Thursday, February 14th, 2008

 

Cynopsis: Kids!

02/14/08

Good morning. It’s Thursday, February 14, 2008, and this is your first early morning briefing.

Simon & Schuster has inked rights deals for Jon Scieszka’s Trucktown, a series of 5o+ book titles, with Chorion acquiring the media rights, including merchandising, online, TV and feature film options, while Pearson School publishers taking the education rights to the property for its Reading street elementary grades curriculum.  Chorion is currently developing an online virtual Trucktown world and expects to launch a website in June 2008, followed by a range of toys that build on the interactivity of the site.  Jon Scieszka’s Trucktown will be published by Simon & Schuster imprints: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (hardcover), Aladdin Paperbacks (ready-to-read original paperbacks), Little Simon (novelty), and Simon Scribbles (coloring/activity).  The first title in the series, Smash! Crash!, was released in January 2008.

CYNOPSIS KIDS GOES TO KIDSCREEN SUMMIT …

What seemed like unending rain did not put a damper on the first day of KidScreen Summit 2008, where there were numerous meetings and sessions, and a great dinner party!  See you again today.

Cartoon Network picks up the UK broadcast rights for the new animated series World of Quest (26×22) from Cookie Jar Entertainment. Slated to bow on Cartoon Network in the UK in 2009, World of Quest is a comedy/action series that follows the adventures of a smart-aleck young Prince Nestor and his unwilling protector, Quest as they set out to save the Prince’s parents and their kingdom.  The series is based on the Komikwerks graphic novel series by Jason Kruse and edited by Stephen Sustarsic.

Flying Bark Productions, a division of EM.Entertainment, has teamed with Funkhauser Film, the Copenhagen-based animation studio, in association with ZDF and TV2 (Denmark) to produce the new CGI animated series Enyo (12×24).  Aimed at K8-12 the show is expected to bow in fall 2009.  Pre-sale deals have been completed with ZDF (Germany), TV2 (Denmark) NRK (Norway), and SVT (Sweden).  A fantasy/adventure, the series revolves around 12-year old boy named Enyo who is learning to understand the language of animals, hidden messages in nature and to see the future.  EM.Entertainment will handle worldwide distribution rights excluding Australia, Denmark and Scandinavia.

The preschool series In the Night Garden (100×30) is set to premiere in Canada on Teletoon, Monday, February 25 at 7:30p, in an agreement with Ragdoll, BBC Worldwide Canada.  Under the deal Treehouse acquires the TV and new media rights, including VOD, subscription on demand and download to own content.  Narrated by Sir Derek Jacobi, In the Night Garden will air regularly weekdays and Sundays at 7:30p on the network.  An In the Night Garden interactive online area will be featured at www.treehousetv.com . Based on the picture book of the same name, In the Night garden is produced by Ragdoll, which will serve as brand manager for the property in Canada.

NEW PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

CBeebies, the BBC’s preschool channel, is producing a multi-platform quiz show titled Kerwhizz (26×22).  The series is set to debut on-air with an online component and radio show/podcasts later this year.  Hosted by the live-action Kerwhizzitor, Kerwhizz encourages kids (at home and live audience) to make predictions as three teams of CGI characters answer questions, ultimately giving them power or “pod mods” for their racing machines, which take place in any of 26 worlds that reflect different environments (e.g. astrological, historical).  The series is produced by CBeebies Productions, which is working with UK-based animation company Blue Zoo.

Amberwood Productions secures a co-production pact with comic book publisher Arcana Studio, under which they will develop and produce at new K6-11 targeted HD TV series based on the publisher’s title Ralph Filmore: Paranormal Investigator (26×30), per Animation Magazine.

Paramount is pushing back the release date of J.J. Abrams’ feature film Star Trek from to May 8, 2009, from its original December 25, 2008 date.

MORE KIDS STUFF

Jalan Sesama (52×30), the Indonesian version of Sesame Street produced by Sesame Workshop and Jakarta-based Creative Indigo Production, premieres on Trans7, February 18, 2008.  The series features specially created regional Muppet characters.  Among the topics featured on Japan will be healthy habits, the aftermath of a flood as well as traditional Sesame Street style animated and live-action segments reflecting the curriculum of the series as well as showcasing Indonesian culture, tradition, language and the arts.  In addition to the TV series, Gramedia Publishing will publish Jalan Sesama magazine, a monthly kid’s publication with games and activities featuring the Muppet characters, slated to be available beginning April 2008.

Voltron will air on the Boomerang Channel from February 18 under a deal with the series licensor World Events Productions.  Repackaged Voltron episodes from 1984 will be stripped on Boomerang for a year, airing Monday-Friday at 10:30p.  Last year Media Blasters released the first five volumes (of eight total) re-mastered and re-mixed DVD set, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, the remaining three volumes will be available at retail in 2008.  Remember, we are still awaiting further news about a possible live-action Voltron feature film.

PBS has picked up another season (26 eps) of the animated series WordGirl from Scholastic Media and its animation studio Soup2Nuts.  Production on the new season begins later this month.  WordGirl airs Fridays on PBS Kids Go! (check local listings)

4Kids Entertainment completes broadcast deals for its cel/CGI animated series Dinosaur King.  The series is now set to premiere on YTV (Canada), Jetix (Latin America), TV2 (Denmark) and TV4 (Sweden) as part of the 2008-9 season.

The Licensing International Expo will pack up after the 2008, June 10-12 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center and move on out to Las Vegas in 2009 when it will be held for the first time at the Mandalay Bay Resort June 2-9.

MARKETING/LICENSING

Cookie Jar Entertainment launches the open beta test for its free online multiplayer adventures game, Magi-Nation: Battle for the Moonlands, which based on the animated series Magi-Nation.  Targeted to Kids/Tweens 8-14, the game will have its commercial debut in the first part of this year.

WGBH Boston will release Arthur-Season 10 on DVD on March 25, 2008.  Additionally, on that date it will also release an Arthur adoption special, Big Brother Binky, on DVD.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Target Entertainment appoints Sarah Walker as Director/Marketing and Communications.  She joins the company in April.  Reporting to Group Managing Director, Ian Jones, Walker will head the new centralized marketing division.  Most recently, Walker was Director/PR and Marketing, Parthenon Entertainment.

RATINGS

Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Monday, February 11, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON:          K2-11 1144; K6-11 565; TWEENS 9-14 410
DISNEY CHANNEL:     K2-11   960; K6-11 612; TWEENS 9-14 483
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11   511; K6-11 314; TWEENS 9-14 213
TOON DISNEY:           K2-11   131; K6-11   63; TWEENS 9-14   48
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data

Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Tuesday, February 12, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON:          K2-11 1169; K6-11 566; TWEENS 9-14 457
DISNEY CHANNEL:     K2-11   811; K6-11 506; TWEENS 9-14 400
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11   516; K6-11 295; TWEENS 9-14 200
TOON DISNEY:           K2-11   159; K6-11   78; TWEENS 9-14   43
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data


Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  What is the name of the cool sunglass-wearing cheetah who promotes Cheetos cheese snacks?  CHESTER   Kudos to:  Sara Zeglin-National Geographic Digital Media/Washington, D.C.; Christine Ferrara-WSBK/WBZ/Boston; Kristen Tuinstra-ZONDERKIDZ/ Grand Rapids, MI; John Harman-Screenvision/NY; Michael Hawkins-PromoDoctors/Irving, TX; Mike Patterson-Cartoon Network & [adult swim]/Chicago; Marci Crane-GRP Media/IL; Rosemary Cunningham-MMT/Chicago; Michael Peikoff-Twentieth Century Fox/Century City, CA;  Shannon Estrada-Schiefer Media/Santa Ana, CA; Rebecca Rodriguez-Disney Channel/CA; Josh JonesPalisades MediaGroup Inc./Santa Monica, CA; Tristan Homer-9 Story Entertainment/Toronto

Today’s Trivia Question: the animated series, Pepper Ann (1997-2000), what was the Hazelnut Middle School mascot?  ( Click here 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 — Gwen
Gwen Billings for Cynopsis: Kids!
02.14.08

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JOB OPENING: AFFIL/BE PROMO PROD/Sundance Ch/NY: 5 yrs exp;manage branded ent prod; supervise affiliate mktg, VOD & multiplatform deliverables. Able to coord multiple projects w/ tight deadlines. Res: [email protected] (2/21)

JOB OPENING: CONTENT MGR, INTL DIGITAL, MTV/NY: 3+ yrs new media exp. Manage Nick/Comedy content & secure for int’l distrib. Strong comms, project mgmt, content mgmt systems. Apply: www.mtvncareers.com . EOE/M/F/D/AAP (2/21)

JOB OPENING: MGR NEW MEDIA RSRCH/E!, Style & G4/LA: BA 3+ yrs exp w/ new media analytics tools Report web, brdband, mobile & VOD usage/trends Exp w NetView, Site Census/Google Analytics & Rentrak pref’d [email protected] (2/21)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, RESEARCH/E!, Style & G4/LA: BA 5+ yrs media research experience w/proficiency in Nielsen systems required. Apply: www.cegjobs.com or [email protected] (2/21)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR-APP DEV. SALES & TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS/CT (Fairfield County): Radio exp. Preferred. PMI cert. a plus. Project planning, rollout planning, support planning.   Resume to:  [email protected]   (2/21)

JOB OPENING: MGR, PLNG & OPS/DIRECTV/NY: Will plan and conduct thorough, accurate analyses in support of company wide pricing and inventory initiatives. For immediate consideration, please send resume to: [email protected]  (2/21)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLNR/DIRECTV/NY: This position supports our AD Sales Group with their sales efforts and manages accounts on a day-to-day basis. For immediate consideration, please send resume to: [email protected]  (2/21)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/The Knot Inc/NY: Presale research, prepare RFP, manage inventory, competitive industry analysis. 2-3 yrs. Interactive media exp. pref. Email Resume/Salary: [email protected] (subject Sales Planner).  (2/21)

JOB OPENING: VP, STRATEGY & RSRCH/HowStuffWorks/IL: Lead team resp for executing initiatives to max website traffic & search engine exposure, creation of content roadmap & optimizing digital bus. opps. See howstuffworks.com/jobs (2/21)

JOB OPENING: VP/AD OPS/HowStuffWorks/ATL: Seeking strong individual for achieving rev objectives mthly, campgn mgmt, sev other duties. See www.howstuffworks.com for more info. (2/21)

JOB OPENING: COORD, PRICING & PLANNING/STYLE-Comcast Nets/NY: 1+ yr industry exp; Resp for tracking inventory, processing MSA posting, oversee EDI & supporting sales staff. Apply: www.comcast.com 60506BR EEO/AA/Drug Free (2/20)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF MARKETING/LA: entertainment research co: Implement marketing/PR to sell full line of prod/serv. Degree+min 5 yrs mrktng mgmt w/PR exp Resume/salary hist to  h ttp://www.epollresearch.com/corp/aboutus/careers.view (2/20)

JOB OPENING: COUNSEL /iN DEMAND/NYC:  Contract management, copyright & trademark, standards & practices. JD plus 3 yrs cable/entertainment.  Reply:  [email protected] (2/20)

JOB OPENING: ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/Cablevision/Wall, NJ: Seeks AE for local ad sales.2+ yrs ad sales exp. pref cable tv, radio, internet adv.  Valid NJ DL.  See full posting and apply to www.cablevision.jobs req 5068BR (2/20)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAMMING MGR/TLC/LA: Provide support on range of projects in dev & prod for primetime incl. reviewing materials, cuts, managing production, etc. 5 yrs exp. broadcast/cable. Apply: www.discovery.com , #7657  (2/20)

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JOB OPENING: PRODUCTION  PRODUCTION COORDINATOR(Freelance) AETN, Stamford, CT: Work closely with Production Management to support fast-paced production department. M-F, 9-5 – very administrative. Apply: [email protected] (2/20)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC (3)/Ent. Studios, Inc/NY, LA, CHIC:. Motivated sales talent to mng station sales in first-run TV synd. Strong leaders w/ except’l presentation skills. Time mngmnt & exc PC skills a must. Res to: [email protected] (2/19)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASST/Comcast Nets/NY:  Support AEs w/daily sales activities. Det oriented, MS Office, time mgmt, math skills & Bachelor’s req’d.  EOE/AA/Drug Free. Apply at www.comcast.com job req 59701BR (2/19)

JOB OPENING: REGIONAL COORDINATOR /LIFETIME NY: Support the sales efforts of the Distribution and Field Marketing staff and service our affiliated cable systems. Apply at: http://www.mylifetime.com/about/jobs.html (2/19)

JOB OPENING: DIR MKTG/G4: 5+ yrs media mktg exp; track record of successful cmpg launches; highly strat & creative pers; exc writing skills; resp for media plans across all platforms (G4’s & bought media) [email protected] (2/19)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA MGR/Nat Geo/DC: Manage media/assets in media/content mgmt environment. 3-5 yrs cable or TV database system mgmt exp. Please apply at www.foxcareers.com (FNG10835). (2/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR, PROMOTIONS/WALT DISNEY INTERNET GROUP/LA: 3+ years marketing/promo exp; track record translating markgt & promo objec. Apply at: www.disneycareers.com and search on JOB ID#: 137078 (2/19)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR PROGRAMMING/DIY/KNOXVILLE: Manage all aspects of commissioned programs. Strong writing & story editing skills a must, reality TV exp a+. 3 yrs TV prod exp at major cable net req’d. www.scrippsnetworks.com (2/19)

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JOB OPENING: AUDIENCE DEV. DIRECTOR/ LIFETIME TV NY: provide strategic direction and consulting, for performance-based campaign management, optimization, and ROI. Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (2/19)

JOB OPENING:  AE AD SALES/The Hotel Networks/NY/LA/Chi: Establ & grow ad sls rev. Send res to: [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING:  SVP AD SALES/The Hotel Networks/NY/LA/Chi: Grow nat’l ad sales rev. Bld prtnrshps w/ clnts & agencies.  Send res to: [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING:  SALES PLANNER AD SALES/The Hotel Networks/NY: Support sales team. Send Res to:  [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING:  AD SALES MARKETING COORDINATOR/Hallmark Channel/NY: Support Ad Sales Marketing dept. Min. 1 yr. exp in TV Marketing, Sales or Media. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (2/16)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH INTERNSHIP/Hallmark Channel/LA: Learn about cable television, ratings and programming. Must take for class credit. Available now! Email resume to [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH ANALYST/CNN DIGITAL/NY: Support sales across multiple digital platforms. BA, Strong media math, 1+ yrs. exp with Nielsen Online and web analytics products pref’d. Apply: [email protected]   (2/16)

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JOB OPENING: POST PROD COORD/Discovery/MD: 3 yrs media environ. Knowledge of programming, editing, digitizing, billing/budgets. Excellent multi task, problem solving skills. Strong comp skills.  Apply: www.discovery.com req # 7576  (2/16)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, FINANCE/PBS KIDS SPROUT/Comcast/PHILA.: Looking for your next opp? Have a solid understanding of accounting/budgeting/forecasting and systems? Take next step in career! www.comcastcareers.com (2/16)

JOB OPENING: BRDCST BUSINESS ANALYST/NYC: Exp writing use cases &test cases. Media Knwldg 5-7 yrs. Traffic systems exp. is a +. Exp. on integration projects like integration to sales systems is a +. Respond to: [email protected] (2/15)

JOB OPENING: EXEC DIRECTOR NEWS RESEARCH/ABC: Design & conduct strategic research on new programming initiatives & new platforms, develop RFP’s. Apply to: www.disneycareers.com Req 141309. EOE (2/15)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNERS/Discovery Communications/NYC: Support Account Execs developing proposals and presentations. Strong communicator. Exp with research, advertising, acct mgmnt. Apply: www.discovery.com , Req#7604 (2/15)
        
JOB OPENING: DIR/AD SALES MKTG (2)/HGTV/NY&KNOX: Dvlp & implement added value sales promotions & Upfront materials, provide support to the National Ad Sales Reps. 5-8 yrs sales promotions req’d. Apply at SCRIPPSNETWORKS.COM (2/15)

JOB OPENING: MGR DIGITAL RSRCH/Disney ABC Media Networks:Rsrch, design, execute, analyze & present findings. Incls ongoing testing of pricing, platform usability, short & long-form. Apply: www.disneycareers.com Req142207 EOE (2/15)

WINTER AND SPRING 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] .

SPRING INTERNSHIP  CREDITS ONLY: PR /NYC: Boutique agency (kids TV, toys, CE, licensing) seeks smart, mature, highly-organized, communications-oriented intern. College JRs or SRs only. Apply to [email protected] (2/21)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN/LA: Opportunity to learn about publicity via our arts and entertainment clients. Write, pitch and brainstorm with our team. Send resume, cover letter and writing sample to [email protected]  (2/20)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:   PRGRM DVLPMNT & ACQUISITIONS INTERN/Boston: Support prgrm dvlpmnt & acquisitions area of NESN. For college credit. For full description see NESN.com. Send resume:  [email protected] “Prog Devel Intern” in subject line. (2/16)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:   PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN/WE Tv/NY: Opportunity to learn the mechanics of a major cable network TV comm dept by working w/ the publicists & participate in its daily ops.  Send resume to [email protected] (2/16)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED … Interested in posting your Video Resume?  Contact [email protected] for more information ….

SITUATION WANTED:  SHOWRUNNER/FIELD PRODUCER/WRITER: 10+ years producing for MTV, VH1, FUSE. Expertise in Celebrity Interview, Lifestyle, Entertainment News, Bio, Clip, and Reality genres. [email protected] / www.markmarraccini.com (2/21) 

SITUATION WANTED:  Emmy Award Winning TV PRODUCER seeking exec/mgmt or producer position with production company or network. Background includes talk, reality and game. [email protected] (2/21) 

SITUATION WANTED:  EXPERIENCED PA: LA based Film/TV/Music PA available for serious work Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun’s. Knowledgeable, Tech-Savvy, Detail-Oriented & Professional. Contact: [email protected] (2/21) 

E-mail  [email protected] for rates and specs for Job Openings. 

Interested in posting your Video Resume?  Contact [email protected] for more information ….

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

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