Cynopsis: DIGITAL
8/09/07
Good Morning, it’s Thursday, August 9, 2007 and this is your first early morning digital briefing.
NBC Universal’s USA Network is marrying commercial videos with social networking in the network’s first digital media initiative not linked to programming. Didja.com will stream current and classic commercials on demand, offering favorite web 2.0 tools including sharing, user ratings and mash-ups. Advertisers will be able to upload commercials remotely, customize functionality and messaging and offer additional content such as store locators, coupons and incentives. The site, which will eventually extend to all NBCU divisions, will also mine data, offer virtual focus groups and provide behavioral targeting for clients.
ESPN is working on an about face for its once-cutting edge broadband video platform with an updated user interface and a new emphasis on live streaming events. From mid-September, ESPN360 will feature over 2,000 annual live games and sports-related press conferences including coverage of the NBA, NASCAR & Busch Series racing, College Baseball, Softball, Hockey and Lacrosse. ESPN hopes the service will help popularize more obscure sports as well, including cricket, rugby and polo. On demand Sportscenter clips and highlight packages will subsequently be reserved for ESPN.com. No word on what will become of ESPN360’s current business model, which seeks license fees from ISPs instead of customers. So far AT&T, Verizon and Charter are the only major providers licensing the service, severely limiting its distribution.
AMC has devised a new multiplatform campaign to promote its hit series Mad Men, featuring over 14 30-second vignettes that will run exclusively on AMC and amc.tv beginning today. Each spot will showcase a story from one of the legends of the glory years of Madison Avenue, including Jerry Della Femina, George Lois and Martin Puris.
MTV and Voxant announced a partnership that will bring MTV News programming (particularly gaming-focused content) to Voxant’s distribution site TheNewsRoom.com. Web publishers and bloggers who register with TheNewsRoom may obtain free video and print clips from MTV News and post that content to their own Web sites.
MTV and Paramount Home Entertainment enlisted digital creative agency Bradley and Montgomery to create “EmotiClips” to promote the release of season 2 of MTV’s The Hills on DVD. EmotiClips are outtakes that can be embedded, emailed and sent via mobile messaging to express card-like sentiments. Here’s one posted on YouTube to describe a “sucky person.”
WE tv is celebrating Princess Diana‘s life and legacy by hosting an international charity auction on eBay from August 12th – 22nd. All proceeds will be donated to America’s Promise Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children. Shoppers can bid on the famed pale blue silk chiffon evening dress, designed by Catherine Walker, which Lady Di wore to the Cannes Film Festival in 1987.
Mattel reports that BarbieGirls.com, its new social networking and virtual world website, has exceeded 4 million registered users, with an average of 45,000 new users signing up each day. Targeted specifically to girls, the site launched in April 2007. The news comes as Mattel releases the Barbie Girl MP3 player (512 MB, with space for a 2GB memory card), which is shaped like a fashion doll (with snap-on fashions and accessories) and acts also as a USB key that when connected to computer will unlock additional exclusive content on BarbieGirls.com. Next Monday, August 13, Mattel will launch the Barbie Girls website in five more languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, German as well as Portuguese.
Veoh raised an additional $25 million on third round of funding, led by Goldman Sachs and including Spark Capital, Shelter Capital Partners, Time Warner Investments and Michael Eisner’s Torante. Former Viacom CEO Tom Freston and former Viacom Entertainment Group Chairman Jonathan Dolgen also joined the round, according to paidcontent.org.
Revver.com is seeing a 4-7 times jump in revenue by adding pre-roll ads to user-submitted videos, according to comments made by Revver co-founder and chairman Steven Starr in an email debate on WSJ.com with Sab Kanaujia, VP/Digital Product Strategy for NBC Universal. Starr characterizes the digital media revolution as social and inclusive, demanding a new skill set. Kanaujia agrees, but sees no reason why traditional media can’t adapt and integrate.
Online programmer For Your Imagination signed an agreement to manage and market original web series Break a Leg, created last year by brothers Vlad and Yuri Baranovsky. For Your Imagination will help develop the show, broaden distribution and syndication and promote the brand through advertising, sponsorship, merchandising and licensing opportunities.
Virtual doll site Stardoll unveiled StarPlaza, an interactive shopping mall of real fashion labels where users can go to outfit their avatars. Shoppers can buy virtual garments with Stardollars, tied to real greenbacks.
Mobile media company Intercasting Corp. will begin to offer Community Connect‘s niche social networking service to wireless subscribers through the ANTHEM mobile social networking platform. ANTHEM will provide BlackPlanet.com, MiGente.com, GLEE.com, Faithbase.com and AsianAve.com users with an interface to allow them to view photos, send and receive messages, post comments and search profiles from their handsets.
IPTV platform provider Narrowstep completed private placement of its common stock and warrants yielding gross proceeds of $10.5 million.
Blockbuster has acquired Movielink, the online movie service launched 5 years ago by Sony, Universal, Paramount, MGM and Warner Bros. Movielink has failed to have much of an impact in digital media, partly because of rigid DRM rules that prohibit burning of purchased movies to DVD-R’s by users. Blockbuster will be able to utilize Movielink’s digital rental and purchase licensing agreements to add to its online rental business, which is still playing catch up with Netflix.
Scripps Networks acquired Incado, operator of user generated management platform that powers Pickle.com. The technology enables uploads of photos and videos from computers, mobile phones or digital cameras to any web site, functionality that should be a perfect fit for Scripps Networks’ lifestyle content.
News Corp. reported that Fox Interactive Media had its first profitable full year, clearing $10 million on revenue of $550 million, doubling revenue during the quarter from the same period a year ago. The company expects MySpace will help FIM earn $1 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2008 on operating margins of 20 percent. A new behavioral targeting program attaching ads to MySpace user profiles will command higher rates from advertisers.
Success and failure of online video businesses will be determined by the quality of the viewing experience, according to a new JupiterResearch survey conducted on behalf of content delivery provider Akamai. The greatest sources of frustration for dissatisfied viewers were interrupted streaming (44%), excessive waiting for video starts (36%) and poor picture quality (32%). Consumers still showed significant interest in online video although, with news clips, TV segments and music videos the preferred genres.
Jeff Cravens has been named the VP & GM of the newly revamped ESPN360.com. He will oversee programming, production and day-to-day operations and will report to both John Zehr, SVP/Digital Media Production and to John Papa, VP/Strategic Program Planning.
BusinessWeek has named Isaac Sacolick as VP/Technology and Bob Teree as VP/ Product Management. Isaac will serve as principal technologist, directing architecture development to deliver current and future products. Bob will lead cross-functional teams to define and manage the launch of new products. Both will report to Roger Neal, SVP and GM of BusinessWeek Digital.
Robert Walch joined Wizzard Media as VP/Podcaster Relations, responsible for bringing in new podcast content creators and managing the company’s relationships with client creators. Lilith Rugel was hired as Director of Ad Sales Operations. Both are newly created positions.
IFC.com has insured the return of R.Kelly’s ambitious hip hop operetta Trapped In the Closet, hoping “Trapped” does for online music video what “Thriller” did for TV music videos. IFC commissioned a new batch of episodes that will be premiere daily on the site from Monday, August 13, leading up to a DVD release of the new chapters on August 21. IFC will also air the entire series as a feature film on Friday, September 7 at 9 pm ET, followed by exclusive interview with Mr. Kelly. Check out the first 12 episodes; there’s drama, romance, jealousy and passion – all the good stuff.
Later — Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
08.09.07
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Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here
JOB OPENING: ONLINE MARKETER/Wiredset/NYC: Dvlp/execute/product mng online mrktg campaigns. Job is 1/3 PR, 1/3 new media, 1/3 biz dev. Online exp needed/Ent/web exp pref. Email [email protected] (8/16)
JOB OPENING: DEVELOPERS/PRODUCERS/Discovery Communications: Experienced Developers/Producers for six month freelance project. Please send resumes to [email protected] (8/16)
JOB OPENING: ASST SALES PLANNER/Oxygen/LA: Support 2 AEs, Sales Planner & Sr. Asst w/ all aspects of sales process. Must be detailed oriented w/strong PC Skills and a team player. Cable agency exp a plus. Resume to: [email protected] (8/16)
JOB OPENING: VP RESEARCH/Nickelodeon/NYC: 8 yrs exp. w/ applied research. 8 yrs. mgt exp. Applied research exp. w/ kids ages 2-11 a strong plus; B.A. related field. EOE/M/F/D/AAP www.mtvncareers.com (8/16)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR/iN DEMAND/NY,NY: Design, execute & analyze primary mkt research. Qualitative & quantitative +syndicated sources. Bachelors + 3-5 yrs exp all phases primary research. Apply at: [email protected] (8/15)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST TNT/TBS Entertainment Mktg Research/ATL: TV analysis & Marketing Research position. Key job req tradtnl mktng rsrch exp or TV rsrch exp. Mktng or media rsrch edu 2+ yrs exp. [email protected] (8/15)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/Comcast Ntwrks/NY: Generate upf & scatter plans; deal maint & stwrdship; support to sales team. Liason btwn AEs & agencies. 2yrs exp sales/planning prfrd. Contact [email protected] (8/15)
JOB OPENING: MEDIA RESEARCH ANALYST/Univision/NY: Develop/maintain inventory, estimates, viewing trends & presentations with NSI/NHSI ratings for Spot Sales. Detail oriented, analytical. Email res: [email protected] EOE (8/15)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCHER P/T)/LA Daytime Drama: Support writing team.Work from home but must be avail to meet w/ team on an as needed basis.Rsrch of legal matters/medical issues.Rsrch exp pref’d. [email protected] (8/15)
JOB OPENING: NEWS BOOKER/COORDINATOR needed- NY based Nationally Syndicated TV show. Ideally has experience in talk. RESUMES: [email protected] (8/15)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIRECTOR, CARTOON NETWORK/ADULT SWIM-NYC: Identify trends in audience data/analyze/interpret complex data in support of Ad Sales. Nielsen/syndicated rsrch exp. Apply: [email protected] (8/15)
JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/Current TV- SF, CA: Seeking creative & motivated self-starter w/ knowledge of young adult culture to pitch & develop short form content. More info: www.current.tv . Email [email protected]. EOE (8/14)
JOB OPENING: DIR AD SALES RES/A&E TV-NY: Dvlp strategies & day-to-day for Ad Sls. BA/BS & 8 yrs media rsrch & mgmt exp. Knowl Nielsen/prime rsrch. Resume: www.aetn.com/careers.html (8/14)
JOB OPENING: PLANNER /Comcast Networks/NY: Support Nat’l Sales w/ all aspects of Emerging Media sales (VOD, mobile, etc). Detailed oriented w/strong presentation skills. 2+ yr cable/ad agency exp. Contact: [email protected] ( 8/14)
JOB OPENING: ASST MEDIA BUYER/Santa Monica,CA. Fast paced DVD/ Home Ent industry. Buying/ tracking/ reconcile TV time. exc comm & math skills.1 yr exp & degree req. Email resume: [email protected] (8/14)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIRECTOR/COMCAST NETWORKS/NY: 8+ yrs Exp w/Nielsen Systems, Ratings Estimates, StarTrak, MRI, Simmons, etc.: Contact: [email protected] (8/14)
JOB OPENING: COORDINATOR, PROGRAM ACQUISITIONS/Starz Entertainment: Responsible for project support & trafficking of film/TV product. Knowledge of movie, TV, or cable industry a plus. Apply at www.starz.com/careers . (8/14)
JOB OPENING: POST PRODUCTION ENGINEER/AETN-Stamford CT: Engineering support for AVID, FinalCut Pro HD, 3-5yrs exp in Post Production environment. Apply www.aetn.com (8/11)
JOB OPENING: SR MGR/TV Land Research/NYC: Ratings analysis expert. 5+yrs TV exp. Strong analytical/numeric skills/detailed knowledge Nielsen systems. Brand/consumer qual/quant studies experience. EOE/M/F/D/AAP www.mtvncareers.com (8/11)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, NEW PRODUCTS/DIGITAL PLATFORMS/ATL: Develop/implement qualitative/quantitative user research in support of Turner New Products Group.Digital Research/Forecasting exp. Apply: [email protected] (8/11)
JOB OPENING: WEBMASTER /CelebTV.com/Chi: Dvlp & enhance web presence, maintain site, work w/ video, txt, images; 3+ yrs web design, adv skills in web technologies; resume to [email protected] (8/11)
JOB OPENING: MEDIA PLANNER/Zenith: top telecom account! 1 + yrs local planning and/or buying exp. Resumes to: [email protected] (8/11)
JOB OPENING: MEDIA PLANNING SUPERVISOR/Zenith: top telecom account! 4 + yrs local planning and/or buying, some non-traditional exp. preferred. Resumes to: [email protected] (8/11)
JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR STRATEGIC INSIGHTS: 8 + yrs media research exp, including primary. Work on all clients, new biz, etc. www.optimedia-us.com Resumes to: [email protected] (8/11)
JOB OPENING: VP, GMD/Optimedia – hi-profile luxury/beauty biz. 12+ yrs relevant exp. req. Resumes to: [email protected] (8/11)
JOB OPENING: MEDIA PLANNERS, SUPERVISORS, ASSTS/SEATTLE Now hiring! Resumes to: [email protected] (8/11)
JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE ASST/WE tv/NYC: (temp to perm) Motivated& professional asst needed to support busy GM & Mgmt team. Excel PC & Comm skills a must. 3-5 yrs exp. rez www.cablevision.jobs ref #4024BR (8/11)
JOB OPENING: BROADCAST SUPERVISOR, DR/Hill Holliday/Boston: The role of Broadcast Supervisor, DR is to act as central contact for all media issues & to direct workflow on assigned accounts. Apply online: www.hhcc.com/careers.html (8/11)
JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST TNT/TBS/COURT TV Ad Sales/NY: Research support/create sales positioning/presentations. Strong analytical/data interpretation/writing skills. 3+ yrs exp. Apply: [email protected] (8/10)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/KXAS Digital Business Development/Dallas, Texas: Looking for digitally-focused sales professional Interested candidates can apply on line at www.nbcunicareers.com. The position COS number #611320 (8/10)
JOB OPENING: DIR INT’l MKTG /AETN/NY:Mngs int’l aff/cons mktg strategy for Bio, CI and A&E. BA/MBA in MKTG/Bus w/7+years exp TV marketing, int’l brand build exp pref. For more info and to Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (8/10)
JOB OPENING: SR WRITER PRODUCER/Versus/NYC-Creative resource for net promos on-air/online, as well as conceptualizing original show packages; 5+ yrs nat’l cable and sports promo exp req’d. www.versus.com EOE (8/10)
JOB OPENING: GRAPHIC DESIGNER/Versus/NYC- Ideal candidate has a unique and fresh design sense and can translate ideas into graphic and animated elements for promos and show/event packages. Apply at www.versus.com EOE (8/10)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, NETWORK GRAPHICS/Versus/NYC: Seasoned exec prod/project mgr to oversee in/out of house graphics/animations projects. 5+ yrs exp managing design dept for net or graphics/prod co. www.versus.com . EOE (8/10)
JOB OPENING: MANAGER, AUDIENCE RESEARCH/MTV Networks/Chicago: To view the full job description and apply go to www.mtvncareers.com EOE (8/10)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MANAGER/BIG TEN NETWORK/CHICAGO: 5+yrs/Cable/Broadcast research. Strong Knowledge of Nielsen systems. Strong mgmt/ negotiation / analytical/ communication skills. Reply to www.foxcareers.com (8/10)
SUMMER or FALL INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. They are 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: Intern: Award winning NY City Independent Documentary Company looking for interns to help with projects in various stages of development. [email protected] (8/14)
FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Awards Show Intern Major awards show LA office seeks savvy intern. Prod rsrch, track media breaks, update contacts. Need PR, media or prod background; MAC, Excel, Internet, organiz’l skills. [email protected] (8/16)
FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: FALL INTERNSHIPS CREDITS/STIPEND: Sesame Workshop/NYC seeks INTERNS for Sesame Street& Inter Prod, MKTG/PR, Educ& Rsrch dept. for various projects. Knwlg of MS Word/Excel/ email Res: [email protected] (8/16)
SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED …
SITUATION WANTED: EXECUTIVE ASST 15 years entertainment experience (Disney, KCOP, Radio, Showtime, Marvel). Looking for extra typing assignments to do at home. Please contact: [email protected] (8/16)
SITUATION WANTED: STORY EDITOR: Exp. story analyst. Used to read/cover material for major actor/comedian. Thorough and detailed note giver. Unmatched knowledge of story. Samples/resume upon request. [email protected] (8/16)
SITUATION WANTED: ASSOC. PRODUCER/WRITER: Seeks employment in Toronto. Experience working in broadcast and multimedia areas of children’s production. Brings tech savvy creative ideas and energy to the team. [email protected] (8/15)
SITUATION WANTED: FIELD/SEGMENT PRODUCER: LA 7+ years of exp. Shooter/Producer/Editor. Looking for projects to further diversify my skills and experience. Credits include NBC, Nickelodeon, MTV, VH1, CMT and A&E. [email protected] (8/14)
SITUATION WANTED: SYNDICATED SALES SELF-STARTER w/ diverse media experience seeks leadership role in intl TV/film content distro/development (docs/lifestyle/reality/drama/formats/new media). [email protected] (8/11)
SITUATION WANTED: REALITY TV PRODUCER AND WRITER: Show runner experienced in reality, hidden-camera and comedy shows. Former “Beavis” staff writer. Clips at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=GuyReel Contact: [email protected] (8/11)
SITUATION WANTED: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/MKTG MGR/LA: 7+ yrs media ind. Strong Navigator, Explorer, Scarborough, CMR. Adv. MS apps. Seeking job in network/cable/studio/agency or other dynamic industry. Contact [email protected] (8/11)
SITUATION WANTED: INTERNET MARKETING SPECIALIST SEEKING CONSULTING /LA/NYC/SF/DC: Talented in complete campaign management including SEO, PPC, affiliates, e-zines, RSS, ad placement, etc. LA based, can work remotely. [email protected] (8/11)
SITUATION WANTED: COORDINATOR/EXEC ASST NYC: 7+ years experience in the entertainment industry – Music/Film/TV. Seeking next step at a film company in marketing/promotions/publicity department. Please contact: [email protected] (8/10)
SITUATION WANTED: SHOW RUNNER & PRODUCER: Seeks employment in NY or LA. Story Development & Writing, Field Shooting & Interviewing, Production Mgt experience. Cable, Public TV, Films, Commercial credits. (Docs, Reality, Drama) [email protected] (8/10)
SITUATION WANTED: Recent Wesleyan University grad. Seeking entry-level position at media planning agency or department in NY. Please contact [email protected] (8/10)
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