Cynopsis: DIGITAL
08/16/12

Good morning. It’s Thursday, August 16, 2012, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis editions online, click here.

Netflix plans to expand its instant streaming service into Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland before the end of 2012. The company says it plans to release more details about the planned offering, including pricing, available content, and supported devices, when it gets “closer to launch.” Netflix is currently available in the US, Canada, Latin America, the UK and Ireland.

While we’re on Netflix, the company has unveiled a new feature for its online video players called Post-Play, which allows users to seamlessly transition from one episode of a TV show they just watched on Netflix to the very next one. When the credits begin to roll on a particular episode, the player will minimize that screen and serve up the next episode. If the user does nothing, the next episode will begin playing in 15 seconds. Netflix says users will also have the option to stop the process and either get more information on the episode or find another one that they want to watch instead. Post-Play is also available for those watching movies on the streaming service. However, here when a user finishes a movie, the feature will surface three movie recommendations as the credits roll. Post-Play is available for the website and Netflix’s PS3 app. The company says it’ll be available on other devices soon. 

Content identification services provider Vobile has launched TVSync, a new platform for developers to build second-screen applications for smartphones, tablets, PCs, and connected TVs. The open API is currently available to broadcasters, cable operators, publishers, and other content providers, and gives them access to Vobile’s audio and video recognition technology. This is where Vobile attempts to differentiate itself from other second-screen platform providers. The company’s technology not only scans a piece of content’s audio in order to identify it (like many social TV and second-screen applications out right now); its video recognition capabilities make it possible for developers to ostensibly build an app that lets users scan the video on the screen, as well as the audio, in order to identify that piece of content. After that, it’s the regular second-screen game of delivering additional content and related services to that user. The API is compatible with both iOS and Android.

Here’s some more data from NBCUniversal on how its digital platforms did during the London Olympics (through August 11):

• 159+ million total video streams.
• 64.4+ million live streams.
• 57+ million visitors to NBCOlympics.com
• 1.9+ billion page views across all platforms.

Movieclips has raised $18.5 million in a Series C round of funding, led by US Venture Partners, and is rebranding itself as Zefr. Existing investors MK Capital, Shasta Ventures, SoftTech VC, First Round Capital, Richmond Park Partners, and Machinima CEO Allen DeBevoise also participated in the round. Zefr is a video content network and also operates a popular YouTube channel that offers access to a hefty database of what the start-up’s original name suggests, movie clips and trailers. The start-up has partnerships with the six major Hollywood studios. When a clip from a movie is uploaded on to YouTube, Zefr’s technology identifies and claims the licensed content for the studio, and looks to help them monetize it by allowing advertisers to buy against that content. The network currently boasts 25,000 movie clips and has hit 3 billion total views since launch. The new funding will be used to expand into new content categories, beginning with television, sports, and music.

Location-based mobile ad company JiWire has unveiled the Location Graph, a new data service that aims to demonstrate how people’s behavior is tied to their locations and the people they are around. “Using location, we can see how similar audiences tend to exhibit the same patterns and compare them to other audience segments, like moms vs. dads vs. students, etc.” said JiWire’s interim CEO David Staas. Here’s how JiWire’s Location Graph works: The data consists of more than 3 billion location tags, which the company says grows by over 16 million every day. This information allows the company to build anonymous user profiles based on their past and present location. For example, JiWire cites how a person has visited a children’s park, grocery store, zoo, and a maternity store within a given month can be defined as a parent. The company then incorporates third-party data and an algorithm to routinely improve the profile; JiWire says it has done this for over 500 million devices across its network. Beta partners have reportedly seen 30-40% increases in click-through rates on ads using data gleaned from the Location Graph, with brands like Comcast and Microsoft already beginning to take advantage of such information. Here’s an infographic highlighting some consumer patterns JiWire has already discovered.

Apple has secured a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office that would allow it to transform its Apple TV device into a full-fledged cable box, according to a report from CNET. The patent consists of an interactive program guide for live television that would allow the user to change the channel while still watching the current channel via a uniquely designed menu overlay (the menu pulls up on the right side and pushes the video to an angle off to the left, based on rough sketches provided in the patent application). It also covers recording and search and browsing capabilities. The patent was originally filed on October 12, 2006.

Multiscreen video software provider SeaChange International and TiVo have updated their joint Cardio solution to now include support for Cisco digital cable platforms. The new version of the Cardio solution enables cable operators to deliver video on-demand to their subscribers using TiVo set-top boxes like the Premiere, Premiere Q, and Preview. The older version provided support for Motorola platforms, which is still available on the newer version.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

When it comes to social and mobile platforms, users prefer immersive, interactive ads rather than standard display units, according to a July 2012 survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of MediaBrix. According to the survey, 28% of Facebook app users prefer to see standard banner ads in Facebook apps, while 72% said they prefer immersive and interactive ads. Additionally, 40% of smartphone users surveyed prefer standard banner ads in mobile apps, while 60% prefer to see immersive ones. The survey defines immersive and integrated ad units as those that offer users virtual rewards or currency and/or interactive video ads that run during natural breaks in the app or the game. Other findings from the survey include:

• 33% of Facebook users worldwide have used an app on Facebook in the past twelve months and 65% have played a game within the same time frame.
• Only 37% of Facebook app users prefer pre-roll video ads in Facebook apps, while 63% prefer to either initiate the video ad or have it be shown as mid-roll during a natural break in the app or game. The breakdown for smartphone users is similar, sitting at 38% preferring pre-rolls and 62% preferring to initiate or see it during a break.
• 87% of Facebook app users prefer free, ad-supported apps, while the rest like paid apps with no advertising. Among smartphone users, 61% prefer free, ad-supported mobile apps and the rest would opt for paid apps with no advertising.

Another day, more data indicating the Apple’s current dominance in the global tablet landscape: During the second quarter, Apple shipped 17 million iPad 2 and “new iPad” devices, an increase of 44.1% from the 11.8 million it shipped during the first quarter of 2012, according to data from iHS iSuppli. These numbers represent a second-quarter global market share of 69.6%, up from 58.1% in the first quarter, and clearly outpace anyone else. In fact, based on iHS’ numbers, Samsung rolls in second with a 9.2% market share in the second quarter, followed by Amazon (4.2%) in the third position.

Rob Norman, the CEO of GroupM North America, has been promoted to Chief Digital Officer of GroupM Global, a newly created position that he will step into later this year. “Our activity in digital will define our future success and we are truly fortunate that Rob will step into this crucial role full time,” read a statement from GroupM Global CEO Dominic Proctor, who also said that Norman’s “responsibilities will be significantly expanded in this new role.” He will report directly to Proctor.

Online health video provider HealthGuru has opened a Chicago sales office and named Lynne McCarthy as its Midwest Sales Director to take the helm at the new office. McCarthy comes from Microsoft/MSN, where she managed the Central Region for Microsoft’s TV efforts.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

This is something too cool to pass up: If youve been following the awesome things happening at NASA with the Mars Curiosity rover, you might already be aware of this page. If not, check it out. It’s a 360-degree view of the Martian landscape stitched together from pictures taken by the Curiosity rover. I was linked to it on my commute yesterday morning, so in that spirit, I also highly recommend you access this page with your smartphone or tablet (I can only confirm for sure that it works on iOS devices, but it’s still well worth a try if you’ve got an Android device). There’s something inherently cool about looking around at Mars from your iPhone or iPad (or Android device).

Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Editor for Cynopsis Digital
08.16.12

Denise O’Connor: Group Publisher, Media Entertainment
Diane K Schwartz: Senior Vice President, Media Communications Group

Cynopsis Ad Sales: Mike Farina | VP Sales & Marketing | 203-218-6480
Classifieds Sales: Trish Pihonak | Director of Operations & Content | 888-702-3858

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

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

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AE/Established company/NYC: Need Digital AE with 2-5 years successful exp selling Brand/Display to major NY Digital Agency groups, excellent base + commission package. send resume to: [email protected] (8/23)

JOB OPENING: VP SALES/East/Midwest: Lead territory, build team, drive results. Deep exp. in DOOH, passion for health/fitness. Resumes: [email protected] (8/23)

JOB OPENING: MGR, ACCOUNT SERVICES/ESPN Inc/Burbank, CA: 3+ Yrs Exp; Manage TV and Digital ad sales support team handling account maintenance. Ad industry exp req’d. Analytical skills a +. www.espncareers.com Job ID-57737 (8/23)

JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIR/AMC/NYC: Resp for AMC On-Air Promo creative. Oversee team of Writer/Prods, Editors resp for series launch & sustain, movies, stunts & image promotion. Strong writing/prod/mngmnt skills. Res: bit.ly/NyvlBA (8/22)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF LITERACY/ePals Dir. Of Literacy Ch/IL: Resp for literacy content/community for ePals.com. 5-7 yrs K-12 exp req’d; exp w/online learning & mng online communities desired. Res to: [email protected] (8/22)

JOB OPENING: Sr WRITER/PROD/History/NY: Write & produce high concept, on brand, on-air promo spots. 5+ yrs TV promo, mktg, production exp in a media environment. Apply: www.aenetworks.com/career.html (8/22)

JOB OPENING: RIGHTS & CLEARANCES ADMIN/WE/NYC: min 2 yrs R&C exp., ability to review & analyze contractual language & identify R&C issues. Resumes to: [email protected] (8/22)

JOB OPENING:  SALES ASSISTANT/American Target Network/NYC: Develop Sales prop, work w/agency buyers, 3 yrs+ exp in TV, must be very organized, media math, Nielson, excel & writing skills a must. Apply: [email protected] (8/22)

JOB OPENING: VP, DIGITAL SALES & MKTG/AMC/NYC: Acct mgmnt of digital dist & licensing across all AMCN nets.Central contact for all AMCN digital partners, accountable for digital revenue. Submit res http://tinyurl.com/dx2n7s8 (8/21)

JOB OPENING: DIR COMM/Discovery/MD: dvlps comm strategy & oversees PR/program publicity/Public Affairs outreach for ID and Military Channel; 8+yrs hands on media exp http://careers.discovery.com/ #6337 (8/21)

JOB OPENING: DAYTIME TALK PRODUCER/New York: Producer needed immediately for nationally syndicated daytime talk show. MUST have prior conflict booking experience. Resume: [email protected] (8/21)

JOB OPENING: BROADCAST DESIGNER/MLB Network Promos/NJ: Design/animate/edit promos/gfx pckgs. Strong tech. execution & 5 yrs exp w/After Effects, Cinema 4D, Final Cut Pro, etc. Send resume/link to reel to [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC. AD SALES/NY: Growing multimedia sports co. seeks experienced TV ad sales rep. Excellent compensation/benefits pkg. Agency relationships and ratings exp. a+. Send resume Attn: Rose to [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR AD SALES RSRCH/Ovation/NYC: Proactive, detail-oriented, creative, team player. 7+ yrs exp. with cable or BC sales team req’d. Strategic & hands on w/ Nielsen, MRI, Mendelsohn etc. [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: EXEC ASST, PRESIDENT/SYFY, NBCUNIVERSAL/NYC: Looking for a talented Executive Assistant to support the Pres of Syfy. Must have 2 years of admin exp as well as a min 1 year working in TV. www.nbcunicareers.com (6201BR) (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR, CONSUMER RESEARCH/Showtime Networks/NYC: Resp. for acq, trking and forecasting of consumer info in support of corp. directives. 8+ yrs of primary and second rsch exp in media a must. Apply at www.sho.com #12180BR (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR. PROG & SCHEDULING/Nat Geo TV/DC: Prog/Schdling expert will create Chl’s prime/daytime/fringe/late-night strategy. Strg schdl/nielsen exp analysis/strategy. 3-5 yr Cbl TV, Strg Excel/PP, Mgt. http://bit.ly/OY8Ebg. (8/17)

JOB OPENING: DEV/PRODUCTION MGR/DC: Non-fic theatrical product, giant screen films & documentaries. Highly creative & orgnzd & great comm skills. 3D film prod exp a plus.  Apply: www.nationalgeographic.com ID 5273. EOE. (8/17)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AE/A+E Networks/NY: Sell A+E Network’s suite of dig advertising opportunities within assigned territory to agencies/clients. Apply: http://www.aenetworks.com/careers (8/17)

JOB OPENING: MGR NAT’L PARTNERSHIPS/HOME TEAM SPORTS SALES/FOX/CHI: Prspt/Sell/Dev multi-platform sponsorships w/Mdwt clients & properties to drive revenue. 5 yrs Ad Sales exp/Sports prog/Stnd Pres skills/Syst/PP. http://bit.ly/MCEYOR (8/17)

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 [email protected].

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Jigsaw Prods NYC: Assist producers @ Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney’s prod co. Major/minor in film, TV, media or journalism a +. Submit resume/cover letter to [email protected] (8/23)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Non-Fiction TV Dev. Internship (NYC): Major TV Prod Co seeking CREATIVE INTERNS interested in reality TV and motivated to research, write and develop new ideas for TV series.Res/cov let:[email protected] (8/22)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: INTERN/DiGa Vision/NYC: Busy production company looking for interns for current series in production & post. Must be enthusiastic, have a positive attitude and eager to learn. [email protected] (8/21)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS POSTING/NYC: Crown Media Family Networks needs interns in our Corporate Communications department. Interns will get exposure in media outreach/placement, press kits & marketing. [email protected] (8/21)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RESEARCH POSTING/LA: Crown Media Family Networks needs an intern in our Research department. Interns will get exposure in analyzing network trends, focus groups, and Nielsen ratings.  [email protected] (8/21)

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: ASSISTANT OR APPRENTICE EDITOR (NY tri-state area): Mastery of Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects. Editing exp across genres including digital, corporate & indie film. Open to all opportunities. [email protected] (8/22)

SITUATION WANTED:  NYC, Frfld, Wstchstr counties. Experienced SALES, BIZ DEV PRO pro seeking position in educational/home media, ad sales. Solid resume and excellent references.email: [email protected]  (8/22)

SITUATION WANTED: SUPERFINE WRITER. Concepts/content. Digital, video, print, integrated. Broadcast, innovation, beauty, foodie, wellness. I hear brand voices. [email protected] (8/21)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCHER/EXEC ASST/LOS ANGELES AREA: 16+ yrs exp + key player in Primetime TV as researcher, proofreader, copy-editor, writer, exec asst. Exc. etiquette. [email protected] (8/18)

SITUATION WANTED: SENIOR PRODUCER/FIELD DIRECTOR (NYC):  Experienced long-form, short-form and studio producer proficient in booking, writing, directing, talent producing, and post. [email protected] (8/18)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/RESEARCHER: for TV/webcomedy and variety series and specials at the network level. NY-based and looking for new opportunities. Visit http://about.me/markselby for more info. Contact [email protected] (8/18)

E-mail [email protected] 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 [email protected] for specs.

Copyright Cynopsis 2012

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