A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM WE tv

Cynopsis: DIGITAL

04/02/09

Good morning, it’s Thursday, April 2, 2009, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. 

Introducing what could be a killer app for the BlackBerry, QuickPlay Media announced the launch of its PrimeTime2Go premium mobile TV service bringing full episodes of NBC, CBS, MTV and The CW shows to BlackBerry Bold and Curve phones. The service will be available through AT&T and T-Mobile for an additional $7.99/month for unlimited downloads (the app doesn’t support live streaming but rather downloads shows via WiFi soon after their air date.) PrimeTime2Go will also feature a “season pass” style function, allowing viewers to subscribe for automatic downloads of their favorite show. It comes to BlackBerry’s App World storefront in early May.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM DIRECTV

 
If newspapers are going to survive as web entities they’re going to have to get with the program and partner with companies who are innovators in the space. One such mover and shaker is Seattle-based Zillow, a real estate search and listing service that has carved out a niche for itself as a place to go to crunch local market data on home values and mortgage rates. Zillow struck a deal with a group of 180 newspaper sites yesterday owned by Hearst, Media General, MediaNews Group, Morris Communications and The E.W. Scripps Co to launch co-branded search functionality on their sites. The real estate sections of sites such as Richmond’s TimesDispatch.com will add a Zillow-powered box geared toward homeowners or prospective buyers.
 
Nokia has recruited Heroes creator Tim Kring to help promote its Ovi app storefront. Tim is working on a multiplatform project for release this summer, codenamed “Teva,” that will involve audience interaction and multiple storylines. The Ovi Store, accessible by Nokia Series 40 and S60 phones as well as its upcoming flagship N97 phone, has already enlisted a number of content providers including the AP, Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Facebook, Fox Mobile, MySpace and EA.
 
Could it be an inside job? A near pristine print of 20th Century Fox‘s troubled tentpole movie Wolverine popped up on P2P sites yesterday, a full month before it is due to hit theaters.
 
Following the launch of several new destinations, NBCU’s SciFi.com charted a course to its best-trafficked month and quarter ever. In March, SciFi.com attracted 4.5 million uniques (+40%), 7.4 million visits (+182%) and 7.4 million videos streams (+59%). Users spent 16 minutes per visit (+67%) and 27 minutes per unique on the site (+90%). Sci Fi WAP sites also earned 1.2 million page views and 275K unique users in March. Sci Fi recently concluded new partnerships with Acclaim Games and ZooKazoo to develop a new series of online games and entertainment destinations.
 
Following a successful Twitter campaign around On Board Air Force One, National Geographic Channel has launched its own full time Twitter account to market priority programming. NGC’s Air Force One campaign amassing more than 2,000 followers in three weeks and reached 1.4 million people.
 
A number of new system launches have pushed Gospel Music Channel‘s footprint to 45 million subs. The emerging network also more than doubled its VOD views in 2008 with 2 million+ views during Q4.
 
Discovery on Demand also reported double-digit growth for its on demand services during Q1. The service delivered nearly seven million views in February, representing a 30% gain over 2008.
 

 
Handsomely funded online video service Veoh Networks announced a leadership change, replacing CEO Steve Mitgang with Veoh founder and Chief Innovation Officer Dmitry Shapiro. Veoh is also undergoing a shift in strategy; the company will now focus on its Video Compass application, a browser plug-in that interfaces with several leading search and shopping sites to bring advanced search, recommendations and other functionality to Firefox 3 and EI7 browsers  without having to download a full client app. The company also underwent a fresh round of layoffs, per VentureBeat, letting go some 25 full-time employees.
 
Widely used web video distribution and measurement firm TubeMogul secured $3 million in series A funding from Trinity Ventures. The funding will be utilized to forward growth of TubeMogul’s video distribution platform and accelerate standardization of its online video analytics services.
 
Cross-platform production company Generate has formed a new market research division out to study the consumption habits and views of today’s connected millennials. Generate Insight, run by new hire SVP Janis Gaudelli, collects and analyzes proprietary data sourced directly from a network of 7,500 “Insighters” who Gaudelli personally recruited and developed relationships with when she oversaw Teen People’s Trendspotter network. Generate Insight will tap the Insighters community to produce a monthly “Pulse report” of trends and themes impacting the Millennial generation. The first report, to be released in time for Earth Day, will focus on how Millennials think about the environment and green issues.
 
Los Angeles-based Mutiny Pictures is partnering with fashion designer and Project Runway alum Vincent Libretti on a new fashion-themed branded entertainment series code named “Project Vincent,” scheduled to begin shooting this summer.
 

 
Following the IAB/PwC’s release of slowing internet growth, down from 26% in 2007 to 11% last year, eMarketer released some newly revised online ad spending projections that cuts its growth projections for 2009 in half. The researcher predicts that growth will expand by just 4.5% to $24.5 billion this year as marketers deal with the economic contraction.
 
US Online Advertising Spending Growth 2007-2013
Year      $ (billions)     % change
2007      21.2              25.6%
2008      23.4              10.6%
2009      24.5                4.5%
2010      26.8                9.4%
2011      29.7               10.8%
2012      33.7               13.5%
2013      37.2               10.4%
source: eMarketer    
 

 
Macrovision, the company that acquired TV Guide’s IPG technology, unveiled a trio of new releases at the Cable Show yesterday including a new Multi-room DVR solution slated for deployment during Q4 and compatible with its Passport Echo 3.5 and i-Guide interactive programming guides. Multi-room DVRs have been slow to develop due to middleware integration complications, according to Corey Ferengul, EVP, Product Management & Marketing. Potentially more exciting is Macrovision True2way-based “Connected Platform” solution available during Q2 that will offer a fresh 16:9 ratio interface and break down the barrier between linear and VOD programming enabling viewers to search and browse from a single menu.
 
Despite worries that it would be it hampered by the digital TV delay, Qualcomm’s live mobile FLO TV service announced expansion of its service to an additional 19 markets around the country, extending FLO TV’s coverage to more than 10 million potential new viewers ahead of the revised June 12 DTV transition date. In all the service covers 68 markets and is sold through AT&T and Verizon Wireless.
 
Reflecting the boom in mobile video the NAB show has attracted more than 300 exhibitors from the space this year, centered around the ATSC Mobile DTV Pavilion as well as other areas of the show floor.
 

 
TiVo said it would increase the sample size of its Stop||Watch ratings service from 100,000 to 300,000 TiVo subscribers. The increased panel, which collects second-by-second viewing data from its DVRs, will enable the service to measure cable TV networks with audiences as small as 10,000 households. For instance, Tivo will begin measuring Fox Business Network, History International, and MLB Network later this year.
 
Mobile TV viewership in North America is poised to expand exponentially as viewers grow accustomed to watching TV in new places and situations, according to a new survey from Harris Interactive and FLO TV. The survey, which queried more than 2,000 adults, found that:

• 43% of consumers who currently watch mobile TV more likely to watch on a cell phone today than they were the previous year
• 62% said they watch, or would watch, mobile TV while traveling
• 41% say they watch, or would watch, while commuting between home and work (hopefully not while they’re driving)
• 45% of respondents who watch, or would watch, mobile TV do so because they want to be entertained

                                                                                    
Opera Software announced its first U.S. carrier deal this week. Fresh off its acquisition of Helio, Virgin Mobile will offer Opera Mini mobile browsing to its base of 5 million prepaid mobile customers, offering a $5 plan for 5MB of data and a $10 plan for 50 MB of data.
 
Test prep company Kaplan launched a series of new Facebook game app to challenge students boning up for the SAT, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, USMLE or NCLEX tests. Answer three daily questions correctly to accrue points, which can be redeemed for Kaplan Test Prep materials. The company is also giving away cash prizes.
 

 
Ad agency Ogilvy & Mather hired Lars Bastholm as Chief Digital Creative Officer. Reporting to Jan Leth, Vice Chairman, Global Digital Creative, Lars will work with JP Maheu, Chief Digital Officer for Ogilvy North America to oversee digital operations of its North American operations.
 
Search engine and online advertising company eZanga has opened a branch office in Norwalk, Connecticut in response to increased local interest in its services. Frank Holland will oversee operations at the new location as Account Manager.
 
Vish Makhijani, search and internet executive and current President and CEO of Yandex Labs, has joined the Board of Advisors of online advertising start-up Dapper. Prior to joining Yandex in 2008, Vish was SVP and General Manager of the Yahoo Search Group.
 
 

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

 
April Fools Day always brings out a good bit of Tom Foolery on the internet and let’s face it – these days we could use it. Yahoo launched Smellr; “It’s like Flickr, but for your nose.” Microsoft’s Xbox team came out with a new version of Guitar Hero introducing Yodeling into the mix. Will Ferrell’s Funny or Die rebranded itself to Reba or Die after it was acquired by frizzy-haired country singer Reba McEntire. “If you got to be bought out by someone, at least it’s Reba,” says Will. Then, just when we thought the company was in dire straights, Tribune developed the world’s first handheld quantum computer dubbed The Accelerator. It’s capable of 3D holographic displays, allowing projection from 3 inches to 172 feet on any surface in beyond HD resolution; voice recognition accepting 373 languages and dialects; and environmental re-creation programs able to re-generate the real-time visual and audible stimulus occurring on any date in history. It’s tag line? “Buy-bye internet.”
 
Later — Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
04.02.09

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JOB OPENING: BRAND RESEARCH MANAGER/ DIY NETWORK/ Knoxville, TN: Develops, analyzes, & interprets research. 5 yrs exp in market research at a TV network/ studio. Nielsen exp required. www.scrippsnetworks.com, #388 (4/8)

JOB OPENING:  SR. DIR, CLIENT DVLPMNT/NY/PostHouse & Production Co.5+yrs. exp.Sales/mktg. Dvlp new/expand biz for Brdcst & Cable clients. Req’s: must have existing relationships in Brdcst & Cable Vertical.  [email protected] (4/4)

JOB OPENING: NTL SALES REP/ Documentary Channel/NYC: Immediate opening for Nat Sales Rep w/ deep contacts/exp. Pure commission at generous rate. Path to FT w/health bens. Emmy-winning net. Apply: [email protected] (4/4)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/KSBI-TV/Oklahoma City/ the new THUNDER TV: Maximize relationships w/ existing clients, dvlp new bus., presentation writing, & involvement in promotional projects & commercial prod. Res: [email protected] (4/4)

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

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SUMMER INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: COMEDY TALENT MANAGEMENT INTERN/LA: Assist w/ office duties, covering shows, helping run live monthly show. For more info/submit resume, email [email protected]  (4/9)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: COMEDY TALENT MANAGEMENT INTERN/NYC: Assist w/ office duties, covering shows, helping run live monthly show. For more info/submit resume, email [email protected]  (4/9)

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 [email protected]

SITUATION WANTED: FILM & TV EDITOR (LA)  Major TV network editor would like to fill her hiatus by working on your pilot or small film/tv project. For pay only. Avid & Final Cut. Available. April 20  June 26. email: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING ANALYST (Dallas): 8+ years experience in marketing & research. Have worked with Nielsen, Scarborough, TNS and other systems, analyzing & interpreting data. For resume & more information: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: SALES MANAGER/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (Chicago). 24 yrs experience w/broadcast & cable seeks digital, OOH, emerging opportunities. Great communicator, solid relationships. Innovative & creative! [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: MUSIC LICENSING (LA) 10+ Experience in Music Licensing. Clearance, Song Selection, Contracts. Resume on IMDb. Email Sean Fernald at: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING/PROMOTIONS/Boston: Marketing/promotions professional seeks television, web marketing, social networking focused position. Experienced in international markets. Creative + will travel. [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: Fun, energetic, and media-savvy, licensed wellness/lifestyle coach looking for recurring expert spot or hosting job. View bio, reel, photos at www.jennifertumayoung.com Contact Jennifer: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: PROMOTIONS/COORDINATOR/ASST: Music & Ent. Industry exp. in radio & video promo at major labels. Searching for asst. position in ent.Ind.. Contact: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: FREELANCE VJ: Video journalist, Creative Dir., & Preditor. New Show Development, Editing (FCP), Online Multimedia Promotions, Segment Prod, Host, Brand Mktg, Videographer. 5+ Yrs. Contact: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: FILM & TV EDITOR (LA): Major TV network editor would like to fill her hiatus by working on your pilot or small film/tv project. For pay only. Avid & Final Cut. Available. April 20  June 26. email: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING ANALYST (Dallas) 8+ years experience in marketing & research. Have worked with Nielsen, Scarborough, TNS and other systems, analyzing & interpreting data. For resume & more information: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: Save my relationship! Writer with lots of TV & ad experience. But my girlfriend is acting in a Paul Rudd movie. I’m not as cute as he is. Need lit rep to take career to next level, thwart Rudd. [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: STORY/FIELD PRODUCER: non-fiction magician. Reality, Docusoap, Unscripted; Docs.; Ent., Talk; 3 Emmy Noms; 12+years; LA based; will travel. [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: EXPERIENCED ASSOCIATE PRODUCER most recently with PBS seeks work at production company or network. Full-time or Freelance. [email protected] (4/7)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR: Network/cable exp. in reality, doc, talk, development, and acclaimed film trailers. Solid storyteller in field thru post, concept to delivery. Versatile, great attitude! [email protected] (4/7)

SITUATION WANTED: LICENSING SHOW PR: Trades, consumer business stories, new property launches. 20 years corporate and agency consumer product/licensing experience. [email protected] (4/7)

SITUATION WANTED: Experienced Sponsorship/Events/Marketing: NYC based.4 + yrs experience in sponsorships & events at Madison Square Garden and CBS TV. Seeking FT position; immediate start. Please contact [email protected] (4/7)

SITUATION WANTED: Recent Harvard grad and FREELANCE WRITER will do pretty much anything involving words and writing them. Currently writing for a Gawker blog. Hard worker, strong writer, great bargain. (NYC) [email protected] (4/7)

SITUATION WANTED: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR: 10 yrs exp.looking to work out of home office, or locally in Rochester, NY. Contact e-mail: [email protected] (4/7)

SITUATION WANTED: PROD ASST/COORDINATOR: Text bk editorial asst w/ TV & film intern exp & study; FCP, video, photo, admin, & complex coffee order skills. Great attitude & flexibility, creative problem solver, fast good work. [email protected] (4/4)

SITUATION WANTED: Recent Harvard grad and FREELANCE WRITER will do pretty much anything involving words and writing them. Currently writing for a Gawker blog. Hard worker, strong writer, great bargain. (NYC) [email protected] (4/4)

SITUATION WANTED: FREELANCE VIDEO EDITING (LA) Valley artist with 5 years web video experience, has MAC with Final Cut Suite. For resume and more information, email Steve Porus at [email protected] (4/4)

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