Cynopsis: Kids!
03/06/08
Good morning. It’s Thursday, March 6, 2008, and this is your first early morning briefing.
The Better Business Bureaus’ Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) has forged new referral agreement with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) with the goal of ensuring that film distributors follow MPAA ad guidelines. Under the agreement, the MPAA will participate in reviewing complaints, received by CARU, concerning placement of ads for PG-13 rated movies during TV programming targeted to specifically to kids under 12 that it cannot resolve. Once referred by CARU for review, the MPAA Advertising Administration will to determine whether the film is appropriate for advertising to kids. This is a role that CARU previously took on and then referred on to the Federal Trade Commission. The issue centers primarily around movies that are rated PG-13. According to MPAA Advertising guidelines, PG-13 films with certain content may only be advertised to particular audiences, and the Advertising Administration works with film companies in targeting ads appropriately.
NEW PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
The Race to Witch Mountain, a “re-imagining” of Disney’s kid-aimed movie Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) has two new cast members in Ciaran Hinds (Rome) and Alexander Ludwig (The Seeker), per The Hollywood Reporter. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and AnnaSophia Robb, Race to Witch Mountain is directed by Andy Fickman, and is slated for a spring 2009 release.
If your summer plans revolve around the August 2008 release of the Fox feature film adaptation of Dragonball, you’ve now got some free time. Fox has shifted the release of Dragonball from this summer to April 3, 2009. In making the move, Fox avoids having Dragonball go up against a host of other big titles set for that time including Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Is it possible that there wasn’t another good weekend between August and April for the release of Dragonball?
MORE KIDS STUFF
PBS completed a redesign of its PBS Kids GO! website (www.pbskidsgo.org), built around Adobe’s latest Flash technology. The colorful site features a more intuitive design and showcases online shows, games, contests and other activities. New features to be added in the coming months will include a “secret box” where kids can save points, digital creations and links to past activities. The site will also serve as the home of the PBS Kids GO broadband service, coming this fall, where kids will be able to watch full episodes and clips of more than 10 PBS Kids go programs.
Astral Media’s Family Channel launches its first on-demand service, Family OnDemand, on Cogeco Cable this week. Family OnDemand offers a minimum of 30 hours of programming from Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney as well as Canadian series. The titles offered on Family OnDemand will be offered to Family Channel digital subscribers at no additional cost. The content will be refreshed on a weekly basis.
Toon Disney Jetix has picked up Marathon Group’s CG animated series Monster Buster Club (52 episodes) for the US. With a budget of upwards of $21 million, the kid-targeted action series is a co-production of Marathon Media, TF1 (France), Jetix Europe and YTV (Canada). Monster Buster Club has already been sold to Spain’s RTVE, Germany’s Super RTL, Ireland’s RTE, Radio Canada, and MBC.
Kidtoons and MarVista Entertainment will feature the animated special Easter in Bunnyland in movie theaters this month as part of Kidtoons’ family-targeted G-rated matinee series across the US. Additionally, the animated short, Maggie and the Ferocious Beast in Up Up and Away, will run prior to the special.
MARKETING/LICENSING
FremantleMedia Enterprises inks a home entertainment deal with Coolroom, a UK digital entertainment download portal. Under the deal a range of FME’s kids’ shows, such as Dangermouse, as well as feature films and music programming will be downloadable to own or rent on Coolroom’s website and IPTV channel across Microsoft Media Center.
In other Family Channel news, will host launch parties at select Cineplex Entertainment theatres across Canada this month to introduce kids to the stars of the new Canadian original live-action series The Latest Buzz, which premieres on Family Channel on Friday, March 14 at 6:30p. In addition to screening a previously unseen episode of The Latest Buzz, the Family Channel events will feature cast members from the series and other celebrities, as well as various activities including a skating clinic.
Kohl’s Corporation teams with performer Avril Lavigne to introduce Abbey Dawn, a new lifestyle branded targeted to juniors. Kohl’s will serve as the exclusive US retailer for the new brand, which will showcase new collections that will be updated every 60 days. The Abbey Dawn line will launch in Kohl’s stores across the country and at Kohls.com from July 2008. Lavigne’s new 2008 the Best Damn Tour got underway yesterday in Victoria, BC, and will travel to 40+ North American cities.
Abbey Home Media Group (AHMG) inks a distribution deal with Sesame Workshop, under which AHMG will exclusively distribute select Sesame Workshop DVD titles in UK and Eire. The titles are slated to roll out throughout 2008/2009. The first Sesame Street titles released under the deal is Elmo’s World.
Fisher-Price completes a new licensing pact with ToyQuest, a toy developer and manufacturer, to produce a new Fisher-Price backyard play program for toddlers and preschoolers. Set to be available from this spring 2008, the new collection will include pools, backyard play, sand toys and constant air inflatables, featuring multi-color designs and an animal theme.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Larry Cohen, formerly CEO, Merv Griffin’s Griffin Group, is named CEO, Rogar Studios. Cory Rosenberg, Rogar’s current CEO and founder, takes on the role of Chief Creative Officer and President/Production. Rogar Studios produces the Public Television series, Sheira & Loli’s Dittydoodle Works. Prior to joining The Griffin Group, Cohen represented Griffin in the sale of the TV series Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! to the Coca-Cola Company. He then went on to toil for Coca-Cola Company. Cohen joined The Griffin Group in 1988.
4Kids Entertainment International names both Jessica Hatz and Sandra Arcan are both named International Licensing Managers for Sales, Retail and Promotions in a range of regions. Hatz had been with Gaffney International Licensing in Australia. Arcan previously toiled for Hamleys, Clinton Cards and Nelvana Enterprises. Additionally, Charlotte Hill is upped to Sr. International Marketing & Communications Manager, and Nicola Elliot moves up to Sr. Licensing Coordinator for the UK.
RATINGS
Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Monday, March 3, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON: K2-11 1251; K6-11 578; TWEENS 9-14 448
DISNEY CHANNEL: K2-11 729; K6-11 431; TWEENS 9-14 346
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 472; K6-11 269; TWEENS 9-14 176
TOON DISNEY: K2-11 112; K6-11 55; TWEENS 9-14 38
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data
Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Tuesday, March 4, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON: K2-11 1231; K6-11 610; TWEENS 9-14 448
DISNEY CHANNEL: K2-11 705; K6-11 445; TWEENS 9-14 345
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 480; K6-11 258; TWEENS 9-14 170
TOON DISNEY: K2-11 156; K6-11 64; TWEENS 9-14 40
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data
Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question: On the animated series Ben 10, what is the name of the device that enables Ben to transform into 10 various alien life forms each with their own unique powers? OMNITRIX Kudos to: Phyllis Toss-MAXUS/NY; Sarah Dell’Aquila-Cartoon Network/NY; Siobhan Price-Cartoon Network/Atlanta; Mike Sheridan-Granada America/NY; Michael Patterson-Cartoon Network & [adult swim]/Chicago; Juan Morales-Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/North Hollywood; Ratana Therakulsathit-Warner Home Video/Burbank; Pat Brady-Cunningham*Escott*Slevin*Doherty/LA; Loic Rayssiguier-Game One/Paris; Claire Wilmut -Boomstone Animation Inc./Ottawa
Today’s Trivia Question: In what animated TV series would you find the “worldly” Leo, June, Quincy and Annie? ( 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!
03.06.08
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JOB OPENING: ON-AIR MANAGING PROD/AETN Intn’l, NY: Resp for aff relations, proj mgmt & on-air brand mgmt for AETN Int’l brands: Hist, Bio, CI, A&E. Creative, strategic, multi-tasker, team player. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (3/13)
JOB OPENING: MARKETING RESEARCH ANALYST/ Univision/NY: Develop presentations to support national sales. Strong writing & analytical skills required.EOE Contact: [email protected] (3/13)
JOB OPENING: MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES/VERSUS/PHILADELPHIA: We are moving to Philly and have multiple great openings in Marketing! Various levels in affiliate, advertising and events/promotions. Read more/Apply at www.versus.com . (3/13)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES/VERSUS/PHILADELPHIA: We are moving to Philly and are looking for a Research Manager and Research Analyst. Must have familiarity with all Nielsen products. Read more/Apply at www.versus.com (3/13)
JOB OPENING: PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES/VERSUS/PHILADELPHIA: We are moving to Philly and have many great openings in Programming ! Various levels in acquisition, planning, scheduling & strategy. Read more/Apply at www.versus.com (3/13)
JOB OPENING: ONLINE ACCT EXEC/Comcast Networks/E!, G4, Versus, MyStyle & FEARnet (Chicago): 3+ yrs exp in online media buying/sales. Selling focus: Chicago & within Midwest territory.Apply: www.comcast.com 58664BR EEO/AA/Drug Free (3/13)
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JOB OPENING: PROMO SCHEDULER/truTV/NYC: 2 yrs promo sched exp. Assist w/ planning on-air promos and secondary events and last minute log changes. Some late nights req. Grip It knowledge a plus. Apply to [email protected] (3/13)
JOB POSTING: ACCT EXEC/Fox Sports Espanol/LA: 3+ yrs Media Sales exp/ Agency/Clients, working knowledge of Spanish mkt, presentation and negotiation, strong comm. & math skills. EOE. Apply to www.foxcareers.com ref FNG11114. (3/13)
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JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR/FOOD, HGTV AD SALES (2 POSITIONS)/NY: 5+ yrs media research exp. Strong analytical/data interpretation/presentation skills req’d. See full job description/apply at www.scrippsnetworks.com (3/12)
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JOB OPENING: SR ACCOUNT COORD/ ESPN/NYC: Coordinate CSR & Supervisor team efforts and Oversee agency relationships . Email resume to: [email protected] (3/12)
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JOB OPENING: POST-PROD ASST/ A&E TV Networks/STAMFORD: Asst w/workflow in AVID rooms, perform techl admin. duties& support the post-prod workflow of their History projects.Hiring immed. Hrly pay. Res to: [email protected] (3/11)
JOB OPENING: PBS seeks an ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR/Arlington VA to work with the Creative Services team in the creation of multi-media promotional materials. For a full job description and to apply, please visit www.pbs.org/jobs (3/11)
JOB OPENING: PROD MGR, HOME ENT/VIZ Media/SF: Pref’d exp: min 5 yrs rel entmt/pub exp – plans, organizes, & controls an assigned prod line from acq stage – prod life cycles. Send Res/Sal req: [email protected] w/ PM, HE in subj line. (3/11)
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JOB OPENING: INTEGRATED MKTG/PROMOTION DIR/NYC: Dev/execute multi-platform, intg. programs for clients w/ b’cast ad sales team, write client proposal decks; MS PP. TV mktg exp. must. 6-7+ yrs. FT. [email protected] (3/8)
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JOB OPENING: SENIOR WEB PRODUCER/SHOWS/MTV Digital/NYC: 4+yrs online prod. exp, Exp overseeing creative Web Dev&Implement, Strng knowldge MTV Brand&Youthculture, HTML/DHTML/Flash/XML EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (3/8)
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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 INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY: MARKETING INTERN/NY: Opportunity to work with broadband TV network and website for collectors (comics, action figures, pez).Work on branding, community outreach, promotion. Send resume to [email protected] (3/12)
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SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH/PROGRAMMING ASST: Fresh grad with exp in production, traffic, research, and programming. Highly motivated and enthusiastic. Great attention to detail, works well with others. Email: [email protected] (3/13)
SITUATION WANTED: Performance-driven and results-oriented PRODUCER’S ASSISTANT /NYC: 3+ yrs Freelance exp. Excellent skills incl. multitasking, organization, computer, administrative, on set. Motivated.Contact: [email protected] (3/12)
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