Cynopsis: DIGITAL
06/02/11
Good morning, it’s Thursday, June 2, 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.
Entering “the friend thing” late in the game is Google, which announced it is expanding its new “+1” button to the entire web allowing developers, retailers, news organization and bloggers to add a button that will recommend articles or content to your Google contacts. (Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt acknowledged as much during his AllThingsD keynote late Tuesday. He also admitted that Google tried but failed to form stronger ties with Facebook, now a major threat to its ad business.) The button, integrated with sites such as Rotten Tomatoes, Bloomberg, WaPo.com and Best Buy, will only show up when you’re logged into you Google account. It will also reveal how many users have given something a +1 seal approval and rank search results based on the measure.
Hulu and Miramax announced a multi-year deal to bring hundreds of titles to the Hulu Plus subscription service including Pulp Fiction, Good Will Hunting, Scream, Swingers and The English Patient from the Miramax film library. The site will soon rotate a selection of some 15 Miramax films each month through Hulu.com with periodic ad breaks, marking the first time Miramax titles have been available via streaming. Hulu will also offer select films on the free ad-supported Hulu service.
The world’s most popular app, Rovio‘s Angry Birds, is coming to the largest screen in your home through a new integration with over-the-top set top maker Roku. The game, which has been downloaded more than 200 million times across all platforms, will kick off a new casual gaming niche for the start-up, which has already added more than 250 entertainment channels.
Major League Baseball has completed an integration deal with LG to bring the MLB.TV digital streaming service to the LG Smart TV platform.
Reality TV star Tori Spelling has launched her own online lifestyle magazine “ediTORIal by Tori Spelling” on the EQAL publishing platform, complete with a social networking component and an online store. Tori shares advice to working moms on to how keep stress in check, how to create and continuing building positive relationships and how to juggle professional and home life.
Baeblemusic and MSG Network have agreed to produce a second season of the series Indie NYC: Powered By Baeblemusic, airing every Friday night this summer on MSG.
iTV solutions provider BlackArrow has enhanced its VOD ad system, adding dynamic mid-roll insertions and application programming interfaces (APIs). Through the use of standard broadcast metadata, BlackArrow inserts advertising during time and context-specific points in any program and enables programmers to swap out ads or creative bound to an original static VOD asset.
Working with a plethora of partners has always been a huge challenge when it comes to unifying users experience. Microsoft is asking five chip-makers to each pair with a single tablet manufacturer in an effort to tighten controls on the Windows Tablet platform, according to a WSJ report. The chip makers, including Intel, Advanced Micro Devices, Nvidia, Texas Instruments and Qualcomm, would eventually be allowed to expand beyond that single partner.
Yahoo has reportedly reached an agreement with Chinese marketplace site Alibaba to resolve their dispute over the ownership transfer of Alibaba’s online-payments business, called Alipay. Yahoo says it was taken by surprise when it heard of the ownership transfer, despite owning 40% of the company.
Global network of browser and mobile app publishers Conduit announced the addition of iPad support and enhanced social features designed to grow the user base of the Conduit Mobile Platform. New social features allow users to share app content on their Facebook wall and via e-mail. When app users share content on Facebook, the post will include a link to a page where users can download and share the app with their friends.
While cord cutting is a serious threat to Pay TV providers, particularly among 18-29 year old Gen Y subscribers, many are still either loyal to the service or at least not yet sold on getting rid of it, according to a new survey from marketing consultancy Ideas & Solutions. Some 40% of Gen Y respondents were deemed least likely to cut the cord, while the remaining 60% ranged from leaning toward to serious considering it. Those who considered discontinuing service were more likely to be early adopters of new technology and thus less hesitant to experiment with online video services such as Hulu and Netflix. Convenience factors ranked as a major reason for many subscribers to keep their service, as viewers prefer paying their bills in a single lump sum and enjoy the “communal” aspects of pay-TV, as well as the “stumble upon” experience of browsing the channels. Of course, sports fans are also much more likely to keep their cable or satellite connections.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings took exception to the characterization that his streaming service was hastening the “cord cutting” trend at the AllThingsD conference. Describing Netflix as more “complementary” to cable or satellite, he blamed the small decline in conventional TV subscriptions seen since 2009 on the recession and the uptick in residential foreclosures.
There’s not much denying that streaming premium video is contributing to a huge increase in traffic being generated online. (Netflix is now blamed for nearly a quarter of it in the U.S.) A new forecast from Cisco Systems predicts that traffic will just about double by 2015 to reach 200 exabytes; that’s 39 times what it was in 2005. The impact of web-enabled TVs is palpable – by 2015, TVs will account for over 15% of global consumer internet traffic (up from 3% in 2010), and 28% of internet video traffic (up from 7% in 2010). More users and the proliferation of tablets, mobile phones, connected appliances and other smart machines are also driving up the demand for connectivity. By 2015, there will be nearly 15 billion network connections via devices and more than two connections for each person on earth. Globally, mobile data traffic will increase 26 times between 2010 and 2015.
Free video discovery app Fanhattan officially launched yesterday at the AllThingsD conference as a tool to help navigate what TV shows and movies you want to watch on the device. Part directory, part discovery engine, the app sources reviews and ratings from Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes, related videos from YouTube, cast and director bios from IMDB and fan gear from Amazon to provide a gambit of related content to help inform users. It then integrates with iTunes, Netflix, HuluPlus and the ABC Player to connect you to the actual content.
Savvy self-promoter Shaquille O’Neal (3.8MM Twitter followers and his 2MM+ Facebook fans) chose newly-launched video social networking iOS app Tout to announce his retirement from the NBA yesterday, two days before the official press conference. The app’s straightforward interface allows you to easily record 15-second status updates and send them to friends via Facebook, Twitter, email and SMS, integrating with your iPhone contact list. The app will be also launch for Android in July.
Another video conferencing app called Oovoo, previously available for PC, Mac and Android phones, is now available for the iPhone. It allows you to make free 3G or Wi-Fi video calls with other Oovoo users (across platforms) with features including extended group calls, video sharing and the ability to watch TV and listen to music while “ooVooing.”
Finally a social networking app that doesn’t require a keyboard. A new audio-powered social networking iPhone app called SoutOMatic allows you to record voice status updates (called “Shouts”) that are automatically converted to text entries and posted to your Facebook and Twitter streams. The interface allows you to highlight featured, popular, direct and live streams.
New York-based online video ad company AdoTube has hired a pair of new execs. Brian Mandelbaum, most recently VP/Director of Innovation and Digital Strategy at Cramer-Krasselt/Chicago, has joined as VP/Platform Development. George DiCostanzo was also tapped as VP/Platform Operations. George most recently served as Senior Director of Media Operations and Planning at Cox Digital Solutions.
Wenda Harris Millard, President & COO of Media Link LLC and former head of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, has joined TV ad platform Simulmedia‘s Board of Directors.
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The latest offering from social gaming giant Zynga is its most ambitious title to date in that it requires a brain to succeed at it. Empires and Allies, likely its last launch before it files for an IPO as soon as later this week, is described as a cross between “Cityville” and “Risk.” The strategy combat game adds social elements to a contest that requires diplomacy skills and politicking. Island residents must call on their friends’ help to defend against an invading tyrant known as “The Raven,” who will soon hit your shores with tanks, planes and troops. Visit your neighbors’ empires to help them secure more energy, decorations and collectible items, and earn Honor Points along the way. It’s a little curious that Zynga would deviate from its casual game format so close to going public, but attracting more serious gamers who are willing to spend even more time than casual users can’t be a bad thing. Ex-EA Command & Conquer designer Amer Ajami is heading up the project as executive producer, the first title he has released as head of Zynga’s Los Angeles development studio.
Correction: SnagFilms is offering movies on the Roku platform for free, rather than on a transactional basis, with sponsor-support.
Later – Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis Digital
06.02.11
Cynopsis Ad Sales:
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Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-381-9096 / [email protected]
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Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here .
JOB OPENING: DIR AD SALES MKTG/BRAVO/NY: Job # 1918BR Lead dig sponsorship mktg efforts across mult platforms incl. bravotv.com, TVWOP, mobile/app platforms & social/viral mediums. 7+yrs exp. http://www.nbcunicareers.com/search_nbc/ (6/9)
JOB OPENING: DIR RSRCH/LOGO/NYC: 7 +yrs TV ratings rsrch/data analysis; Expertise in rsrch methodology, competitive TV landscape & ind trends; Exp. w/ Startrak, NPower & Aud Watch; B.A req. EOE/M/F/D/AAP apply www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (6/9)
JOB OPENING: MARKETING MANAGER/GOLF CHANNEL/ORLANDO: Responsible for marketing programs and materials to promote Golf Channel to cable and satellite affiliates. AA / EEOC / DFWP; to apply go to www.nbcunicareers.com (6/9)
JOB OPENING: HEAD OF PRODUCTION/NY: Prodco needs heavyweight. Hire & Manage staff of LP, PMs. Budget/Schedule/Tracking wizard. Juggle lots projects. [email protected] (6/9)
JOB OPENING: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR/MTV 44 ½/NYC: 1-2 yrs tech exp. w/ Louth, Oacis, DDR, Media Client, Pinnacle Server, Final Cut/Motion. NOC exp pref. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (6/9)
JOB OPENING: SALES DEVELOPMENT MGR/Zoom Media/NY: lead team to create proposals and media & mktg solutions that drive sales revenue for fast-growing media co. 4+ yrs media, agency or mktg exp. Apply [email protected] (6/8)
JOB OPENING: Sr RESEARCHER/IFC/SUN/NYC: 3+yr ad sales resrch exp w/Cble/Brdcast indstry. Desgn/prep presntations, enhce sales/prgm effrt. MRI/Simmons/Omniture/Comscore/BrgtCove/NielsenTolbx/AdViews/Arianna. [email protected] (6/8)
JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/Clear Channel Digital/NYC: Develop strategic advrtsng programs & sponsorship deals. 4+yrs exp digital advrtsing sales. Strong contacts across major national digital agencies/advrtsrs. www.katz-media.com (6/8)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, ADVERTISING & STRATEGY/Food Network/NY: Est comm strategy & positioning for netwk priorities. 8-10yrs exp agency and/or ent media exp pref’d. Exp Mng multi-million $ budgets. www.scrippsnetworks.com #2345. (6/14)
JOB OPENING: VP, EDITORIAL DEVELOPMENT/National Geographic Television/DC: Oversee development of high-end Specials and Event programming. Apply www.nationalgeographic.com to Job ID 4683. EOE (6/4)
JOB OPENING EXEC PROD/National Geographic TV/DC: Seeking exp’d producer of reality & format-driven series to head up high-vol. prod unit. Dvlp/staff/oversee all aspects of mult series. Apply www.nationalgeographic.com ID 4728. EOE (6/4)
JOB OPENING SALES COORD/TV Guide Mag/NY: Assist clients w/requests on sales orders/strong multitasking/prospect new leads through database. MS Office and Media or Ad agency exp pref. Res/salary reqs: [email protected] (6/4)
JOB OPENING Sr. PRODUCER-ON AIR PROMOS/MTV/NYC: Resp: conception to delivery of on-air promotions. 5+yrs writer/prod exp & 4+yrs Cable/Network On Air promotion exp a must. Apply: www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (6/4)
JOB OPENING: DVLPMNT RSRCHR/PRODUCER/NYC: For reality/non-fict TV. Extnsve rsrch for characters, subcultures, formats for next big hit. Basic shoot/edit/pitching & treatment writing. Res &C/L: [email protected]. 2+ yrs exp req’d (6/3)
JOB OPENING: DVLPMNT COORD/LA: For busy ind. TV prod co. Must be good writer, rsrchr, skilled @ graphics/pp, social media.Must love nonfic & reality TV, be resourceful & have tons of initiative. Contact: [email protected] (6/3)
JOB OPENING: SALES DEVELOPMENT COORD/DailyCandy: Help the sales development team with custom marketing programs, creating materials, & general tasks. 1+ yr of relevant exp. in digital media. Submit resumes to [email protected] (6/3)
JOB OPENING: MGR, STANDARDS & PRACTICES/DISNEY/BURBANK Disney Jr. – Review original and acquired programs, animation/live action. 5 yrs S&P exp, familiarity with Children’s Television Act. Apply: disneycareers.com REQ ID: 264027 (6/3)
JOB OPENING: VP, EDITORIAL DEVELOPMENT/National Geographic Television/DC: Oversee development of high-end Specials and Event programming. Apply www.nationalgeographic.com to Job ID 4683. EOE. (6/3)
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].
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: LA:Seeking PR intern for boutique firm specializing in entertainment, gourmet, fashion and arts clients for Summer. Course credit/social media savvy. Send a resume, letter & writing sample to: [email protected] (6/3)
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 [email protected]
SITUATION WANTED: Dedicated & Experienced ADV. SALES PLANNER (NYC) Sales proposals, resolving client discrepancies, quarterly post analysis, special sales service projects, expert computer skills. Contact- [email protected] (6/9)
SITUATION WANTED: Creative Consultant 16 yrs Brdcst exec can develop your pitch + script. Credits inc. DeGrassi, DaVinci, Dragon Boys. Exp w/ convergence models 8500+ scripts! [email protected] (6/9)
SITUATION WANTED: Relocating to LA Seeking FT position as a Junior Publicist/Assistant. No stranger to Hard Work and 4+ years of public relations/radio/TV/promotions experience Contact me: [email protected] (6/8)
SITUATION WANTED: DOCUMENTARY. PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER in L.A. Five prime time Emmys, Credits: National Geo, PBS, Discovery, History CH, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (6/4)
SITUATION WANTED: CASTING ASSISTANT/LA 2+ years reality & scripted casting experience. Will help with outreach, schedule auditions, cold calls, run camera, work with talent, bake cookies whatever you need! [email protected] (6/3)
SITUATION WANTED: Hard working marketing pro. Expertise in brand mgmt, licensing, promotions and integrated mktg seeks full-time NYC position. Passionate about working with great brands. Please contact [email protected] (6/3)
SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIR – 20+ yrs Media, Nielsen, Hispanic Mkt, Research, Sales, and Presentation experience. Prefer Telecommute. Email: [email protected] (6/3)
SITUATION WANTED: Seeking entry position in TV (scripted or unscripted). B.A. from USC in 2007, veteran, 4 years experience assisting senior government leadership. LA based. Contact [email protected] (6/3)
E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203.381.9096 for rates and specs for Job Openings.
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