Good morning. It’s Thursday, November 11, 2010, and this is your first early morning Kids briefing.

Every day there are new apps for mobile devices (iPhone/iPad/iTouch, smartphones, etc.), with more and more of them aimed at kids of all ages, including the very youngest.  But are they educational, and are kids actually learning from them.  According to Learning: Is there an app for that?, a new national survey of parents and observation of K3-7 learning and interacting with mobile media, released yesterday by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop ( http://www.joanganzcooneycenter.org/Reports.html ), in collaboration with PBS Kids Raising Readers and Hotspex, most parents let their young kids use their mobile devices even though they don’t think their kids are learning anything beneficial.  The study also found that kids can and are learning things (including literacy skills) through age appropriate educational apps, and also offers some guidance for developers to produce better educational apps and make parents aware of their benefits.  The report refers to the ‘pass-back effect’ – which is when a parent hands a mobile device to a kid to occupy them, say in car, restaurant or grocery cart, and the kid plays with it until the parent takes it back.  A 2009 content analysis conducted by The Cooney Center showed that 60% of the 25 top-selling paid applications in the education section of the iTunes App Store target toddlers and preschoolers. In addition, a Kaiser Family Foundation study noted that kids spend an average of about one hour per day using mobile devices.  Some findings from Learning: Is there an app for that? include:

• The mobile media pass-back effect – Two-thirds of K4-7 have used an iPhone or iPod touch and 85% have used one owned by a parent. Kids most often use the devices when they are passed-back by a parent while in a car.
• Evidence that kids can learn from apps – Mobile apps based on PBS Kids programs Martha Speaks and Super Why! were independently evaluated with 90 K3-7 who played with them for 2 weeks. Kids made gains in vocabulary comprehension, letter-identification and rhyming after use of the apps. Vocabulary improved as much as 31% for kids who played with the Martha Speaks Dog Party App.
• Young kids are surprisingly adept at using smart mobile devices – Nearly all of the kids observed in the studies could master operations, even after initial difficulty.
• Create apps that sustain interest – Children use apps for short periods of time and interest quickly diminishes. Developers should design activities that incorporate specific educational goals and incentives to hold their interest.
• Use mobile devices as supplemental tools – App content can be developed around curriculum goals in literacy, math and science as well as life skills to supplement and extend school-based learning.
• Inform parents – App developers’ claims of educational impact are largely unsubstantiated and should be based on specific evidence. Parents need more information on how mobile devices can and should be used as learning tools.

MORE KIDS STUFF

The second annual TeenNick HALO Awards will premiere Friday, December 10, at 8-9p on TeenNick, which will be followed immediately by an encore on Nick at Nite at 9p.  Created, hosted and Executive Produced by Nick Cannon, who also serves as TeenNick Chairman, the hour-long HALO Awards (Helping And Leading Others) special welcomes stars including Mariah Carey, Ashton Kutcher, Rosario Dawson and Wyclef Jean as they celebrate four teens for their philanthropic efforts.  TeenNick teams with the Entertainment Industry Foundation ( www.eifoundation.org), a non-profit organization, to provide the grants and scholarships awarded to the four honorees.

Disney Channel‘s series Jonas L.A. (previously titled Jonas), staring Jonas Brothers, comes to a close after its second season on the network.  In a statement confirming the end of the series, the network said:  “The series JONAS L.A. has concluded as scheduled after two very successful seasons, and all original episodes of its second season have aired. The Jonas Brothers are currently busy wrapping up their 40+ city concert tour and will soon be back in the studio working on music projects for Disney’s Hollywood Records. We look forward to working with them on new projects in the future.”

A second season of Sesame Tree (20×14), a version of Sesame Street produced by Belfast-based Sixteen South Television and Sesame Workshop entirely in Northern Ireland, debuts November 22, 2010, at 10:40a, on CBeebies and will be seen across the UK.  The TV series will be supported by educational outreach materials for the Foundation Stage and the website www.bbc.co.uk/sesametree, which is developed by BBC NI Learning.  An early education series that features contemporary life in Northern Ireland through the eyes of kids that live there and Muppet characters, Sesame Tree is aligned with the Northern Ireland Statutory Curriculum.  The series is funded by the International Fund for Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen.  The first season of Sesame Tree ran on BBC Northern Ireland.

Zodiak Rights, formerly the rights division of RDF Media Group and Zodiak Entertainment, acquires the worldwide rights to the preschool property Little Princess from The Illuminated Film Company.  The Little Princess TV series is based on the kid’s picture books by author/illustrator Tony Ross.  The Illuminated Film Company has produced three seasons (104 episodes) of Little Princess at its London-based studio.  Zodiak Rights holds all future international broadcast rights (excluding Japan and Korea) and all licensing and merchandising rights (excluding publishing) to Little Princess.

Tricon Films & Television completes sales of 200+ hours of its scripted, lifestyle, sport, documentary and kids’ programming to international broadcasters on the heels of MIPCOM last month.  Tricon’s new deals for kid-targeted programming include:  UK-based CSC Media Group picks up The Next Star (seasons 1-3) for its channel Pop Girl.  CSC Media Group also acquires GRRtv, a motorsports show aimed at kids, for its Kix channel.

MARKETING/LICENSING

Ludorum inks new licensing deals for its preschool franchise Chuggington.  New licensees include Worlds Apart (pop up play and ready beds), Abbey Home Media (audio books), Wesco (watches, gifts), and Ethos (personal Care).  Additionally, BBS is appointed as licensee for party stationery throughout Continental Europe.  Extending its licensing deal is Halsall for Chuggington bikes, scooters, trikes, bike accessories and protective clothing beyond the UK, to include France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Iberia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Israel.  Ludorum already has other deals in place, including a worldwide agreement with Canada’s Mega Brands to produce Chuggington-themed Mega Blocs construction toys for release internationally beginning 2011 and available in the US from 2012.  The UK licensing program for Chuggington launched this spring 2010 featuring toys from Learning Curve.

Disney Channel has created its first apps for preschoolers with the release of Handy Manny’s Workshop and Flicker’s Flashcard Fiesta for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.  The Handy Manny app features narrated animations from the hit series along with five different activity zones. The Flicker app showcases interactive flashcards and a word game that tests preschoolers’ English and Spanish language skills. Both applications retail for $2.99/each.

2K Play and Nickelodeon launch the new kid-targeted exercise Nickelodeon Fit for Wii.  The title includes 30 games and features characters (including their voices) from Nickelodeon series including Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Ni Hao, Kai-lan, and The Backyardigans to help kids get active and living healthy lifestyles.  Developed by Nickelodeon and High Voltage Software in collaboration with physical education and exercise science expert Dr. Jacqueline Goodway, PhD, the games focus on cardiovascular activity, core muscles, upper and lower body strength, balance, motor skill development, and coordination using the Wii remote or Balance Board accessories.  Additionally, parents can monitor their kid’s exercise time/intensity, track their stats, and create custom workouts for them depending on their kid’s needs and interests.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Hanging out its brand new shingle is Heads Up Creative ( www.headsupcreative.com ), a new production company focusing on kid and family-aimed content and founded by Director/Executive Producer Michele L. Band and Producer Hilary Wolk.  The two previously toiled for almost a decade each with Nickelodeon where they directed and produced scripted content.  The new company’s first projects include a new live action multi-camera long-form web series for PBS, as well as a mixed live action/animated series, and a music video.  Initial clients for Heads Up Creative include Out of the Blue Enterprises, Daryl Roth Productions, Jelly Jam Entertainment, and PBS.

Cartoon Network ups Michael Ouweleen to SVP and Group Creative Director for its new Creative Group.  Ouweleen is now responsible for heading all Cartoon Network and Boomerang branding via on-air communication, promotion, packaging and sponsorships, as well as the creative development  for off-channel promotions. He also will supervise print, special events, package design, sponsorship and promotions for Adult Swim.  A 14-year veteran of the network, Ouweleen will continue to be based in Atlanta, and report to Brenda Freeman, CMO/Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media, Turner Broadcasting.  Ouweleen most recently served as SVP/Creative Director, on-air.  The newly established Creative Group was the product of a recent reorganization, which brings the network’s on-air and off-channel creative teams together under one division.

David Lebow is appointed as Acting CEO and to the Board of Directors, Oberon Media.  The news coincides with a new investment round of $16 million into the multiplatform casual games company.  Lebow will focus his efforts on current products and plans, and developing a long term strategy for B2B and direct to consumer game publishing segments.  Most recently, Lebow had been CEO and President, Internet Broadcasting.  Prior to that he served as EVP and GM, AOL Media Networks.

RATINGS

Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON:         K2-11 997; K6-11 382; TWEENS 9-14 282
DISNEY CHANNEL:     K2-11 763; K6-11 451; TWEENS 9-14 360
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 396; K6-11 253; TWEENS 9-14 201
DISNEY XD:               K2-11 143; K6-11   96; TWEENS 9-14   78
NICKTOONS:              K2-11   89; K6-11   60; TWEENS 9-14   50
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia:   This iconic TV character always wore a heart-shaped pave diamond necklace, which was given to her by the show’s director? SAMANTHA STEVENS (Elizabeth Montgomery) on BEWITCHED, given to her by her husband William Asher  Kudos to: JB Gray-Cartoon Network/Atlanta; Karen Miller-Fith of Seven/Nashville;

Today’s Trivia Question:  :  Kodo and Podo the ferrets were featured on what syndicated product?  (Email [email protected] 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 Billings for Cynopsis Kids!
gwen @cynopsis.com
11.11.10

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Mike Farina – VP/Business Development & Sales – 203-218-6480 / [email protected]
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 .

ATTENTION JOB RECRUITERS FOR THE TELEVISION AND ADVERTISING INDUSTRY – send us your contact information so we can begin to build a database for referrals.  We get people all the time around the country asking us for names of local recruiters.  Help us out – send us your contact information, name, company, address, phone, email and fax.  NY and LA are great, but we also need names of firms in Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, DC, and elsewhere.  We have people to send you!   Email your info to [email protected].

JOB OPENING: PRODUCER (ON-AIR)/Discovery Communications/SS: Write & produce promotion & mrktg projects; must have 3-5 yrs mrtkg/post production background; Final Cut a plus : www.discovery.com Req#2789 (11/18)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/OWN/OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK (NY, Chicago & LA): The AE will join OWN’s Digital Media Ad Sales team and sell national advertising. Must have 5+ yrs. Ad sales experience. Apply @ http://careers.own.tv (11/18)

JOB OPENING: HBO INTERACT ART DIR /NY:  5+yrs web design exp. Expert knwldg in Photoshop/Illustrator/Flash/InDesign. Apply: https://careers.timewarner.com/en/asp/tg/cim_jobdetail.asp?partnerid=391&siteid=36&AReq=121099BR&Codes=NLIN (11/18)

JOB OPENING: CONSUMER MKTG MGR/Nashville: Plan dvlpmnt & proj mngmnt for show-specific mktg plans. BA deg mktg & 3yrs exp mktg in media. Apply: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=MTVNETWORKS&cws=8&rid=1033    (11/18)

JOB OPENING: SR EDITOR/Promo Post House/NY:  Work in our Avid based facility.  5+yrs exp in brdcst envir . Must provide creative solutions, & meet tight deadlines. Est’d relationships a +.  Resume: [email protected] (11/18)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/MEDHELP.org/AE or AM w/10 yrs selling exp. Digital ad sales and Pharma pref’d, Agency or Client exp acceptable. Great pkgs to join leading start up in Health space. Resumes to: [email protected] (11/18)

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE PRODUCER PRN/SF: client-facing lead, oversee entertaining, informative, quality content & advertising on our in-store TV Wall Networks, manage production team https://jobs-prncorp.icims.com/jobs/1493/job (11/18)

JOB OPENING: MGR, SLS DVLPMNT/Discovery Communications/NY: Dvlp digital ad solutions & spprt sales strgy Nationally; exp in mobile sales strgy, custom solutions; strong mktg background. 3-5 yrs exp: www.discovery.com Req#2766 (11/17)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL RESEARCH MANAGER/VH1/CMT/LOGO/NYC: 4+ yrs exp media research; exp w/Omniture, SiteCatalyst, comScore, Nielsen//NetRatings, Forrester, Hitwise; BA Req. EOE/M/F/D/AAP apply mtvnetworkscareers.com (11/17)

JOB OPENING: SR MANAGER, PR/VERSUS NTWRK/COMCAST/PA: Manage all public relations efforts, stay current with media trends. Req’d 7+ yrs exp. @ Public Relations/Mktg Comm, superior interpersonal skills. Apply: www.COMCAST.com (11/17)

JOB OPENING: MOBILE SALES MGR/Disney Interactive/SF: Drive rev. Sell Disney’s mobile solutions to top-tier advrtsrs. 4+yrs mobile sales, 5+yrs  online ad sales, 2 yrs mgmt. dig/mobile media knwlg  a must. [email protected] (11/17)

JOB OPENING:  ACCT EXEC/Disney Interactive/CHI: Online media, branded ent. over 20 sites incl. Disney.com & the Disney Mom’s & Women’s Ntwrk of sites. O nline Ad Sales exp a must!  [email protected]  (11/17)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AE/GSN/SM: Promotes/sell inventory on GSN must be extremely organized and driven.Media math skills and terms. Knwldg MS software. Send res & CL to [email protected] (11/16)

JOB OPENING: VP, ONLINE DIST & NAT’L ACCTS CONT DIST & MKTG/NYC: Work w/ SVP & other team members in all cont dist & partner mktg initiatives. 7-10 yrs work exp, incl 6+ yrs in the media/online dig. ind. www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (11/16)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/Radio Disney/Chicago: Successfully represent Radio Disney w/in assigned territory generating network ad sales revenue according to assigned goal. Apply to: www.disneyabcjobs.com Req # 269958 (11/16)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE MGR AD SALES RESEARCH/AETN/NYC:Develop & execute ad sales research initiatives to better position AETN prgmng. Working knowledge of Nielsen systems. Apply to: www.aetn.com/careers (11/16)

JOB OPENING: TRAFFIC/PROD MGR/OOH Dig Net/NYC: Handle element intake, schedule, traffic & prgrmng of content. Need to be great w detail & have traffic & prod mgmt bknd. Software skills important. Cover/resume: [email protected] (11/13)

JOB OPENING: DRUPAL DEVELOPER/Odyssey Networks/NY: with strong HTML/CSS and online video exp. New Media Org seeking web developer with strong Drupal skills. Online video exp necessary. Resumes: [email protected] (11/13)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAM MGR/KTVU/San Fran Bay Area: Dept head level position. Dvlp prgrm sched w/ highest saleable ratings at the lowest possible cost. B.A. degree & 6yrs exp related exp req’d. Resume: [email protected] (EOE) (11/12)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXECUTIVE/TV Guide.com/Chicago: AE w/2+ yrs digital ad sales exp, preferably in media/entertainment. Consumer exp a must. Competitive salary commensurate w/ exp & excellent benefits prgm. [email protected] (11/12)

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].

WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  JRS/SRS /NYC doc prod. Co: Exp’d, orgnzd & energetic. Fast-paced envir. Pls specify “dvlpmnt” or “production” in app. Office, shoot, post-prod & dvlpmnt work. FOR CREDIT ONLY. Email [email protected]  (11/18)

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:   FACTUAL & ANIMATION CONSULTANT  available to help with everything from development to post: treatments, pitches, sizzles, bibles, production, etc. [email protected] (11/18)

SITUATION WANTED:  RESEARCH DIR/SALES STRATEGIST – 20+ yrs media, Nielsen, Hisp, research, sales, and presentation experience. Email: [email protected] (11/18)

SITUATION WANTED:  NATIONAL TV HOST, LIFE/FITNESS/RELATIONSHIP COACH appearing soon on major network reality show seeks E.P. with verifiable network/syndicator Rolodex to shop projects. [email protected] (11/17)

SITUATION WANTED:  MEDIA SALES/MARKETING STRATEGIST/NY:  Extensive experience in all forms of media..print/OOH/digital. Smart consultative seller. Can identify new niche markets and profitably re-purpose content. Contact: [email protected] (11/17)

SITUATION WANTED:  DIGITAL MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY/CABLE ATTORNEY Broad in-house exp incontent distribution, digital media, technology licensing,affiliate & ad sales. Avail for project/consultant/FT. Contact [email protected] (11/17)

SITUATION WANTED: DIRECTOR of OPERATIONS / PROD. MANAGEMENT/NYC: Skilled at budget & contract negotiation, cash flow forecasting, capital admin., staff mgmt., team-building. MBA, bilingual, perseverant, resourceful. [email protected] (11/16)

SITUATION WANTED: Results oriented DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SALES PRO with proven track record seeking a sales or business development role in Los Angeles CA. Please email [email protected] with interest (11/16)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION MANAGER 10+ Yrs of industry experience. Worked for Bravo, Discovery, Animal Planet, TRU & Playboy.Travel exp, multiple crews, cool under fire, on-time & under budget. Please contact [email protected] (11/16)

SITUATION WANTED: Dedicated & Experienced ADV. SALES PLANNER (NY) Sales proposals, resolving client discrepancies, quarterly post analysis, special sales service projects, expert computer skills. Contact- [email protected] (11/16)

SITUATION WANTED: NEED A BUDGET DONE?? LINE PROD/EIC – 10+ yrs. exp- budgets done in all formats. Accurate budgets, Reasonable rates, fast turn around Email: [email protected] (11/16)

SITUATION WANTED: SALES CLOSER in TV, FILM & MEDIA 6+ years of Domestic and International experience in Film & TV sales, a very successful closing record and strong Rolodex of clients, email [email protected] (11/13)

SITUATION WANTED: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT POSITION FILM/TV/NY: 10 years experience: Interned for a President, Executive Assistant to SVP/VP/film director/celebrity [email protected] (11/13)

SITUATION WANTED: ANIMATION PRODUCTION MANAGER/ASST/LINE PRODUCER 20 yrs exp incl stybds, anim, prod /directing. 2D Digital. Flash. Traditional. Canadian. [email protected] (11/13)

SITUATION WANTED: 5 PRIME TIME EMMYS/ DOC. PROD, DIR., WRITER in L.A. Credits: National Geo, PBS, Discovery, History CH, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (11/12)

SITUATION WANTED:  EP, SHOWRUNNER, DIR w major network/studio/interactive credits. Looking for funded projects  [email protected], [email protected]   (11/12)

SITUATION WANTED:  MARKETING PROJECT MANAGER/LA: Pro w/ Bachelor’s in TV & 5 years in broadcast & cable marketing seeks new opportunity. Experienced in all platforms & live events (CES, E3, Comic-Con). E-mail [email protected] (11/12)

E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203.381.9096 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email [email protected] for specs.

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