Cynopsis: DIGITAL
07/07/11
Good morning, it’s Thursday, July 7, 2011, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis edition online, click here.
Facebook‘s “‘awesome” announcement turned out to be an expected integration with Skype to roll out a new video calling application, the next “kind of cool” social app to be delivered on the online platform. After a plug-in is downloaded, click the call button on top of your friend’s profile to begin a call (you can also leave a video message if they’re not logged in or don’t pick up.) The integration will allow Skype users to see Facebook updates within the Skype app. Facebook is also introducing a new Groups chat feature timed perfectly to rival Google +’s Huddle group chat that allows you to set up chats with subgroups of friends and “add friends to chat” with the click of a button. Despite concerns that growth is slowing domestically, the social networking giant continues to add users in leaps and bounds overseas, and is now up to 750 million who are sharing a collective 4 billion bits of content per day.
Amazon has made a number of enhancements to its Cloud Drive and Cloud Player service:
- The Cloud Player is finally available for the iPad and has been optimized for Safari
- New customers who sing up for the minimum annual $20/20GB plan will get unlimited space for music tracks
- Cloud Drive users can store all their previously Amazon-purchased MP3s for free
Netflix announced it is expanding its operations outside of North America for the first time, launching its unlimited streaming service in 43 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean later this year for a flat monthly fee. Netflix says it has attracted 800k subs in Canada through May and now serves more than 23 million overall subscribers.
ESPN Audio Now is a new digital audio player allowing fans to customize their own experience by choosing from a menu of over 100 audio podcasts, accessing searchable audio and utilizing a recommendation engine that will record a fan’s listening preferences and suggest new content. An instant rewind feature will let users scroll up to 3 hours back. Of course, Facebook and Twitter integration are also baked in.
CBS is trying to drum up support for the long-running Survivor series by returning with a third season of a competitive online series “Around the World for Free” that asks viewers to help host Parvati Shallow, winner of “Survivor: Micronesia Fans vs. Favorites,” line up free lodging, meals and rides. Fans can interact with Parvati via Twitter (@ATWFFLIve) or CBS.com. CBS Interactive Web Original Studios will produce a total of 50 Webisodes during the 100-day sojourn.
Here’s something to tweet about for investors in the microblogging phenomenon. Twitter is putting off an IPO in favor of tapping more private equity funding and is seeking a new hundred million dollar round that could peg the company’s value at $7 billion, per the WSJ. The company’s last $200 million round led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers valued the company at $3.7 billion. Like Facebook, Twitter has been gaining users at faster clip internationally, and was up to 139 million worldwide at the end of May, according to ComScore, up 90% y/y.
Virtual Greats and Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTVG) have teamed up to create branded virtual goods for three of the Studio’s premier shows - The Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars. Virtual Greats has enlisted Meez.com, WeeWorld and Zwinky to create custom branded boutiques to sell virtual goods around the shows.
Rates for self service ads on Facebook have held steady since March despite increased inventory, according to an Bloomberg report. The company is expected to double its global ad revenue to $4.05 billion this year, according to eMarketer projections.
Denver-based online video ad network SpotXchange has added a new cost-per-view (CPV) ad model that will only charge advertisers if a viewer decides to watch the entire video ad. YouTube and Facebook have both recently launched CPV units, the latter which includes a selection of ads to watch.
Microsoft may ask Samsung for royalty payments tied to the consumer electronic maker’s use of Google’s Android operating system because it owns several patents used in the platform – to the tune of $15 from every Android phone made by Samsung that is sold, according to a Reuters report.
Meanwhile, Apple‘s ongoing battle with Samsung is reaching new heights. A week after Samsung sought to put an end to imports of iPads and iPhones in South Korea, Apple filed its own complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission stating that Samsung’s Galaxy line of tablets and mobile phones infringe on several patents and “slavishly” copy iPhone and iPad models.
Monthly streaming options such as Netflix and Hulu are just the beginning. Service revenues in the world over-the-top (OTT) video market are expected to grow at an ave. compounded annual growth rate of 32% through 2016 to reach $16.4 billion, according to a new IMS Research forecast. While Netflix and Hulu (estimated to have generated nearly $2 billion in 2010) will continue to dominate but PPV transactional revenue is expected to grow at a faster rate as more retailers enter the OTT market and existing players such as Amazon expand their libraries and international reach.
For now OTT video is proving to be mostly additive to existing multichannel video services – despite the rapid growth in online video viewing and various surveys indicating interest in cord-cutting – according to eMarketer. Yet cord shaving downgrading an existing level of service seems to be gathering steam, and the multichannel industry will have to work extra hard to convince young adults to sign up for service after they leave the nest and strike out on their own. Next year over 70% of online users will stream premium video online at least once a month, according to the research firm.
U.S. Online Video Viewers, 2009-2015 - Millions and % of U.S. internet users
Year Millions of viewers % of internet users
2009 130.8 60.5%
2010 145.6 65.0%
2011 158.1 68.2%
2012 169.3 70.8%
2013 178.7 72.9%
2014 187.6 74.7%
2015 195.5 76.0%
source: eMarketer
Connect TV sales, which have been selling faster than 3DTV’s by a significant margin, are becoming a larger segment of the market as more than 25% of all flat panel TVs shipped this year will offer some form on internet connectivity, according to DisplaySearch‘s Q2’11 quarterly TV Design and Features report. The proliferation of home WiFi and the emergence of multiple smart TV app platforms are helping to spark interest. Over 500 million connected TVs are expected to be shipped by the end of 2015.
As part of its push to promote the new Google + social network, the company will soon retire its Blogger and Picassa brands and rename them as Google products, per Mashable. Google plans to rename Picassa “Google Photos” and Blogger will become “Google Blogs.”
Sourcing supplier orders in Taiwan and elsewhere, Apple is now expected to release the new iPhone 5 during Q3 of this year according to numerous reports. (A fall release would buck a trend- previous iPhones have all been released during the summer months.) Expect it to be thinner, faster and able to run on AT&T and Verizon’s nascent 4G networks.
NBC News has launched its free Nightly News with Brian Williams app for Windows Phone users, offering both complete episodes and individual segments.
Apple itself released a free live music streaming app that is providing live coverage of the month-long iTunes festival in London – the first time the iPhone/iPad manufacturer has created its own media app. The app can be used to watch shows from bands such as Coldplay, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters or Adele live or on demand and can also interface with your home theater set-up via AirPlay.
Henry Virgil, Microsoft’s SVP/Strategy and Partnerships, is retiring in the fall after 25 years with the company. Henry led teams that cemented crucial recent partnerships with Nokia and Facebook. He will remain on as a consultant after he steps down.
Comcast’s while-label video publishing unit thePlatform has tapped former SeaChange CMO Simon McGrath as GM of Europe. Simon will lead thePlatform’s European go-to-market strategies and operations and will report to Ian Blaine, CEO of thePlatform.
PRNewswire has hired Michael Thornton as EVP, Business and Legal Affairs overseeing Programming, Digital and Worldwide Distribution.
Marc Mannino has been appointed Director of Music Synchronization for Imagem Creative Services USA, effective immediately. He will oversee a staff of 5 professionals located at the Imagem offices in New York and Los Angeles.
Ryan McDermott has been named by Crown Media Holdings to serve as Director of Distribution responsible for Comcast, Time Warner and Bright House Networks accounts in the eastern half of the country.
An industry-led grassroots-style effort has emerged to send the message that when you steal a piece of content online, you’re taking bread off the tables of millions of families. Creative America, comprised of Hollywood guilds and studios including AFTRA, CBS Corp., the DGA, IATSE International, NBCU, SAG, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Fox, Viacom, Disney and Warner Bros., is taking a more humanistic approach than the MPAA or others, encouraging users to read online testimonials from creators and crew members who are hurt by piracy and share them with friends. The website also includes a form letter you can send to your local Congressmen to show your support of the loosely defined Protect IP act, introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in May to deny linked access to pirate sites operating largely oversees.
Later – Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
07.07.11
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JOB OPENING: SR WRITER/PRODUCER/NEW YORK: Sr. Writer/Producer: Please visit www.aetn.com/careers req#99192 for full description & to apply. https://secure.sterlingdirect.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=618&JobDetail=99192 (7/14)
JOB OPENING: SALES ASST/OUTDOOR CHANNEL/NY: Create mktg decks; Assist bldg plns and check avls; Review MSAs and track delivery; Self-starter, proactive, media degree/exp helpful; To: [email protected] (7/14)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF NETWORK OPERATIONS/NESN/MA: Responsibilities incl leading & overseeing the dvlpmnt of: an operations mngmnt team & staff, high quality and efficient technical operations, and safety programs. www.nesn.com (7/14)
JOB OPENING: SPECIALIST, DIST MKTG (Freelance)/A+E/NY:Support Dist Mktg initiatives across A+E Networks. Cust show presentations/comm tools/asset agg & tracking. 3+ yrs mktg, cable pref’d, affiliate mktg a plus. #99373. www.aetn.com/careers.html (7/13)
JOB OPENING: EXEC ASSISTANT/WEtv/NYC: 3-5 yrs exec admin exp in Cble/Tv/Ent indstry. Assts SVP w/ admin tasks incldng: calendr, phone, expnse reprts, special proj, etc. Excllnt comp/comm/orgztnl skilz. Rez: [email protected] (7/12)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR MEDIA/FOOD NETWORK/NY: Establish comm strategy & positioning for netwk priorities. 8-10 yrs exp in agency and/or ent media exp pref’d. Exp managing multi-million dollar budgets. www.scrippsnetworks.com #2345 (7/19)
JOB OPENING: GHOST WRITERS Looking for Children’s Book ghost writers. Send samples and rates to [email protected] (7/12)
JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIR, NBCU/Syfy/NY: Job#2123BR Oversee promo campaigns (Bdcst),consumer/trade mktg materials. Sprvs creative process incl concepting/scripting/prod/editorial. 5+yrs exp TV. Apply online www.nbcunicareers.com/ (7/12)
JOB OPENING: DIR, TECHNOLOGY & OPS/CA: Job#2190BR Oversees business operations, delivery, and emerging technology for Digital Distribution group at NBC Universal. 7+ yrs exp. To apply: http://www.nbcunicareers.com/search_nbc/ (7/12)
JOB OPENING: DIR SALES & PRTNSHPS/IFC & SUNDANCE/CHI: Sell multi-platform packages. Pitch, negotiate, build relatnshps. Devlp new opportunities to meet mktplace needs. 7+ year media/agency exp. Rez to: [email protected] (7/12)
JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH DIR/RSRCH DIR/LA: Design/dir rsrch prods & custom mkt rsrch studies. 5-7 yrs primary rsrch exp, strong quant skills; exp mkt rsrch design & good client skills a must. Apply: http://www.epollresearch.com/careers (7/12)
JOB OPENING: RSRCH MGR/LA: Resp: questionnaire design, sampling, preparing banner and tab specs, analysis and reporting. 2-3 yrs primary mktrs rch req’d. Exp w/Ent ind rsrch pref’d. Apply: http://www.epollresearch.com/careers (7/12)
JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/NCC Media ( www.nccmedia.com )/DENVER: Jr level. BS/BA deg req’d. 1 to 2 yrs TV, online display or radio advrtsng sales exp or 1 to 2yrs agency media buying or plann’g exp. Resume: [email protected] (7/9)
JOB OPENING: MANAGER, AFFILIATE MARKETING /SPT/Miami: Oversee & support Affiliates area; Bachelor’s req, Fully bilingual Eng/Span req; 5 yrs affiliate exp req, 2 yrs mgmt exp req. See full profile & apply at www.sonypicscareers.com (7/9)
JOB OPENING: VP AD SALES RESEARCH/FX/NY: Manage all aspects of ad sales research, qual/quant data, oversee 3 employees; 10+ yrs exp in media research, mgmt exp req. Apply: www.foxcareers.com (7/9)
JOB OPENING:� USA SALES RESEARCH DIRECTOR/NBCU/NYC: Direct on-air sales research for USA Network. Knwldg of Nielsen�@Galaxy Explorer, TVToolbox, IAG, Simmons, MRI, CMR; Excel/PowerPoint.�@Apply online at www.nbcunicareers.com (#2122BR) (7/9)
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JOB OPENING: SALES OPS ASST TEMP/TV One/NYC: copy & order entry, data validation entry; crspond w/clnts. Attn detail MS Suite min 2 yrs office exp req’d. Brdway Sys; Ad Sales/Sales exp a+; Sal DOE Visit: www.tvoneonline.com (7/8)
JOB OPENING: SR MGR OPS/Traffic/NYC: Mng daily operations ensure the timely and accurate upload of inventory; perform tracking and billing process; order approvals 4+ yrs exp traffic/sales ops. Visit www.tvoneonline.com (7/8)
JOB OPENING: TEMP TALENT MGR/WEtv/NY: 5+ yrs exp managing talent. Coord sched talent for all net events. Ensure contract compliance. Exc comm skills. Rez:[email protected] (7/8)
JOB OPENING: ACCT SERVICE REP/IFC & SUNDANCE/LA: create proposals/handle all aspects of deal maintenance & prospect new advertisers. Excllnt comp/comm/orgztnl skilz 3+ yrs prior agency/media experience. Rez: [email protected] (7/8)
JOB OPENING: IT PROJECT MANAGER/NY: Please go to www.aetn.com/careers.html req#94274 for Full Description and to apply! (7/8)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/MD: Mngs 360 ad campaigns for variety of Discovery networks within our in-house creative agency. Strong digital advertising experience a plus. www.discovery.com # 4164
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: NBCU Integrated Media works across portfolio to develop custom, innovative ad sales marketing solutions. Intern responsibilities: brainstorms, research, newsletter mgmt, etc. Res/cov ltr to: [email protected] (7/13)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: SCD, a TV Development Company in NYC is seeking a summer intern. Flexible hours but must be smart, reliable and funny. [email protected] Www.sloanecooperdevelopment.com (7/9)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Seeking DIGITAL MKTG intern to help creating mobile apps, viral vids, social media strategy. Assist execs directly and learn a ton. Having a smartphone and laptop is a plus. Send letter/resume: [email protected] (7/9)
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SITUATION WANTED: Consultant for script notes, standup act/material, pitching projects. Resume includes managing talent for 10 years, devel. exec, producer. Teach seminars/college. Reasonable fees. [email protected] for info (7/14)
SITUATION WANTED: LA. Exp’d director/ producer seeking position in production, development or sales at a feature film/ TV production company or studio, 15 years exp in commercials, TV and film. contact: [email protected] (7/14)
SITUATION WANTED: MANAGER/DIRECTOR FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ANALYSIS/LA. 10+ yrs exp in corporate entertainment finance. Extensive background in financial budgeting, planning, modeling and executive presentations. [email protected] (7/13)
SITUATION WANTED: I’ve written a 1-hour dramedy entitled, Tree House, which is loosely based on my life story. It’s, ” A Contemporary, Edgy, Multiplatform Show “. I’m looking for studio executive assistance. [email protected] (7/13)
SITUATION WANTED: UK: DEVELOPMENT RESEARCHER/AP Skilled in Factual & Fact Ent research, finding contributors and writing pitches. more info at www.sofatelly.com or email [email protected] (7/13)
SITUATION WANTED: BILINGUAL COPYWRITER SPANISH – Print, TV, Social Media, Digital see my portfolio www.normaruizguerrero.webs.com (7/9)
SITUATION WANTED: Script Doctor/PROD w 16 yrs as Brdcst exec can consult/edit/polish your TV/film/web pitch/bible/screenplay. Credits inc. DeGrassi, DaVinci, Dragon [email protected] (7/9)
SITUATION WANTED: Recent CSUN graduate looking for an entry level job in Production/Post-production in LA. Exp w/ PA, final cut pro, videography, web design, graphic design. Please contact Christian Mikkelson at [email protected] (7/9)
SITUATION WANTED: Recent college graduate looking for ENTRY LEVEL JOB IN PR/PROMOTIONS/MARKETING in television broadcasting. NYC based. Please contact Elissa Henderson at [email protected] (7/8)
SITUATION WANTED: I’ve written a one-hour modern action/ fantasy, about a fictional island’s revolution against tyranny. ‘Game of Thrones’ meets ’24.’ Looking for Studio Executive Assistance. [email protected] (7/8)
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