONIGHT –  MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009

ABC:  Dancing with the Stars, Castle
AZTECA: Lo Que Callamos Las Mujeres Edicion Especial, Extranormal de Impacto, Al Extremo
CBS: How I Met Your Mother, Accidentally on Purpose, Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory, CSI Miami
CW: One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl
FOX:  House, Lie to Me
ION:  Ghost Whisperer, Criminal Minds, Criminal Minds
NBC:  Heroes, Trauma, Jay Leno Show
PBS: Antiques Roadshow, American Experience, How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin
TELE: Mas Sabe el Diablo, Ninos Ricos Padres Pobres, Victorinos
UNIV:  El Nombre del Amor, Sortilegio, Cristina

Cynopsis Media LLC
One Corporate Drive, Suite 724
Shelton, CT 06484
203.926.9878

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2009