Cynopsis: DIGITAL

3/08/07

Good Morning, it’s Thursday, March 8, 2007 and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Tivo Series2 and Series3 subscribers now have access to Amazon’s Unbox digital download service, bridging the gap between the PC and the home television. Tivo subscribers can go to amazon.com/unbox/ tivo to register and establish a link, then select titles from the Amazon site or through the “Wish List” interface on their Tivos. The DVR will download selected shows and movies and place them in its “Now Playing” folder with other recorded shows. Amazon’s Unbox also announced new content deals with Sony Pictures and MGM. They join CBS, Fox, Paramount, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate. Tivo revealed its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2007 results in a separate announcement. Tivo lost $18.7 million in the forth quarter with an adjusted EBITDA loss of $14.2 million. Tivo-owned subscriptions increased 16% year-on-year to reach 1.7 million.

MTV Networks plans to dramatically increase the number of web sites it operates throughout the world, part of master plan new digital president Mike Salmi calls “Atlas.” Plans include constructing websites around every personality and aspect of its shows hoping to catch younger viewers with their device of choice-TV, internet, cell phone or iPod, giving them total control of how they want to access it. Expect more archived material and more user-generated content, which visitors can mash together with MTV-created video.

Weather Channel announced plans to construct a new HD studio in preparation of the launch of an HD network this fall. The launch will coincide with a complete redesign of the channel’s on air look, which will be adapted to take advantage of the format’s crisp resolution and graphics capabilities. DirecTV has signed on to carry the channel, following its planned launch of a new satellite to increase its HD capacity.

ReelTime Rentals signed a distribution deal with Lionsgate to make films such as Saw III and Blair Witch Project available for streaming on ReelTime.com. ReelTime is subscription-based; unlimited access to all of the site’s films and shows costs $4.99 for one month, $9.99 for three months and $19.99 for 6 months. The first month is free. There’s plenty of B-titles but a decent selection of classics as well.

VOOM’s Animania HD channel acquired the original animated series RoboRoach from Portfolio Entertainment. It follows the exploits of two bug brothers Rube and Reg, who try to escape from a Japanese scientist’s lab as he tries to implant mini computer chips and cameras into them. Rube is voiced by Scott Thompson from Kids in the Hall fame. The 26 half-hour episodes premiere later this month.

Olympic and lifestyle sports network WCSN will create a branded sports channel on male-centric video sharing site Break.com. The latter is a perfect place for WCSN to repurpose clips like hockey fights, nasty skiing wipeouts or high velocity hit-by-pitches, all bread-and-butter subject matter for Break.com’s 16 million unique monthly visitors.

FUNimation Channel launched as a digital multiplex offering of WRNN-TV in New York on digital channel 48.3. The 24/7 Anime channel reaches approximately 5 million homes via cable and satellite and 16 million homes over the air within the New York DMA, broadcasting from studios in Manhattan, Kingston, Rye Brook and Washington, D.C.

Next New Networks announced series A investment from Saban Capital Group and Benchmark Capital, joining Spark Capital in plans to launch 101 online networks over the next five years, with each targeting a different community or brand on the internet and each having its own website. Former AOL chairman and CEO Jonathan Miller also joined the company’s board of directors. The niche “micro” sites target passionate communities. Every month, one to three new networks will roll out and the first six networks will offer 3-8 minute shows with new regularly scheduled episodes airing either daily or weekly. The shows will also appear on iTunes and YouTube and viewers are encouraged to submit, share and distribute network content. The six new networks are:

• Channel Frederator ( www.channelfrederator.com) – cartoons sent in by viewers and updated weekly.
• Fast Lane Daily (www.fastlanedaily.com) – news from the showrooms and design studios of automakers around the world.
• PulpSecret (www.pulpsecret.com) – dedicated comic book news and culture, featuring The PulpSecret Report produced by David Levin
• Threadbanger (www.threadbanger.com) – centers on fashion designers, featuring Thread Heads a weekly DIY fashion showcase
• VOD Cars (www.VODCars.com) – we’re talking cars … all cars … just cars … a lot of cars
• Veracifier (coming soon) – will focus on reporting, editorials and ideas plus a daily show from blogger Joshua Micah Marshall’s Talking Points Memo

 
AT&T Homezone subscribers can now use their cell phones to program their DVRs. Homezone, which takes satellite programming from Dish Network and combines it with IPTV services delivered though a DSL line, will be able to provide interactive services to WAP 2.0-enabled handsets through a portal co-branded by AT&T and Yahoo. The new wireless remote feature will be included in the $9.99 price Homezone subscribers pay to access online content provided by sites such as Akimbo.com. Homezone is viewed as an interm video service until AT&T’s U-verse reaches more markets.

Broadcaster Fisher Communications will use online B2B service ClipSyndicate to syndicate content produced by its local stations to thousands of vertical web sites within the platform’s network. ClipSyndicate has been targeting local broadcasters to help them attach advertising to rich video content and publish it to its network of large and small web publishers, clearing rights and sharing subsequent ad revenue with the content’s creators. Fox, Sinclair and Clear Channel stations have also struck deals with ClipSyndicate.

Hometown cable network TelVue acquired digital video broadcast systems provider Princeton Server Group for $6.1 million in cash plus the forgiveness of $400,000 in debt. The deal will make TelVue the dominant solutions provider for municipally-owned cable channels.

Interactive advertising firm Avenue A/Razorfish acquired French digital marketing agency Duke. The Paris-based firm will retain its brand identity and leadership team, operating as a subsidiary of the Seattle-based company, which has offices in several locations in the U.S., Australia, Hong Kong, China, Germany, Japan and the U.K. Duke’s clients include Sony PlayStation, Nissan, McDonald’s, Nike and P&G.

New York Times Company expects digital revenues from its 19 newspaper sites and acquired site About.com grow by 30 percent in 2007 to about $350 million. The Times sites will begin co-branding online recruitment advertising with Monster.com and introduce a new suite of tools for job seekers and employers. Times digital properties generated $270 million last year, accounting for about 8 percent of the company’s earnings, up from 4 percent in 2004 and 6 percent in 2005.

Dan Fawcett has returned to Fox to serve as President of Digital Media for Fox Entertainment Group. He succeeds Peter Levinsohn, who took over for Ross Levinsohn last November. Dan will head up Fox’s digital media strategy across all platforms and report directly to News Corp. president and COO Peter Chernin. Prior to joining DirecTV in 2004, he oversaw legal and business affairs for Fox Cable Networks’ portfolio of more than 20 networks.

Beth Roberts was promoted to Vice President of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Business Affairs, Digital and New Business Development. She is giving up oversight of the network side while adding brand integration and digital content initiatives to her responsibilities. Beth will report to Mark Graboff, NBC Universal TV west coast president.

Bravo promoted Jason Klarman to Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital. He will add the role of overseeing strategy, content and operations for Bravo’s digital portfolio including BravoTV.com and Trio suite of channels BrilliantButCancelled.com, OUTzoneTV.com and getTRIO.com. Jason reports to Lauren Zalaznick, president of Bravo.
 
TBS appointed Amit Arora to Director of Business Development. Based in Atlanta, Amit is charged with developing and executing non-linear platform distribution for Turner properties across broadband, interactive television and wireless platform. He will report to Jeremy Legg, vice president of business development for TBS.

The Cable Center promoted Jana L. Henthorn to Senior Vice President of Programs and Education. She will oversee the Cable Center’s educational programs for the telecommunications industry, academia and the general public, in addition to aspects of the Barco Library.

The definitive gadget site engadget.com now has a site devoted to HD. While EngadgetHD.com is not necessarily always for the tech novice, (a recent posting describes how to build your own HD set), it is a terrific resource for those confused by the ins and outs of this new technology. It features exhaustive product reviews, daily HDTV programming listings and discussions about the best way to receive an HD signal.

A new website will be featured here everyday for you to check out. Some are TV-centric, some creative, some just plain strange. Email me your suggestions at [email protected] and if I include the site you mention, your name, company and city will be credited. Only one mention per calendar week, to make it fair.

Later — Cyn
03.08.07

Cynopsis Ad Sales:  Mark Bohn- 203- 583-1224 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]

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Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here

JOB OPENING: DIR BRAVO PROG  RES/NY: 5 yrs exp in media res w/exp in ntwrk, cable, agency or supplier, 5 yrs exp w/Nielsen data, & NPower, Galaxy Explorer, Galaxy Navigator, MrktBreaks, Apply:  www.nbcunicareers.com job # 580826  (3/16)

JOB OPENING: PROJ MGR/MTV/NY: 3-5 yrs exp as project mgr or similar role in media or media-related co. Understanding of web & print design. B.S. or B.A. EOE/M/F/D/AAP.  Apply www.mtvncareers.com (3/16)

JOB OPENING: ART DIRECTOR/MTV/NY: 10 yrs exp. broadcast & print design; understand technology & principals of interactive design.  BFA required; MFA preferred. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (3/16)

JOB OPENING: PROMO/WRITER/PRODUCER/EDITOR/ABC7, #1 Station in LA: Must know avid.  3+ yrs exp.  Send resume & reel:  ABC7 LA, Attn:  HR, Dept. PRO/CYN, 500 Circle Seven Drive, Glendale, CA 91201.  EOE (3/16)

JOB OPENING: ASR/ NY: Work w/sales to represent Disney Nat’l TV Kids Properties. Manage daily account activity 3-5 years Nat’l TV exp  Apply: https://disney.recruitmax.com//main/careerportal/Job_Profile.cfm?szOrderID=72326 (3/15)
 
JOB OPENING : DIR, RETAIL/Taffy Ent/PARIS: 5-7 yrs. Exp in retail dev. & brand mktg in kids biz. Develop & manage brands at retail; Work w/licensees on sales & promo. Apply at: [email protected] (3/15)
 
JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER PROMOS/CNBC/NJ: 2 yrs experience writing, producing, and editing news and/or programming promos. Apply to www.nbcunicareers.com job# 567252 (3/15)
 
JOB OPENING: DIR OUTREACH/ZULA USA/BURBANK: Dir of Outreach-Zula USA, prod of The Zula Patrol, a TV series-pre-k – 2nd grade. MUST HAVE PBS EXP; wk. with PBS outr. Coord., teachers, parents. [email protected], 818-840-1695 Ext. 31 (3/15)
 
JOB OPENING: CTS, NAT’L SALES – RESEARCH MGR/NY: Should know Nielsen, Scarborough PrimeNext, Wrap, One Domain (Clearview), AdViews, Word, Excel and PP. 4+ yrs b’cast exp. required. Analyze & interpret data. Resume: 212-856-8135 (3/15)
 
JOB OPENING: Los Angeles Film Distribution Co. seeks a F/T FULL-CHG BKKPR. AR/AP, Bank deposits/reconciliation, invoice customers, data entry, payroll, Qtr/Semi-Wkly Payroll Taxes, QuickBooks. email resume: [email protected] (3/15)

JOB OPENING: VP ADSALES & SPONSORSHIP SALES/Retirement Living, Balto/DC area:  7-10 yrs. AdSales exp., lead the development & implementation of strategic sales initiatives on a local & national level www.RL.TV  (3/13)
 
JOB OPENING:  SALES RESEARCH ANALYST/CBS NETWORK SALES/NY: Min 1 yr agency, network &/or bus intelligence research exp. Strong analytical/comp skills/media research dbase exp. Res & salary: [email protected] (subject MKT) (3/13)
 
JOB OPENING: MGR BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS/DIRECTV/NYC:  Seeking Sr. Paralegal to review print, on-line, radio, & TV advertising for compliance. For full job description & to forward res:  www.directv.com/careers   Ref job # 700098 (3/13)
 
JOB OPENING: AD SALES ASST/Galavision/NY: Detail-oriented, exc comm/math/MS Office skills; asst Sales Team w/presentations/reports/clerical work. Spanish speaking highly pref/not req. Cvr letter & resume:  [email protected]   (3/20)
 
JOB OPENING: INTERACTIVE MKTG ANALYST/Warner Bros. Pictures/NY: Analyze traffic; create rpts on effectiveness & make recommendations for optimization. Hitbox/ComScore/MediaMetrix. Email: [email protected] RE: UCTC/74350BR (3/13)
 
JOB OPENING: MGR, CONS TRADE MKTG/AMC/NY: Savvy, advert/mktg talent needed to create & implement all Nat’l Ad Sales, Hollywood  & Affiliate trade strat. Dynamic self starter w/ 3+ industry exp  Res: www.cablevision.jobs ref #2800BR (3/13)
 
JOB OPENING: WEB GAME PRODUCER/Sesame Workshop/NY: Interactive gaming and broadband video experience in children’s media is desired. Come play& create original content for Sesame Street. Apply [email protected] (3/10)

JOB OPENING: ART DIRECTOR/Sesame Workshop/NY: Oversee visual direction& production for Digital Media. Understand characters, licensed properties. Solid interactive portfolio is a must. Apply [email protected] (3/10)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR/ Discovery Nets, NY: Proficiency in Nielsen systems and strong analytical/computer/presentation skills required. Estimate exp a plus. Apply: www.discovery.com . Job req #4979 (3/10)

JOB OPENING: RECRUITER /NYC:  Entertainment Executive Search Firm/media or recruiting experience req’d/motivated/research skills/excellent communication skills/computer proficiency/self-starter [email protected]     (3/10)

JOB OPENING: SALES PERSON/LA: Established, growing captioning company searching for exceptional salesperson. Background in captioning, post production, or television ideal. Apply through website: www.captionmax.com (3/10)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES MKTG MGR/AMC/NYC: Dev & exec multi-platform, integrated partnerships for key clients w/our National Ad Sales team. Creative media mktg & sales savvy prof w/proven record. www.cablevision.jobs ref #2711BR  (3/10)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIR/ION/NY: Translate info for sales/mktg presentations, min 5 yrs exp in TV/Cable/Syndication, extensive knwlg of Nielsen ratings & app software, exc comm skills & prof w/pc. [email protected], EOE  (3/10)

JOB OPENING:  ACCOUNTING MGR/Animation Collective/NYC: Manage A/R & A/P, reconciliation, payroll, forecast CFs, liaise w CPA. Min 4-yr deg & 5 yrs exp, Quickbooks & excel, good sense of humor req’d.  email: [email protected] (3/9)

JOB OPENING:  COORD, SCHEDULING/WORLDWIDE PROGRAMMING/Disney/BURBANK: Sched for Toon Disney US, coordinate WW programming site/schedules/plans, etc. 2 yrs sched/prog/intl  www.disneycareers.com  req# 68715  (3/9)

JOB OPENING:  SR MKTNG RESEARCH ANALYST/ Univision/New York: Develop marketing presentations to support national sales. Knowledge of syndicated research and strong writing skills required. Contact: [email protected] EOE (3/9)

JOB OPENING:  PT ACCT EXEC/New media co./Norwalk, CT: Asst in all facets of ad sales process; incl. interface w/clients & agencies. Media sales/buying exp REQ’D. Non-trad. or print exp pref’d. [email protected]  (3/9)

JOB OPENING:  TRAFFIC COORD/Piscataway Cablevision: Process/sched orders for ad time. Provide sales with inventory reports.  2 + yrs exp. Prof. PC skills. College degree is preferred. Apply www.cablevision.jobs  req# 2490BR (3/9)

JOB OPENING:  DEVELOPMENT EXEC/True Entertainment, NYC: Write, develop, & pitch projects for major international TV production company. 5+ years dvlp exp at network or production company a must. Apply at:  [email protected]  (3/9)

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] .

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION SECRETARY/COORDINATOR: Detailed organizer seeks production position. Exp in coordinating shoots, research, and assisting Producers. Has passion for making things happen! Contact [email protected] (3/16)

SITUATION WANTED: ADMIN ROLE: Superb organizer seeks admin role. Innovative/detail-oriented team player who loves to write/create and multi-task. Exp: Mngmnt, Reading books/scripts, & Customer Service. Contact [email protected] (3/15)

E-mail Trish Pihonak for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email Trish Pihonak for specs.