Cynopsis: DIGITAL

03/13/08

Good morning, it’s Thursday, March 13, 2008, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

In an effort to maximize ad revenue, YouTube is spreading its wings from a video publisher to a full-fledged video services company. The UGC site released a new group of free APIs and developer tools that will enable third party publishers to offer YouTube services directly to their users. Publishers can upload a customizable player with community features that will publish videos to YouTube directly from their sites. In exchange they agree to allow only YouTube to serve ads through the video. Some developers are already taking the Google subsidiary up on its offer. Electronic Arts will use the APIs to integrate UGC into its new Spore game. Animoto music video mash up creators can publish their creations to YouTube with a single click. Users of white label social media application provider KickApps will be offered a YouTube integration tool as well.
 

 
Aardman Animation and Digital Outlook Studios launched JellyBeats on Bebo and the standalone jellybeats.com. Targeted to Teens 14-18, the JellyBeats are a collection of 16 CGI animated jellyfish, each representing a different music genre and corresponding attitude reflected in the character’s appearance, dance, speech and swim style.  The launch campaign is focused on the Bebo site, which features an application called What’s Your Beat?, where visitors can select characters and use them as skins to allow the characters to travel virally across the social network’s environment.
 
The writers and producers of The CW’s Smallville have developed a digital comic book revolving around the return of Pete Ross (Sam Jones III), who developed “elastic” super powers after chewing kryptonite-infused Stride Gum. Fans can go to cwtv.com and vote for which direction they’d like to see the story take. New sets of pages will be added each Tuesday and Thursday through April 7. The promotion includes a contest awarding a VIP weekend to a national comics convention.
 
AT&T is also getting into March Madness mania this year, launching a portal on its MediaNet deck featuring tourney news, scores, polls and video highlights from every game.

 
Next New Networks, home of niche channels such as the homegrown Channel Frederator and the acquired Barely Political, struck a deal with AOL Video to distribute 12 of its thematic networks as well as a channel of aggregated content to the portal’s Channels and Categories section. The company also secured $15 million in additional financing led by Goldman Sachs and Velocity Interactive Group. NNN has been on a roll in recent weeks, racking up 33 million video views in February alone after generating 100 million for all of 2007.
 
The team behind the iconic web series Ask a Ninja, Kent Nichols and Douglas Sarine, are going to try their luck at feature filmmaking with a remake of the cult classic Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. M. Dal Walton III who acquired the rights from Killer Tomato Entertainment, Inc. will produce with Emmett/Furla Films. This will be the film’s 4th sequel, believe it or not.
 
Joost packaged itself as an online TV service when it first launched last year. It took a step closer yesterday unveiling a new live broadcast functionality, just in time for basketball fans to watch CBS coverage of March Madness on the service. The company plans to initiate its first live broadcast – streaming a chat with the Joost technical team – today at 2 pm ET, according to NewTeeVee.
 
P2P file sharing company Pando Networks raised $8.1 million of a targeted $20.9 million round of financing, reports Venture Beat.

 
Following in Apple TV’s footsteps this time around, Tivo struck a deal with Google to allow broadband-connected Tivo Series3 and Tivo HD owners to watch YouTube clips on their TVs. Unlike the subscription-modeled TivoCast, which delivers regularly scheduled video podcasts to users’ playlists, the Tivo-Tube service will allow viewers to search and browse from a variety of videos using the DVR’s remote.
 
Comcast began testing new optical networking equipment this week capable of delivering data at 100 gigabits per second, according to Multichannel News, dubbed “wideband” by company executives.
 
Here’s another tidbits from Disney CEO Bob Iger from the McGraw-Hill Media Summit: Disney has sold 4 million movies and 40-50 million TV episodes through iTunes since 2006.
 
Time Warner chief Jeff Bewkes told analysts he was open to combining AOL with another company, admitting revenue would be flat at the division for at least another quarter.
 
Apple‘s open platform iPhone developer’s kit has already been downloaded more than 100,000 times since its launch on March 6.
 

 
Weather Channel Interactive rolled out several new products as part of its upfront plans including its first mobile video-based ad solution and new placements on weather.com’s local forecast pages offering targeted, localized media buys. The Weather Channel and weather.com claim to reach over 119 million unique, unduplicated consumers a month, citing Nielsen Fusion data.
 
Video search engine Blinkx signed a partnership agreement with casual gaming publisher Ginx TV to delivery contextually relevant video ads through its AdHoc program.
 
Absolut Vodka, known for those colorful magazine and web ads, signed on to sponsor IFC‘s on-air and online content in a multiplatform deal that includes sponsorship and naming rights of digital film festival/contest Absolut Indies Short Film Challenge.
 

 
As Tivo picks up more and more agency clients for its Stop||Watch service, Nielsen announced it will begin offering second-by-second ratings collected from a group of 320,000 Charter set tops in the Los Angeles area. The service will become available to clients during Q2.
 
Gen Y (ages 13-28) viewers are more likely to view TV programs on network web sites and watch them all the way through, according to Knowledge Network‘s How People Use study. They also led in saying they’d give greater purchase consideration to brands that sponsor web viewing.
 

 
Former founder and Co-CEO of The Hatchery Bruce Stein was named CEO of multiplatform entertainment acquisition firm Mandalay Media. Bruce was instrumental in Mandalay Media’s recent acquisition of mobile content and casual game distributor Twistbox Entertainment.
 
Music and radio industry veteran Lee Abrahams was named to the new position of Chief Innovation Officer at Tribune Media. He will oversee innovation at the company’s broadcast, publishing and interactive divisions beginning April 1. Lee reports to Randy Michaels, President of Broadcast and Interactive.
 
Former AOL chief executive Jonathan Miller joined the Board of mobile content services firm Motricity. Miller’s Velocity VC firm is an investor in Motricity, which recently acquired InfoSpace and moved its headquarters to Bellevue, WA.
 
Fox Entertainment Group hired former Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia SVP Beth-Ann Eason as GM and COO of multi-faith based spirituality site Beliefnet.com, acquired by Fox Digital Media in December. Beth will oversee sales, marketing and technology strategies and report to Dan Fawcett, President of Fox Digital Media.
 
BigBand Networks named Maurice Castonguay as CFO. He reports to Amir Bassan-Eskenazi, CEO, and is responsible for finance, accounting and investor relations.
 

 
Whoa boy – look for MySpace‘s traffic to skyrocket in next couple of days. The New York Times outed the identity of “Kristen,” the high-priced call girl that flew up to meet (soon to be former) New York Governor Eliot Spitzer last month and it turns out she has a well-produced MySpace page. Ashley Alexandra Dupre, an amateur musician, is also using amiestreet.com to sell her single “What We Want” for 98 cents. Who says sex doesn’t sell?
 
Later — Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
03.13.08

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JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/Discovery Communications/Chicago: Support Account Execs developing proposals and presentations. Strong communicator. Exp w/research, advertising, acct mgmnt. Apply: www.discovery.com    Req#7725   (3/20)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAM ACQUISITIONS MANAGER/VERSUS/PHILADELPHIA: Position will assist in strategic planning of the network and negotiations of program acquisition. Read more and apply (Req # 60729) at www.versus.com   (3/20)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAM PLANNING & SCHEDULING MANAGER/VERSUS/PHILADELPHIA: Execute program scheduling plan for the network and assist with all aspects of planning and scheduling. Read more and apply (Req # 60727) at www.versus.com (3/20)

JOB OPENING: SVP FINANCE/NY: Ent/prod/dist co seeks proactive finance professional. Royalty acct., bookkeeping, A/R, AP, media exp. pref’d. Strength in corp. struct., working w/outside auditors, benefits exp. [email protected]  (3/19)

JOB OPENING: WRITER PRODUCER ON-AIR PROMOS/ABC Daytime/LA: Write/produce/supv edits/promos for ABC soap OLTL, SOAPnet, abc.com. Must have 5-7 yrs exp. w/in cable or broadcast network. Apply: www.disneycareers.com Req ID #145721 (3/19)
 
JOB OPENING: SVP STRATEGIC RESEARCH/Disney*ABC Dom TV/Burbank: 10 yrs broad-based TV exp + 7+ yrs mgmt; leading edge exec w/proven ability to assess media trends/developments. APPLY www.disneycareers.com Req #137377  (3/19)

JOB OPENING: WRITER PRODUCER/ABC TV Network/LA: Conceptualize, write/produce On-Air Promos for alternative series. Must have demonstrated exp. within cable or broadcast network. Apply to: www.disneycareers.com Req ID #144085 (3/19)

JOB OPENING: ASST SPVSR/CBS Avid/Final Cut Pro Tech Support/LA: Tech. & ops support of Avids & Final Cut Promo. Must have yrs of post-prod exp & support non-tech personnel.(U) Res to: CBS OnAir Promo, 7800 Beverly Blvd.#15, LA, CA (3/19)

JOB OPENING: ON-AIR MKTG DIRECTOR/Discovery/MD: Manage on-air dept & creative team. Employ strat, review cuts, copy. 5+ yrs exp broadcast/cable. Apply: discovery.com/careers   Req# 7708   (3/19)

JOB OPENING: SALES/LATV Network/NY: Head office of bilingual, bicultural music & ent channel distributed nat’l. Join fastest-growing ntwrk in Hisp. space. 3yrs+ brdcst sales exp req’d. Ntwrk sales pref’d. Res to: [email protected] (3/19)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA MANAGEMENT TECH/ Rainbow Media, NYC: Min 3 yrs exp. post prod media transfers/Exp. dubbing of all formats, part HD/Hours 12am to 9am. To see full posting visit www.cablevision.jobs and apply to req id 5180BR (3/19)

JOB OPENING:  SALES PLANNER/NBCU, TLMDNY: Generate planning cost w/AE, mentor & train sales assts, stewardship, sales mgmt reports, sales development. BA,1+ yrs exp as sales planner. www.nbcunicareers.com #760342 (3/19)

JOB OPENING:  MARKETING SPECIALIST/NYC/National CineMedia: Support regional marketing needs, projects and events. BA/BS degree, preferably in marketing and/or communications. Res to: [email protected] (3/19)

JOB OPENING: NAT’L LONG FORM SALES/ION Media Networks/LA:  Highly motivated and creative long form account executive with established relationships and proven track record. EOE. Apply to [email protected]  (3/18)

JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIRECTOR/CBS DAYTIME/LA: Must have strong background in Television Promotion with reel. Great conceptualizing, writing & management skills necessary. Daytime exp. a plus. Apply: www.cbscareers.com, job 2507 (3/18)

JOB OPENING:  DR SALES COORDINATOR/New York, NY/GSN/The Network for Games: Rep to VP Sales Op & DR AE for Ad Sales. Good Com/detail req. Send Res/Cov Letter: [email protected] (3/15)

JOB OPENING: MGR DISTRIBUTION/New York, NY/GSN/The Network for Games: Rep to VP Dist. BA/BS +3+ years exp in mrktg, sales, comm and/or bus. Send Res/Cov Letter: [email protected]  (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  DIGITAL SALES PLANNER/(NY-Warner Bros.) plans, presentations, acct. stewarding, inventory management. Knowledge of ad serving, media math, DFP, ATLAS, MediaVisor. Email: [email protected]      RE: UCTC/95567BR  (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR OF INTEGRATED MARKETING/BusRadio/NY: Nations fastest growing youth network. Develop and execute multi-platform programs. 3 years experience in youth marketing space reqd. Apply [email protected] (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  PROD DIR/Rainbow/NY: Dvlp/implement/maint of Delivery Platforms for Rainbow. Support our online presence, mainly main consumer-facing websites. 5-7 yrs related web exp. BA pref. Res: www.cablevision.jobs ref #5449BR  (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  COOR, CORP PARTNERSHIPS/NY JETS/NY: Dvlp/execute client sponsorship & advertising deliverables for TV, Radio, Evnt Mkting. Degree w/3-4 yrs exp in sports team, league or agency. Send res to: [email protected] (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE/NYC: Network funded production company, seeks executive with experience creating, developing & pitching scripted & non-scripted. Must know nets and studios. Resume to: [email protected] (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  Experienced SPORTS RESEARCHER/SCRIPT WRITER for SportsNow! Inc. for 13, half-hour TV series of current international athletes in 13 different sport disciplines. Reply to [email protected] (3/15)

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] (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  AFFILIATES MARKETING MGR/PHILA.: Work with Director, Consumer & Affiliate Marketing & Comcast Corporate to drive affiliate distribution & build value for Versus. http://track.jobviper.com/ViewJob.asp?id=484777-1576-7861 (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  AFFILIATE MKTG COORD/PHILA.: Provide admin & project support for the Director & Manager of Consumer & Affiliate Marketing & help to drive affiliate distribution. http://track.jobviper.com/ViewJob.asp?id=484796-1576-9761 (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  MARKETING MANAGER/PHILA.: Work with Director, Consumer & Affiliate Marketing to plan, develop, & execute internal & external marketing campaigns. http://track.jobviper.com/ViewJob.asp?id=484809-1576-961 (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  ADVERTISING MGR/PHILA.: Mng development, execution & maintenance of consumer + trade advertising. Mng & foster relationships w/external agencies & design firms. http://track.jobviper.com/ViewJob.asp?id=484839-1576-3961 (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH ANALYST/TURNER ENTERTAINMENT NEW MEDIA/NY: Analysis of audience data, client/category pitches, prospecting/ad hoc research requests. BS/BA, 2+ yrs online/TV research exp, Apply: [email protected] (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  SAP HR BUSINESS DEVELOPER/Discovery/MD: in 6 yrs IT exp SAP configuration in PA (w/benefits)/PD modules. Strong HR background, pref. in Global HR systems. Apply: www.discovery.com/careers req# 7564 (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  PRODUCER /VIEWPOINT CREATIVE/LA: 4+ yrs as Prod w/ cable, network mktg & promo exp. Strong collaborative, interpersonal, client, post & design prod skill req. Resume & salary history to [email protected] (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  PRODUCER /VIEWPOINT CREATIVE/LA: 4+ yrs as Prod w/ cable, network mktg & promo exp. Strong collaborative, interpersonal, client, post & design prod skill req. Resume & salary history to [email protected]  (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  PRINT DESIGNER/Hallmark Channel/Studio City: Develops creative design solutions for print and promotional projects. Min. 4 yrs exp. See full posting & apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (3/15)

JOB OPENING:  MGR RESEARCH/MTV Tr3s/NYC: BS/BA. 5+ yrs exp resrch/data analy for cable/brdcast. Exp w/ Nielsen (Explorer, NPower, MarketBreaks, StarTrak). Str analytic sk. Bi-ling Spanish a +. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (3/15)

JOB OPENING: ADMIN ASST/Sundance Ch/NYC: Seeking stellar career Asst for LONG TERM TEMP assignm’t. Support high level exec/Hvy calendar & admin duties. Superb org & interpersonal skills a must. Apply: [email protected]   (3/14)

JOB OPENING: ACCT MGR-DIRECT RESPONSE/New York,NY:  BET Cable salesperson w/strong presentation skills. Comfortable w/multi-platform & integrated opps.Sales/agencyexp. req’d. Email: [email protected]   (3/14)

JOB OPENING: ESPN/ SR RESEARCH ANALYST based in New York city. Supports research needs for ESPN Deportes . Bilingual a plus.  Send resume to [email protected]     (3/14)

JOB OPENING:  ES PLANNER/NBCU,TLMD/Y: Generate planning cost w/AE, mentor & train sales assts, stewardship, sales mgmt reports, sales development. BA,1+ yrs exp as sales planner. www.nbcunicareers.com #760342   (3/14)

JOB OPENING: ESPN/ DIR OF SALES/Deportes/NY: 5 yrs exp in Hispanic Media, Agency Buying/Planning & Client contacts. Spanish a +  apply: [email protected]     (3/14)

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:  Self motivated and organized individual to work in office & post-production. Interest in non-fiction filmmaking & reality TV production. Knowledge of Final Cut Pro helpful.  Send resume:   [email protected]   (3/20)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Internship (summer)/qubo/NYC: Team-oriented & hands-on. Get experience in a variety of fields: sales, marketing, & programming. Send resume or contact for more info: [email protected] (3/18)

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

SITUATION WANTED:  JUNIOR ART DIR/CREATIVE ASST/NYC: Recent grad with agency exp in brdcst, production & creative departments. Excellent Adobe CS3 skills, great communicator, & portfolio avail. Contact Megan Murphy [email protected] (3/20)

SITUATION WANTED:  SEEKING A FT OR FL BROADCAST TRAFFIC POSITION TO WORK FROM NEVADA HOME.   DONOVAN, WORD, EXCEL.  25 YRS EXP., DRIVEN, EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS,  RESPONSIBLE.  Contact Debbie: [email protected] (3/19)

SITUATION WANTED: HR POSITION or PERSONAL ASST in Entertainment Ind. Unique background in Agency/Corp Human Resources. Also Mgr/Producer in the Music/Film Ind.Consulted on a screenplay as well as Theater Prod. Contact: [email protected] (3/19)

SITUATION WANTED:  SR CONTRACT RECRUITER: 15 years corporate, creative and entertainment recruiting experience. Avail. for short or long term contract or possible full time employment. Please contact me at:   [email protected] (3/18)

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.