CYNTHIA TURNER’S
Cynopsis

01/12/06

Good morning. It’s Thursday, January 12, 2006, and this is your first early morning briefing.

Season Premieres:
ABC:  Crumbs at 930p
WB:  Beauty & the Geek 2 at 9p

TLC‘s newest series Ice Diaries, produced by TWI-IMG, is a six part doc series focusing on the day-in-and-day-out lives of two top ice skaters, both competing for the Olympics and a spot on Team USA.  Cameras follow the girls both on the ice for training, and off the ice when their spending time with family and friends, as well as tutors, teachers, motivators, designers, and so on. 

Video Google is adding to its library with content from here! TV.  The network will provide both original series, as well as films, documentaries and comedies, all selling for $3.99/title.

The Tennis Channel has signed a two-year programming extension with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, continuing the network’s exclusive U.S. telecast rights to 14 international top-tier tournaments each year, thru the 2007 tennis season. The 14 tournaments, played in the Far East, Canada, Middle East and Europe, feature the game’s top players in pursuit of some of the sport’s greatest championships.  Last year, 13 of the 14 events were won by players currently ranked in the top 10.
 
TV Land will focus on the role of African Americans in U.S. culture and society in the 3-part original That’s What I’m Talking About special.  Comedian/actor Wayne Brady will host and moderate the 60-minute shows, which air on Wednesdays at 10p from February 1-15.  Each installment will include a panel discussion about the impact of black culture and entertainment with additional feature entertainment clips and images. 

Q Television Network (QTN) has signed an agreement with Sandra Bernhard to co-host forty Queer Edge with Jack E. Jett episodes starting January 16 at 10p.  The comedian is reportedly also in talks with the network to develop her own series.

Scripps Networks’ Great American Country has hit a new milestone, passing the 40 million subscriber mark.  A little assistance came when last December GAC was launched ont eh Comcast DI digital tiers in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, PA, adding nearly 600,000 subscribers.  GAC will also show up on the Cox systems in Oklahoma City and Parma, Ohio, bringing in another 700,000 subs.

Attention all of you video podcasters and creators of non-traditional program content.  The Emmy folks, NATAS, has created a new category for non-traditional platforms – that is computers, mobile phones, iPods, PDAs and so on.  An Emmy will be awarded based on creativity in editorial content and video production.  If you think your work should be considered, you should know the deadline in both the Daytime and Sports Emmy Awards has been extended to March 1, and the eligibility period also has been extended for content created between Jan. 1, 2005 – March 1, 2006.  The new Emmy will be presented for the first time at the 33rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on April 28, and the Sports Emmy Awards on May 1.  Down the line, look for this category as it relates to the News & Documentary, Business & Financial Reporting, Community and Public Service Emmy Awards ceremonies.

Correction:   Regarding Food Network’s TCA announcements – Mario Shoots for the Stars is not a series, but rather a one time only Special.

A&E made its appearance at TCA and announced a bevy of new projects in development, and a few already in production you’ve already heard about:

• A Guy Walks into a Bar is a 30m sketch comedy project with George Wendt and comedian George Gray.
• Commander Castle is a 30m reality series focused on a British police consultant and his particular, if not peculiar teaching techniques.
• Driving Force is a 30m reality show current in production, and at the center is dragster John Force and his daughters. This project will likely get to air this summer.
• God or the Girl is a reality series about four guys who must decide between marriage or monestary where they will train to become Roman Catholic priests.  Currently in production, this show is slated to air during Easter week.
• Finally a Family is a reality show about adoption, with a particular focus on two sets of parents who are both in the midst of the adoption process – the twist is they’re both going after the same child.
• Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels, already in production, is a 30m reality series about Simmons and his family.
• King of Cars, also in production and scheduled to premiere in March, is a 30m reality show about a Las Vegas car dealer and his whacked out infomercials that have made him a local success
• Polar Posse, a 30m realty project about a team of firefighters and EMS volunteers in Alaska.

A slew of new pilot pickups by the broadcasters —

Two pilot orders from NBC:

• Heroes from NBC Universal TV is about a group of seemingly normal people who discover they have super powers.
• Seeing Red, also from NBC Universal TV, is about a cop who uses his psychic powers to talk to the dead, in order to solve crimes.

UPN has signed Alicia Keys to a development deal for her to star in a drama project that will be based on her life.  Felicia Henderson is on board to write the script. Keys grew up in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen in a biracial family.

CBS has picked up the pilot for Jericho from Paramount Network Television and Junction Entertainment.  Jericho is a small town that in a post-nuclear time, becomes isolated from the rest of the world.  This project examines the various psychological and social aspects of what that life might be like for the town residents.

Also over at CBS, another pickup for a project called Orpheus from Scott Free Prods and Paramount Network TV, about a young guy whose girlfriend is heavily ensconced in a cult.

Fox has ordered Faceless from 20th.  The drama is about a federal prosecutor who, in order to take down a huge organized crime syndicate, goes undercover and joins the ranks.

ABC has ordered the pilot for Six Degrees from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot and Touchstone TV.  The show is a dramatization of the six degrees theory – a group of unrelated people in New York City, and how their lives criss-cross.

GREAT! announced two uppings – Rachel V. Chamblin to VP/Marketing, and Nicole Yoder to Marketing Manager. GREAT! is based in Atlanta and is a promotion and public relations agency.

VH1 has upped Michael Hirschorn to EVP/Original Programming and Production, where he will oversee VH1 original programming and development as well as music development and celebrity talent development.  He is also driving the network’s foray into scripted series including the upcoming “So Notorious” with Tori Spelling.  Michael continues to report to Brian Graden, President/Entertainment, MTV Music Networks Group and President/Logo. 

Network LIVE announced the appointment of Michael Goldfine to VP/Production and Programming. In his new role, Michael oversees all creative development and production of Network LIVE programming, including music events, original programming, and comedy, ensuring the program translates across multiple digital distribution platforms. Network LIVE is a joint venture between American Online, XM Satellite Radio and AEG.

Tuesday — A18-49 Analysis: Fox and NBC were nearly tied on Tuesday night according to final numbers from Nielsen, with Fox’s 4.0/10 just scooting past NBC’s 3.9/10 among A18-49.  CBS followed with a 3.6/9, and then ABC 2.9/7, WB 2.1/6, Univision 1.8/5, UPN .8/2.  CBS took the first hour of prime with a 4.0/11 for NCIS.  House dominated at 9p on Fox with a 5.7/14, whereas NBC and CBS tied for the hour, each posting an 8 share.  At 10p it was all NBC with a 5.6/14 for Law & Order: SVU.

Live + Same Day Ratings: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 – program averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research.

CBS     8.1/13   NCIS 10.8/17, 32nd Annual  People’s Choice Awards  6.7/10

ABC     6.6/10   According to Jim 4.9/8, Rodney 4.7/7, Commander in Chief 7.4/11, Boston Legal 7.4/12

Fox     6.5/10   Bones [r] 3.8/6, House  9.2/14

NBC     6.2/10   Fear Factor 4.4/7, Scrubs 4.4/7, Scrubs 4.5/7, Law & Order: SVU  9.8/16

WB      3.4/5    Gilmore Girls 4.0/6, Supernatural  2.8/4

Univ    2.1/3    Contra Viento y Marea 2.4/4, Alborada 2.4/4, Casos de la Vida Real: Edicion  Especial  1.5/2

UPN     1.6/2    Movie Night:  Blue Crush  1.6/2

A18-49:         Fox 4.0/10, NBC 3.9/10, CBS 3.6/9, ABC 2.9/7, WB 2.1/6, Univision 1.8/5, UPN .8/2

Today in History: 
1932 – Ed Sullivan joined CBS radio as part of a program of gossip and interviews. He later became the host of the most popular variety show on television, “The Ed Sullivan Show”.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  “And Dance by the light of the moon” was sung at the  conclusion of each episode of what show during the 80’s? THIRTYSOMETHING  produced by Bedford Falls Prods and its salute to the film It’s a Wonderful Life.     Kudos to:  Mary Moonen-WFSB/CT; Amy Kolasky-MTV Networks/NY; Pete Gautieri-Lifetime/NY; Barbara Rosenthal-Tiffany Press/NY; Dan Whitford-RPA/Chicago; Jo Book-KSAT/San Antonio; Jennifer Dole-WALA/Mobile AL; Randi Oken-NCC/Dalla; Evan Weinstein-The Amazing Race; Jennifer Hollander-Hollander Productions/LA; John Singh-Lucasfilm Ltd/San Francisco; Kelly Kennemer-Writer/Van Nuys CA; Gita Isak-Actress/Hollywood;  Paul Bond-BBC/UK

Today’s Trivia Question:  ABC-TV had originally planned to broadcast this show as “Those Were the Days”, but this long running 70’s show appeared under different name and different network.  What show was it?  ( 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 — Cyn
01.12.06 – 5:21a
Ad Sales – Barbara Shapiro – 203-583-1224 /

Classifieds – Trish Pihonak – 203.926-9878 (new number!) /

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Copyright Cynthia Turner 2006

Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS —

JOB OPENING: COPYWRITER , CSTV/NY: combine passion w/creative ability to sell & market effectively; writing copy for: on-air promotion, brochures, web banners, etc; min. 3-5 yrs exp; See: www.cstv.com  Resumes: 
(1/19)

JOB OPENING: PRINT GRAPHIC DESIGNER, CSTV/NY: design & produce print work for brochures, postcards, print ads, large format printing, posters, outdoor media, etc; See: www.cstv.com RESUME with 2 – 3 SAMPLES:
  (1/19)

JOB OPENING: TECHNICAL PRODUCER/OLN/Stamford: Develop and implement production systems and advanced delivery methodsfor OLN’s content. 10 yrs related exp req’d See www.olntv.com for more info. Resume/Salary:
  (1/19)

JOB OPENING: OFFICE COORDINATOR/NATL GEOGRAPHIC/LA: Provide administrative support for office w/ wide range clerical duties. Degree reqd + 2yrs admin exp office environment.  Learn more: www.nationalgeographic.com click on JOBS  (1/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR, WEB CREATIVE/OLN/Stamford, CT: 4 yrs corp/consumer site web design experience req’d.  Implement & maintain brand look of OLNTV.com.  Manage web creative process. www.olntv.com Resume/Salary:
(1/19)

JOB OPENING: DIR/MARKETING /OLN/Stamford, CT:10 yrs CABLE NTWRK CONSUMER MKTG exp req’d. Dev/execute consumer/trade mrktng campaigns for OLNs tent pole events/prgrmmng & trade messages. www.olntv.com Res/salary:
(1/19)

JOB OPENING: DIR ON-AIR PROMO/OLN/NY:Mng on-air promo prod concept/completion, while maintaining ntwrk brand positioning. Prof short-form promo exper w/ major nat’ l sports prgrmg a MUST. www.olntv.com Res/salary:
(1/19)

JOB OPENING: WRITER PRODUCER, On-Air Promo, OLN, NYC: Write/prod compelling promos that support ntwrk brand. Nat’l cable/TV exp, prior sports promo exp & short-form promo exp a must.  See www.olntv.com Res/Salary:
(1/19)

JOB OPENING: EX SECRETARY/WE/NYC – Bright, detail oriented, highly org, admin prof for Sr. Ad Sales Exec. Exp w/mktg or sales support, Degree pref. resumes to
(1/18)
 
JOB OPENING: SUPERVISING PROD/SHOWRUNNER/NY:  Travel/Lifestyle/Food series – Significant reality experience w/reel to match, excellent writing, editorial & mgmnt skills.  Immediately.  Resume to:
(1/18)
 
JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/JR. ACCOUNT EXEC/ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP (UFC)/Las Vegas/2-4 years of experience at cable network or advertising agency/strong computer skills/detailed oriented/wear multiple hats,
(1/18)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT/TBS & TNT, CHICAGO: Support AE and sales planner w/ all aspects of the sales process (book/maintain orders & admin tasks). Col deg, internships, prior office exp pref. Email
(1/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR, BUS & LEG AFFRS/TOKYOPOP/LA: Negot, drft & admin deal memos & lng frm agreemts for rs acquis, artsts, wrters, etc: in/out-bound licnsng rts to publishing, film, tv & merch activities.  Apply: 
(1/18) 

JOB OPENING: SALES MGR, LICENSING & MERCH/TOKYOPOP/LA: Sell intellectual prop rts thru merch & cnsmer products license agreements, co-promos, retail prtnrships. 3-5 yrs exp dom/intl licensing sales.  Apply:
  (1/18)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASST/Cablevision/Woodbury, Long Island (NY): For Optimum products (Home and Auto). 1+ yrs of marketing or admin support exp req’d. Send res to
w/ID# 0110CYN16384MRK in subject  (11/18)
 
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXEC /Cablevision/Oakland NJ:  To handle local sales for its Optimum Autos product. 3+ yrs exp in tv/radio/print ad sales req’d. Send res to
w/ID# 0110CYN16379MRK in subject  (11/18)
 
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR/PRICING & PLANNING/FOX CABLE/NY: 5+ years ad sales exp. Required. If interested, apply on-line @ www.foxcareers.com (FNG1679)  (11/18)

JOB OPENING: EXEC DIR, SALES DVPT & MKT/NYC: Manage marketing for ABC broadcasts, online & SOAPnet. Min. 8 years ad experience. Nielsen, MRI, Simmons, Prizm, Erdos & Morgan, Nexis/Factiva. Send resumes to
(1/24)

JOB OPENING: DIR/MARKET RESEARCH/TW CABLE/Stamford CT:Will play key role in creation of leverageable consumer insights designed to positively impact strategic changes & significant bus. decisions.
(1/17)

JOB OPENING:  CATALOGING SUPERVISOR, MEDIA LIBRARY/SCRIPPS NETWORKS-Knoxville:Broadcast/TV prod environment exp pref’d. Supervisory exp pref’d. MLIS (or equiv) required. Resume to:
& ref job # 4909-U.  (1/14)

JOB OPENING:  ABC seeks EX. DIRECTOR OF NEWS RESEARCH. 10 years exp in market research, either vendor/client side; exp w/ program research, news research, and both vendor/client side preferred. Resumes to
. (1/14)

JOB OPENING:  MANAGER , HGTV.com/HGTV-Knoxville: Implements online strategies, generates ideas & analyzes performance of key initiatives. 4 yrs exp in websites and content. Resume:
& ref job #4752-U (1/14)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Court TV, NY For info go to: http://www.courttv.com/about/careers/    (1/14)

JOB OPENING:  OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES Court TV, NY For info go to: http://www.courttv.com/about/careers/ (1/14)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/AMC/NY 2+ yrs exp cable res. Expand knowledge w/ Qual/Quan analysis to support busy Ad Sales,Mktg,PR,Prog groups.
(1/14)

JOB OPENING: SECRETARY /IFC/NYC Support back office Film Ops dept. Strong att to detail, comm & MS skills. degree pref. rez to
(1/14)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, AFFILIATE MARKETING, OLN- Stamford, CT – Develop/execute affiliate and LAS promos for anchor pgming. 5 yrs affiliate mktg exp at cable network or system. See www.olntv.com Resume/salary:
(1/14)

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/MTV Networks, Santa Monica, CA. Smart, organized, attention to detail, multi-tasker, excellent communication skills, knows LA, hard worker. email resumes to:
(1/14)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER/RESEARCH/Scripps Networks/New York: 5+ Yrs Nat Cable Ad Sales. Strategic thinker & expertise with Npower, Market Breaks, Star Media. Resume/Salary to
. Job Ref. 4928 (1/13)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE BOOKING PRODUCER Court TV, NY For info go to: http://www.courttv.com/about/careers/ (1/13)

JOB OPENING: NAT’L ACCT MGR/Oxygen/NY: create co-branded mktg campaigns for cable operators, dev & customize events. 80% nat’l trvl. 3 yrs exp mktg, sales & event planning.
(1/13)

JOB OPENING: DIR ENTERPRISE MKT/Comedy Central – strat mktg + promo 4 CC branded dig.med + cnsmr prods – .com, broadband, games, mobile, DVD, Records – dig.media mrkting exp a MUST. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Send res
(1/13)

JOB OPENING: SR CLIENT ANALYST/MSA Media/NY: Manage cable nets on Gabriel/other SW. Perform biz svcs, issue resolution, training, Jr Acct mgmt duties, prod planning. Must have tech knowledge. Send res & $ req to
(1/13)

WINTER 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
.

WINTER INTERNSHIPS: EYEPOP Productions (New York, NY): Assist DOCUMENTARY FILM DEPARTMENT in transcribing interviews for documentary feature. Email: 
or fax 212-680-1517. Must be able to type quickly & spell. (1/19)

WINTER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: TOKYOPOP/LA has internship opportunities in: design, editorial, legal, finance, and hr/office administration. Must be avail 15-20 hrs/wk. Apply to:
(1/18)

WINTER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: FOX RESEARCH & MARKETING INTERN/LA will participate in Nielsen ratings data compilation, report generation, analysis, some admin duties & will attend meetings w/ TV execs.  Resumes:
(1/18)

WINTER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Warner Bros TV Prods (Los Angeles, CA): Assist RESEARCH DEPT with ratings analysis and focus groups. Must be proficient in excel and have strong interest in TV. Email:
  (1/14)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED —

SITUATION WANTED: BUDGETS/ FREELANCER available for budget work. All genres: reality, game, episodic, feature films. Budgets from $75K to $15 Mil. Union/Non Union. 15 years of experience. Contact:
  (2/9)

SITUATION WANTED: NYC: FCP Editor/Shooter 5 yrs Broadcast Exp. Photoshop, DVD-SP, Encoding, Pro DV Cam, Edit Suite. View TV work/resume at www.jordieshapiro.com .
(1/19)

SITUATION WANTED: PROGRAMMING/ACQUISITIONS/DEVELOPMENT Executive seeks post. Expert in “Lifestyle” programming and created the Q Television Network. Produced series, specials, sports,etc. Relocation OK. Contact:
(1/24)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH/PRODUCTION MANAGER: – 5 yrs sales/program research at local/network level & 3 yrs producing/editing. Creative team player w/management, budget, web& presentations skills.
(1/17)

SITUATION WANTED: BUDGETS. FREELANCER available for budget work. All genres: reality, game, episodic, feature films. Budgets from $75K to $15 Mil. Union/Non Union. 15 years of experience. Contact:
(1/13)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION MANAGER/COORDINATOR: OC/LA-4yrs exp. I do budgets, shotlists, shooting schedules etc. Positive personality w/out the ego or attitude. Travel OK. BA in Cinema and TV Production.
     (1/13)

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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT: Thursday, January 12, 2006

ABC              Dancing With the Stars, Crumbs [p], Primetime
CBS              CSI: Miami, CSI, Without a Trace
FOX              That 70’s Show, That 70’s Show, The OC
NBC              Will & Grace, Four Kings, My Name is Earl, ER
i                      Sue Thomas F.B. Eye, Early Edition, Doc
UPN              Everybody Hates Chris [r], Love Inc.[r], Eve [r], Cuts [r]
WB               Smallville, Beauty and the Geek 2  [p]
TELE             El Cuerpo del Deseo, Corazon Partido, Decisiones-Casos Extraordinarios, Decisiones
UNIV             Contra Viento y  Marea,  Alborada, Aqui y Ahora “