A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM NICKELODEON

It’s Just One Reason We’ve Remained #1 for 12 Straight Years.*

*Source: Nielsen Media Research, NHI (2Q’95 thru 1Q’07 td-(01/01/07-02/11/07, by quarter) for Kids 2-11,
based on NAT% and impressions across all competitive cable networks, total programming day. Live Feed.
Qualifications available upon request. © 2007 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Cynopsis: Kids!

3/08/07

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

At the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco (March 5-9, 2007) yesterday, Phil Harrison President/Worldwide Studios, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), delivered a keynote address during which he introduced SCE’s Game 3.0 vision that focuses on trends, audience participation/interactivity, user generated content, community, and introduced two Game 3.0 game titles for PlayStation3.

• Home is a real-time, networked 3D avatar-based community where PS3 users can interact, join online games, communicate and share content and build their own spaces.  Third party publishers, developers and brands from outside the gaming world will be integrated into Home.  Home will go into a closed beta test this spring and will be available this fall as a free download from the PlayStation store.
• LittleBigPlanet is a community-based game where users can play, create and share content they have generated with other users around the world.  In LittleBigPlanet players start by learning about the powers of their chosen characters to interact physically with the environment. There are obstacles, items to collect and puzzles to solve — some requiring community-based teamwork.  As players explore and develop their creative skills they can start creating/modifying their surroundings.  Ultimately, levels of the game will be user generated and will change everyday as players create and publish their own levels.

How many baseball cards and pieces of Bazooka gum will $385.4 million get you?  Pretty much the whole Topps Company, Inc., in the case for of Michael Eisner’s The Tornante Company LLC and Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC, a Chicago-based private equity firm, which has inked a deal to acquire tops Topps for that sum.  The Board of Directors of Topps has approved the merger agreement and has resolved to recommend that Topps stockholders adopt the agreement.  The deal is expected to close 3Q 2007.

The Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) Executive Committee has voted in favor of moving its 2007 Fall Toy Show to Dallas, Texas, where the event will be held October 8-11, 2007 at the Dallas Market Center.  According to TIA Chairman, Daniel Grossman (Wild Planet Entertainment, Inc.), the TIA has been considering moving the fall trade show from NY to Dallas, one that is supported by buyers and exhibitors, in an effort to make the show a more efficient, convenient and less costly one.  An increasingly important event the Fall Toy Show showcases previews of products in development for the fall selling season the following year.  The annual Toy Fair will continue to be hosted each February in NYC.  The TIA has a contract to host the annual February event at the Javits Center through 2010.

MORE KIDS STUFF

Animania HD, an all animation channel, has acquired the new tween-targeted animated series RoboRoach (26×30′) from Bejuba Entertainment.  Produced by Canada-based Portfolio Entertainment, RoboRoach revolves around the adventures of two bug brothers, Rube and Reg.  The series is based on an actual experiment conducted by Japanese scientists, in which mini computer chips and camera were implanted in cockroaches.  Actor/comedian Scott Thompson, best known as a member of the group Kids in the Hall, lends his voice to Rube. Animania HD is part of the VOOM HD Networks, a diverse suite of HD channels currently available on DISH Network.  RoboRoach currently airs in Canada on Teletoon, and Jetix Europe has acquired the international rights to the series.

Palladium Equity Partners, an Hispanic Market Fund, has invested in Todobebe, Inc., the Hispanic parenting centric multimedia company.  Todobebe produces Todobebe TV, a Spanish-language parenting show airing on Telemundo and Mexico’s Televisa Networks, Todobebe.com, and Todobebe radio bits.  Todobebe has also recently begun licensing its content library and proprietary formats in both Colombia and Spain.

MARKETING/LICENSING

Electronic Arts, MTV and Harmonix, creators of the Guitar Hero series, have inked a strategic partnership for an upcoming game title. Under the deal, MTV’s Harmonix will develop an all-new title and EA Partners will oversee worldwide sales, marketing and distribution.

Cartoon Network Enterprises has teamed with LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., to develop a Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends software title for the handheld Leapster Learning Game System.  Slated for release in fall 2007, the game is designed to help players, kids in Kindergarten-2nd grade, learn spelling and phonics skills by helping Foster’s characters make it through select missions by completing activities such as letter searches and word-building exercises.

STONE SOUP

Channel One has entered into a partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, itself a partnership between the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association. Under the collaboration, Channel One will serve as an in-school media partner for the Alliance.  The partnership will see the creation of a range of news and feature programming, PSAs, content, and outreach materials that underline the importance of increased physical activity and eating a balanced diet.  Online, ChannelOne.com’s One Step to a Better You effort will connect teens to a range of the Alliance’s resources, tips, surveys, tracking charts and interactive quizzes. Teacher companion site ChannelOneNetwork.com will include teaching resources, staff wellness tools and information about the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program and Go Healthy Movement.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

DirecTV executive promotions in Programming and Entertainment:

• Derek Chang has been upped to EVP/Content Strategy and Development.  He will oversee all programming strategy, development and acquisitions for domestic business. Chang will report to Chase Carey, President and CEO, DIRECTV.
• Dan Hartman moves up to SVP/Programming Acquisition. He will assume day-to-day responsibilities for interfacing with programmers and negotiating core programming rights. Hartman will report to Chang
• Eric Shanks, EVP/Entertainment will now lead DirecTV’s Entertainment Department.  He will also report to Chase Carey.

Together, Shanks and Chang will oversee the content, programming operations and content strategy for DIRECTV.

• These changes come made as David Hill, who was in a dual role as President, DIRECTV Entertainment and Chairman and CEO, Fox Sports, returns to Fox on a full-time basis and Dan Fawcett, who is EVP/Programming Acquisition and Business & Legal Affairs, exits DirecTV to become President of Fox Digital Media.  Hill will remain involved with DirecTV as an advisor in key entertainment and content initiatives.

Brook Hefner has been named Public Relations Manager, Cookie Jar Entertainment.  She will oversee corporate media relations, including trade media, for the company’s range of programming, distribution, licensing and internet activities.  Working out of the Cookie Jar’s LA office, Hefner will report to Kelly Elwood, SVP/Marketing.  Hefner previously held communications roles with International Medical Corps and Fox Sports Net.  Previously, she served as a member of President Clinton’s advance team.

Answer to Yesterday’s trivia question: Corey on Boy Meets World has a crazy older brother, what would his name be?  ERIC Kudos to:  Cheyney Barrieau-Pak Mail/ CT; Tracy Blankenship-S&K Men’s Stores/Richmond; Kerri L. Berney-Oxygen Media/NY; Valery Desamours-Eagle TV Sales/NY; Izzy Neis-Star Farm Productions/Chicago; Bethany Scheuerman-GRP Media/Chicago; Malia Chee-Strata Marketing/Chicago; Amanda Zolper-Tokyopop Inc./LA; Gina Dierks-Pappas Telecasting Companies/Omaha; Jessie Wan-Radio Disney/CA; Pat Brady-Animation/Puppeteer Agent/LA

Today’s Trivia Question: Angelica asked what two characters to baby sit her cat Fluffy? ( 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!
03.08.07

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.