Cynopsis

12/11/08

Good morning. It’s Thursday, December 11, 2008, 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 .

Leaders from the Screen Actors Guild informed its members they would receive strike authorization ballots mailed to them on January 2. Only members who have paid their membership in full by this time can vote and if passed by at least 75% of those members voting, SAG’s national board of directors would be granted the authority to call a strike. Votes will be counted on January 23. A contract negotiations impasse between SAG and companies represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has existed since July when SAG leaders rejected AMPTP’s June 30 offer. SAG is waiting to send out its strike authorization ballots post-holidays to avoid having actors boycott or walk-out on the Golden Globe Awards taking place on January 11. The AMPTP responded to the SAG strike ballot news with this statement: “It’s now official: SAG members are going to be asked to bail out a failed negotiating strategy by going on strike during one of the worst economic crises in history. We hope that working actors will study our contract offer carefully and come to the conclusion that no strike can solve the problems that have been created by SAG’s own failed negotiation strategy.”

Liberty Media Corp. announced yesterday it will likely go ahead with stated plans to separate out its Liberty Entertainment tracking stock encompassing Starz Entertainment premium network, its ownership stake in DirecTV, FUN Technologies, Liberty Sports Holdings and the company’s interests in cable network GSN and wireless broadband provider WildBlue Communications. Liberty Media declared its intentions to split off Liberty Entertainment back in September but with the economy and stock market in turmoil, delays ensued. With this potential move, Liberty hopes to decrease the gap between the value of Liberty Entertainment’s properties and its current stock price.

For those making a New Year’s resolution to lose weight and get in great physical shape, Lifetime Television opens 2009 with a new reality series DietTribe symbolizing this goal on January 5 at 10p. Over five hour-long episodes, five best friends work with professional trainer Jessie Pavelka and psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser to lose pounds together in 90 days and to deal with personal issues which contributed to their weight gain. Pie Town Productions produces the series for Lifetime.

A&E Network pushed back the premiere date of its new real-life series The Exterminators to February 4 at 1030p. The Exterminators, with 13 half-hour episodes, goes to Louisiana and follows Billy Bretherton and the family business called Vexcon as they take on extreme pest cases. September Films, a division of DCD Media produces the series for A&E.

Tuesday night’s double episode series premiere of Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force on A&E Network at 10p averaged 1.3 million A18-49 and 1.3 million A25-54 impressions and 2.1 million total viewers over both episodes.

Correction: TBS will air the finale of Frank TV on December 23 at 11p.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM FUSE

Telco Productions, Inc. will launch two new weekly E/I (Education and Informative) programs for national syndication in September 2009:

• Dragonfly TV – a weekly 30m series with kids investigating scientific facts about the human body to tornados.
• Swap TV – another half-hour series where two kids will swap their lives for a weekend. One episode features a farm girl switching lives with an emerging tennis pro; another episodes has a pop star wannabe swapping lifestyles with a competitive horse-back rider.

Susie Castillo (House of Payne, TRL) was tapped to co-host NBC’s upcoming international dance competition series Superstars of Dance along with Michael Flatley. The series opens January 4 with a two-hour premiere beginning at 9p. Big Red 2 Entertainment, the new production entity formed by Nigel Lythgoe (American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance) and Simon Fuller (American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance) produces and both Lythgoe and Fuller serve as executive producers.

CYNOPSIS DIGITAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  Yahoo began laying off 1,500 workers yesterday as part of its previously announced plan to shed $400 million a year in operating expenses. A blog entry (sans capital letters) from outgoing “chief yahoo” Jerry Yang entitled Tough times bid farewell to his fellow (former) yahoos and described the action as “unfortunately unavoidable.” This time laid off employees had Twitter to turn to for feelings of solidarity. The microblogging service kept Yahoo offices across the country abreast of which branches were the hardest hit.  Full edition: CYN DIGITAL.

CYNOPSIS KIDS – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  Fans of Nickelodeon‘s animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender have been awaiting news on casting for M. Night Shyamalan‘s live-action movie adaptation of the show … and today is that day.  Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Shyamalan cast at least some of the characters for the movie, which is titled The Last Airbender.  At an open casting call in Texas Shyamalan founds his Aang (the 12-yr-old star of the show) in karate star Noah Ringer, at.   Additionally, the director has reportedly offered Jackson Rathbone (Twilight) the part of Sokka, and Nicola Peltz (Deck the Halls) the role of Katara (Sokka’s sister), with singer Jesse McCartney in negotiations to play the evil Zuko.  Paramount will release The Last Airbender on July 2, 2010.  Full edition: CYN KIDS.

CYNOPSIS INTERNATIONAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  Metronome Group’s Studios A/S signed a rather large deal with Danish Folketinget to produce content for Folketingets TV channels for 4 years.  Estimated between 2.9-4.8 million euros, the project will start off next year with Studios A/S setting up the new channels’ infrastructure and media servers and designing Folketinget meeting and debate structures.  DVB-T, a digital terrestrial network, will expand as of November 1, 2009, when Folketinget’s TV channel will begin airing.  Studios will also produce other meetings from the Christiansborg Palace. Full edition: CYN INTERNATIONAL.

Tuesday – A18-49 Analysis: FOX remained the top network Tuesday night with 4.2/11 A18-49 according to final national ratings from Nielsen Media Research. FOX was the resounding winner at 8p with House at 5.6/15 while NBC’s The Biggest Loser came in second with 3.2/8. NBC ramped things up during 9p taking over with the second half of Biggest Loser at 4.0/10 followed by CBS’ encore of The Mentalist at 2.8/7. NBC continued in the lead at 10p with Law & Order: SVU at 3.7/10 with CBS’ Without a Trace repeat next at 1.8/5.

Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 – time period averages. Source: NTI Galaxy, as dated.  Live+SD

CBS: 7.8/12           NCIS [r] 8.6/13, The Mentalist [r] 9.0/14, Without a Trace [r] 5.8/10

FOX: 6.4/10            House 8.4/13, Fringe [r] 4.3/7

NBC: 6.1/10            The Biggest Loser 5.6/9, Law & Order: SVU 7.2/12

ABC: 3.5/6              America’s Funniest Home Videos 4.1/6, According to Jim 3.1/5, According to Jim 3.3/5, Eli Stone 3.2/5

UNIV: 2.3/4             Cuidado con El Angel 2.5/4, Fuego en la Sangre 2.4/4, Aqui y Ahora 2.0/3

MNT: 0.9/1              Olive the Other Reindeer 1.0/1, Santa’s Funniest Moments 0.9/1

CW: 0.8/1                90210 [r] 0.9/1, Privileged [r] 0.8/1

TELE: 0.7/1              Dona Barbara 0.5/1, El Rostro de Analia 0.7/1, Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso 0.9/2, Cartel 1.0/2

A18-49: FOX 4.2/11, NBC 3.7/10, CBS 2.4/6, UNIV 1.9/5, ABC 1.7/4, MNT 0.6/2, TELE 0.6/2, CW 0.5/1

Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) elevated Maria Valenzuela to VP/Sales. Maria has been with SPTI since 2003 and is based at the Spanish distribution office in Madrid. She will now be working within the company’s sales operation in the areas of traditional TV as well as online and mobile TV business. Maria reports to Stuart Baxter, EVP/Distribution, SPTI.

Effective immediately, Patrick McClenahan advanced to President/GM of KCBS-KCAL/Los Angeles, both of which are owned by CBS Television Stations. Patrick became SVP/Station Manager when a duopoly was established in May 2002 and has been overseeing the daily operations of both stations since then.

NBC Universal Media Distribution Services upgraded Matthew Braatz to SVP/Broadcast Operations to supervise daily operations for all domestic on-air activities. Matthew is also involved with developing and executing operational and technical guidelines for the company’s on-air operations divisions including Cable Network Origination Center, the Network Broadcast Operations Center, Local Media Hub Operations and Media Operations Group. Matthew reports to Ian Trombley, EVP/Media Distribution Services, NBC Universal.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM NATPE ’09

This day in History:  1985 – General Electric Company agreed to buy RCA Corporation for $6.3 billion. Also included in the deal was NBC Radio and Television.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question, Sponsored By Fuse. Ignite Your Brand.:  Pop princess Britney Spears released her sixth studio album last week, what is the title?  CIRCUS Kudos to: Brian Ricco-MultiVision Media, Inc./Ringwood, NJ; Josie Kamras/NJ; Tonya Jordan/Atlanta; Lynn Marzetti-viamedia/Troy, MI; Meagan Vaughn-Ivie & Associates, Inc./Flower Mound, TX; Amanda Stewart-NCC/ Dallas; Mechael Tudor-Equity Media/Little Rock, AR; Carly Savory-Viacom MTV Networks/Chicago; Gail Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Lynda Parets-Horizon Media/L A; Terry Danuser-Discovery Communications, LLC/LA; L Jill Lytle-TVG/LA; Steve Walker-Saatchi and Saatchi/Toronto

Today’s Trivia Question:  What is the name of the actress that narrates Desperate Housewives as deceased neighbor, Mary Alice Young?   (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.)

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM PEABODY AWARDS

Later — Cyn
12.11.08

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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM REELZCHANNEL

Throughout December, ReelzChannel and ReelzChannel.com are a movie fan’s guide for the holiday season. With an online holiday movie guide, gift giving specials, and our ReelzChannel Spotlight Special: Holiday Movie Sneaks, we offer viewers what to see, where to see it and what to buy for their favorite movie fan.  With an online holiday themed movie guides, programming and gift giving specials, our programming covers it all.

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

JOB OPENING: SR MANAGER/TV SALES & DIST/BBC/NYC: hit sales targets, ID new clients, pitch and conclude deals w/ cbl ntwrks. Scripted & nonscripted programs. To apply, www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (12/18)

JOB OPENING: SR MANAGER AUD DEV/BBC/NYC: Grow Mrkt for BBC.Com, drive traffic, manage syndication relationships w/ 3rd party partners. Create mrktng & aud dev strat. To Apply, www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (12/18)

JOB OPENING:  EXEC/ADMIN ASST/Comcast Networks/NY: Asst Sr execs w/ daily admin duties.3-5 yrs exp asst Sr execs.Strong writ/verbal comms skills; det-oriented. MS Off. knwlg a must. Must Apply @ www.comcast.com . EEO/AA/Drug free (12/17)

JOB OPENING: STRATEGIC PLANNING ANALYST/NY: Resp for digital avail rpts, contracted/billed rev rpts, support VP/Mgr on ad hocs. Finance exp preferred, strong excel. TimeWarner.com  # 99308. Cover/resume:
(12/17)

JOB OPENING:  NATIONAL TV Supervisor & Buyer/LA: Top Agency, Excellent Group ,need negotiating experience with National TV& Cable Networks. Excel Benefits, will relocate – pls send resume to
  (12/17)

JOB OPENING: STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGER/SciFi/NBCU/NY: Develop and execute cross-platform marketing solutions to drive revenue to SCI FI and SCIFI.com. BA & 5 yrs industry exp. www.nbcjobs.com , job#853374 (12/12)

JOB OPENING: ANALYST, RESEARCH/Music Choice-Support sales, mktg& prgmg across multiple platforms w/ accurate & actionable research. BA/BS 2-4 yrs media research exp. req.
(12/12)

JOB OPENING: VP/PROD/ Leading CDN non-fiction Prod Co: Oversee variety of Factual & Fact Ent prgrms. Successful candidate must possess strong budget dvpmnt/mgmnt skills. Prior exp w/ est. brdcstr pref’d. Res to:
(12/12)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA INDUSTRY BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYSTS. Multiple-NYC: Exp. w/ad sales, traffic, programming, production, rights mgmt. and requirements gathering. Use case development a plus. Apply to:
(12/12)

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
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WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Fuel TV music dept: INTERNS interested in learning about music sprvsn for TV/film. Will learn about licensing, placement, rights & all aspects of how music fits into prod. Resume to:
(12/18)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: IN SESSION INTERNS/truTV/NY: Assist in production of daytime trial coverage and booking department. Skills: Writing, Computer, Research. Apply online: www.turnerjobs.com Req#109741BR (12/18)

WINTER SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  EDITORIAL VIDEO INTERN/NY, NY:  Assist Editorial Director w/ writer paperwork, assignments, photo gallery production & copywriting and editing. For more info/submit resume, visit www.cablevision.jobs req ID 6886BR (12/17)

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: BROADCAST DESIGNER..Multiple BDA/ Promax award winner. Art Direction/Motion Graphics/ print / webdesign.  See site at www.eqdesign.com –
(12/18)

SITUATION WANTED: ASSOCIATE PRODUCER or ASSOCIATE STORY PRODUCER (L.A.), 9+ yrs in all aspects of production, exp. in reality, inc. game, & scripted. Valid passport – willing to travel.
(12/18)

SITUATION WANTED: WRITER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR guts+passion+excellence! tons o’ experience connecting w/all kinds of audiences, all media. FREE COPY @ https://freebeaaron.wordpress.com contact:
(12/16)
 
SITUATION WANTED: SHOWRUNNER + DIRECTOR: Exceptional Emmy-winning visual storyteller, multihyphenate. From concept to delivery, expert in story, production, post. Reality/nonfic, docudrama, docs.
310.450.8272 (12/16)

SITUATION WANTED: Experienced, MEDIA SALES MARKETING RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL, well-versed & superior in all analytic, presentation, oral & written communications areas with Ad Agency, Rep & Consulting background.
(12/16)

SITUATION WANTED: EXP. PRODUCER/WRITER/FIELD DIRECTOR:  Non-Scripted. NBC, Discovery, VH1, CMT, TLC, E!, CNN; Field and Post; Excellent Story Teller; Compelling interviewer; 3 Emmy Noms. LA based, will travel.
(12/16)

SITUATION WANTED: INNOVATIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR:Award winning and highly creative. Major network experience, across all genres: Childrens, Youth, Reality, Lifestyle. In NY but will travel. View reel & CV: www.kirstynordal.com (12/16)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR (NY) Ultra creative, vast experience, all genres, all networks, reality, major cable, award winning and fun!
(12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: INTERNAT’L TV DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION VP available for immediate offshore placement. VP US studio experience in format sales, sit-com, drama, telenovela series development/production. Contact:
(12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: Over 200 industry awards.creative director/director advertising, digital content & broadcast. Available for freelance or perm. Reel & resume: www.jillsalvino.com or contact
(12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA PLANNER/BUYER/SUP with 15 years exp(Broadcast/Print/Online)available for permanent/temporary assignments. Tampa/ATL/LA based. Call 941-224-9302or email me at
(12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: FREELANCE AP/COORDINATING PRODUCER/RESEARCHER. Possess solid project mgmt, R & D, production, licensing skills.13 yrs exp. Credits incl.films that won DuPont, Sundance, Emmy awards.email:
(12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/SHOOTER w/ exp. in casting, field & post production seeks employment as an associate, field or segment producer. Past credits include MTV, ESPN, CBS & ABC.  Email at
(12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: Shooting in NY? Need a great PRODUCTION ASSISTANT? For trained, experienced and motivated PA’s who are certified by the NYC Mayor’s Office call the MINY hotline 24/7 at 718-757-5816. Our service is FREE. (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: MKTG/ADV/PROMOTIONS/NYC prof w/exp in ent & TV seeks opp. w/ agency/network/prod. company. Skills: Web Analytics,SEM, Event Prod., Premiums,Re-branding.Email:
(12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: EXCEPTIONAL MARKETING PRO adept at strategy, project management & implementation, whatever needed. Good thinking! Smart, savvy, hands-on, good humor. Freelance, part- or full-time.
(12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: Creative and professional AVID AND FCP EDITOR with 9+ years experience in broadcast, promos, and documentaries looking to add to his NYC-area client base. Reel at www.chrisguido.net . Contact
(12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: DOCUMENTARY PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER in L.A. Five prime time Emmy Awards. National Geographic on NBC and PBS. Discovery, History Channel and MSNBC. Contact email:
(12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: TV DEVELOPMENT EXEC: nonfiction programming, with hits airing now, seeks Manager/Director position at Prod. co. or Network. Most recently was Manager at a Prod. co. (LA based, but would relocate)
(12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIRECTOR-20+ yrs media, Nielsen, Hisp, & sales experience. Let me be your “Remote RD” for competitive, one-sheets, breakouts, Nielsen probs, etc. Avail – contract basis. Email:
(12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: MKTG CONSULTANT/FREELANCE/NY professional w/ 15+ yrs exp sales/ mktg/sponsorship/product placement in entertainment industry & family/kid oriented universe seeks FT/PT or proj based.
(12/12)

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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT –  Thursday, December 11, 2008

ABC: Ugly Betty [r], Grey’s Anatomy [r], Private Practice [r]
AZTECA: Previo Futbol, La Liga Futbol Mexicano Final Ida: Cruz Azul vs. Toluca- Live
CBS: Survivor: Gabon – Earth’s Last Eden, CSI, Eleventh Hour
CW: Smallville [r], Supernatural [r]
FOX: Secret Millionaire, Are You Smarter Than a 5^th Grader?
ION: Boston Legal, Movie: Christmas Town
MNT: My Thursday Night Movie: National Lampoon’s Vacation
NBC: My Name is Earl, Kath & Kim, The Office, 30 Rock, ER
PBS: This Old House Hour, Antiques Roadshow, A Renaissance Christmas
TELE: Dona Barbara, El Rostro de Analia, Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso
UNIV: Cuidado con el Angel, Fuego en la Sangre, La Rosa de Guadalupe

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