Cynopsis: Kids!
11/13/08
Good morning. It’s Thursday, November 13, 2008 and this is your first early morning Kids briefing.
A new study by Children Now, a non-partisan research and advocacy group, finds that only one in eight kid’s educational TV programs meet high educational standards. The study, entitled Educationally/Insufficient? An Analysis of the Educational Quality & Availability of Children’s E/I Programming, looked at a total of 120 episodes across 40 program titles, then evaluating each show on a range of educational criteria that are associated with kid’s learning from TV. According to the study, “kids are being short-changed by broadcasters,” as “few broadcasters offer more than the bare minimum of programming and confine their entire E/I schedule to one or two days of the week,” and that “more than one-quarter of E/I shows model harmful violent or socially aggressive behavior,” and furthermore, “the vast majority of programs contain no basic academic or health-related lesson.” A similar study conducted in the 1990s found that between 20-30% of E/I programs were rated as ‘highly educational.’ The current study singled out PBS (PBS Kids and PBS Kids Go!) as delivering educational programming that rated “significantly higher” than E/I shows on commercial stations, specifically pointing to the emphasis on cognitive-intellectual lessons on PBS kid-targeted programs. Conversely, E/I programming on commercial channels focused more on emotional lessons.
In the event there are folks out there that don’t fully understand the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system, the ESRB has created new rating summaries that offer more detailed information for parents about game content and explain the context and relevant content the ESRB uses in determining a game rating. The new rating definitions are available via www.esrb.org, its rating search widget (http://www.esrb.org/widget), and a new mobile website http://m.esrb.org. Additionally, the ESRB offers a bi-weekly list of recently rated titles that can be customized to the users game platform and rating categories, by signing up for the ESRB new e-newsletter, ParenTools (www.esrb.org/parentools). The ESRB rating system includes six rating categories: EC (Early Childhood) for ages 3+; E (Everyone) for ages 6+; E10+ (Everyone 10 and older); T (Teen) for ages 13+; M (Mature) for 17+; and AO (Adults Only) for adults 18+.
NEW PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
Marvel Studios inks a deal with Joe Johnston (The Wolfman, Jumanji, Jurassic Park III, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids among many others) to direct its feature film First Avenger: Captain America. Based on the Marvel characters created by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, the movie will be produced by Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige, with Executive Producers Louis D’Esposito, Stan Lee as well as the studio’s Chairman David Maisel. Set for release on May 6, 2011, First Avenger: Captain America will be distributed worldwide by Paramount Pictures.
Disney begins production on the live-action original comedy Zeke & Luther that is set to premiere in summer 2009 on the new ad-supported Disney XD network. Currently known as the Toon Disney channel, Disney XD is the newly re-branded channel, online, mobile and VOD platforms, aimed at K6-14, specifically boys, and families, which will debut February 2009. Programming for Disney XD will include series, movies and short-form content, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. Produced by Turtle Rock Productions, Inc., Zeke & Luther revolves around two friends that decide they are going to be world-famous skateboarders and their adventures to get there.
MORE KIDS STUFF
Ion Media Networks and Sky Angel US ink a distribution deal that will make Qubo Channel and ION Life available to Sky Angel’s IPTV subscribers. Sky Angel US is a Christian-owned multi-channel provider of faith-based and family-friendly TV and radio programming.
Disney Channel will introduce a new character named Flicker (a flashlight) to its preschool series Handy Manny with a week of new episodes beginning Monday, December 1 at 9a during the network’s Playhouse Disney programming block. Additionally, four new Handy Manny Music videos will debut from Wednesday, December 3 at 9:25a. Voiced by country singer/songwriter/actress Grey DeLisle, Flicker is a Spanish-speaking curious young flashlight that is just learning to speak English. Fans can also view the online premiere of Flicker’s debut episode from Monday, November 24 and the New Years’ Eve themed episode on December 1 at www.disney.com/HandyManny. The new episodes will also be available on demand throughout December on mobile phones via Sprint TV and AT&T CV.
CBS holiday programming includes annual classic animated specials and feature films: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer celebrates its 44th anniversary when the digitally re-mastered version airs Wednesday, December 3, 8-9p; Frosty the Snowman is set for Friday, December 12 at 8p; followed immediately by Frosty Returns at 8:30p; CBS will air the feature film Elf on Saturday, December 20, 8-10p.
Correction: Total Drama Island is a Teletoon Original Production in Canada and not a US production.
MARKETING/LICENSING
Entertainment Rights (ER) and Genius Products celebrate the diamond anniversary of The Lone Ranger with the release this week of The Lone Ranger 75th Anniversary Collector’s Edition, a 12-disc DVD box set. The DVD release includes the complete first and second season of the TV series (78 episodes from 1949 and 1950) starring Clayton Moore (the Masked Ranger) and Jay Silverheels (Tonto), much of which has been digitally re-mastered, and an extra DVD that includes three episodes from the 1960s animated series, a classic Lassie episode featuring The Lone Ranger, and an original radio broadcast and script. The release also includes an 88-page commemorative book, episode guide and comic book and photo reprints. To support the box set debut, Dynamic Forces, in partnership with ER, releases The Lone Ranger #14 comic book and a special oversized publication of cover art from the new The Lone Ranger comics 1-14, as well as Volume II of the graphic novel The Lone Ranger, trading cards, resin statues, lithographs etc. Additionally, ER’s The Lone Ranger live events continue across the US at US Railroad attractions.
Pinnacle Software in collaboration with Contender Merchandising are set to release Peppa Pig The Game for kids on Nintendo DS in the UK on November 28, 2008, followed in early 2o09 for Wii.
Bulldog Licensing completes new deals for the design-focused sentiment property Little Ewe: Danilo signs on as the licensing partner for greeting cards, gift wrap and tags; Posh Paws comes on board for plush toys and gifts; and Sharpcards extends its existing deal for mobile phone downloads to include mainland Europe, with additional plans to launch a Christmas-themed range in Spain and Sweden this year. Little Ewe has most recently been featured in TV ads for in the UK for Moonpig greeting cards. In addition to its popularity in the UK and Europe, Little Ewe is represented by G Squared in the US and Canada, and Kidz Entertainment in the Nordic regions and Eastern Europe, and a new deal in place with Wild Pumpkin for Australia and New Zealand.
Elsewhere, Bulldog Licensing enters into a new global deal with poster specialist Pyramid for The Wrestling Federation: TWF.
STONE SOUP
Twilight, the Chop Shop/Atlantic Records soundtrack to Summit Entertainment‘s upcoming movie of the same name, debuted at number one of this week’s SoundScan/Billboard 200 album chart. With first week sales of 165,000 units, the Twilight release marks the largest debut for an Atlantic Records soundtrack since the Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991. Additionally, the Twilight release becomes the biggest digital album debut of a theatrical soundtrack in SoundScan history. That said, Disney’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year soundtrack holds the sales record for the 2008, the soundtrack was released October 21, 2008 and sold close to 300,000 units in its first week. Twilight, the feature film, will open in theaters nationwide on November 21. Additionally, the second Twilight album, Twilight: The Score, is set to release digitally on November 25, and in brick and in stores December 9.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Rubber Duck Entertainment (RDE), the TV production/development arm of Contender Entertainment Group, appoints Laura Clunie as its new Head of Production and Development. Clunie takes over for Laura Campbell, who left the company in July. Most recently, Clunie was a Producer with Chorion, working on properties including Noddy, Mr Men, Olivia and The Famous Five.
RATINGS
Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON: K2-11 1480; K6-11 853; TWEENS 9-14 608
DISNEY CHANNEL: K2-11 816; K6-11 538; TWEENS 9-14 404
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 601; K6-11 436; TWEENS 9-14 333
TOON DISNEY: K2-11 168; K6-11 86; TWEENS 9-14 47
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data
Housekeeping Note: The U.S. Unemployment Rate was just announced this morning (11/7/08) at 6.5%, up from 6.1% the previous month, and the highest number in 14 years. In an effort to help those who may find themselves out of work during these difficult economic times, Cynopsis is offering free Situation Wanted ads to all looking for work, for both new and returning clients, for the foreseeable future. To place an ad or for more information, email [email protected]. And lastly, to make sure even more people are seeing our classifieds, we are posting the full list of classifieds on our www.cynopsis.com homepage, updated daily. Be sure to check these listings regularly – some very talented people looking for work!
Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question: What were the names of the two old codgers who heckled the other cast members from their balcony seats on The Muppet Show? STATLER AND WALDORF Kudos to: Karen Zeitlin-WTNH/New Haven,CT; Meredith Wayne- TeleRep/NY; Nancy Lombardi-anb Media/NY; Sr. Christina M. Wegendt-Pauline Books & Media/Boston; Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf-Lookout Marketing/Minneapolis; Tom Boyd-WGN/Chicago; Hank Bordowitz-The Bordowitz Media Werx/Macomb, IL; Rob Chatlin-FX/LA; Josh Fisher-Brandissimo/LA; Justin Meadows-Disney/ABC Networks Group/Burbank; Rob Inferri-EA/San Francisco; Kristen McGregor- Kids’ CBC/Toronto
Today’s Trivia Question: What was the name of the lawyer who never lost a case on The Flintstones? (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
Gwen Billings for Cynopsis Kids!
11.13.08
Cynopsis Kids Ad Sales:
Chuck Bolkcom – 646-468-6180 / [email protected]
Mark Bohn- 203-583-1224 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]
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JOB OPENING: CBS Television Distribution is seeking a RESEARCH DIRECTOR in Los Angeles: Position requires 6 years experience in the Television Research area. Please apply at: http://www.cbscorporation.com/careers (11/20)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/Outdoor Channel/Chicago: Create media plans, track delivery, coordinate make goods and prepare post analysis. Excellent communication skills required Send resume to: [email protected] (11/20)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR/DC: Must be able to mng all audience rsrch oper. For ABC affil. & 24 hr. local cable news chnl. 5+yrs exp. Quantitative rsrch tools & knwldg of Nielsen & Scarborough a must. Resume to: [email protected] (11/20)
JOB OPENING: MEDIA MANAGER/Atlanta: TV Network seeks experienced radio/all planner/buyer. Plan, execute, liaison with agencies and consumer & trade media. Negotiate barter; added value. Resume: [email protected] (11/20)
JOB OPENING: MGR, PRICING & INVENTORY/ONLINE ADVRTSNG SALES/Newtown CT: work with a cross-functional team to maximize digital media and sponsorship opportunities and revenue. Apply online at http://careers.taunton.com (11/19)
JOB OPENING: ACCT MGR, DIST. & FLD SALES/NY: Head region/division of 10 Distributors to Id. local rev., mkting and dist. opps. Exp. in Cable Sales, Mkting, & Acct Mgmt, 40-60% travel Rez: http://www.mylifetime.com/about-us/jobs (11/18)
JOB OPENING: AE/qubo/NY: Sell Nat’l on-air/line media. Gen new biz. Prsnt brand pos, mktg opportunities. Nat’l ad sales exp. required. Excl. interpersonal/org skills/MS Excel & PP. Apply: [email protected] (11/15)
JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/DISCOVERY/MD: Resp for Brand Res, Ad & Media Effect./ROI, track metrics & success indicators for prog & initiatives. 2 yrs res exp. Client or supply mkt exp a must. Apply: www.discovery.com Req#8551 (11/15)
JOB OPENING: SUPERVISING PRODUCER/TLC/MD:Resp for writing/producing promos and mktg. projects for network;. 6+yrs. exp; proven writing/prod. skills, Avid Media Composure Exp. Apply: www.discovery.com Req#8553 (11/15)
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: INTERN, INTERACTIVE MEDIA/Scripps Networks/NY:Credit Only – work with&deployprod. quality code.Help departmentupdate content,update documentation, minor editing of html/css. Apply at: www.scrippsnetworks.com (11/20)
WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: PROG RESEARCH & ANALYSIS DEPT/Warner Bros. TV: Download overnight ratings from Nielsen, create/maintain various reports tracking series ratings & prgrm test scores.More info: www.warnerbroscareers.com & enter 105894BR (11/20)
WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: ENTERTAINMENT/COMM INTERN/Cynopsis Media/Shelton CT: Asst various depts as needed in advrtsng sales, mktg, & rsrch. Highly orgnzd & reliable Sophomores/Jrs/Srs; Excellent MS Word/Excel skills. Contact: [email protected] (11/15)
WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: NewFest, NYC’s premier LGBT film organization, seeks interns to help with the 2009 Film Festival. Please email your resume to [email protected] (11/15)
WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RESEARCH ANALYST/Trendrr (NYC): Analyze & produce reports work w/Mktg. Exp: Rsrch/data anlyst/stats/social media. Res: [email protected] (11/14)
SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED … Interested in posting your Video Resume? Contact [email protected] for more information ….
SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER, LINE PROD, PROD MGR: Extensive experience in animation/VFX. Most recently produced live-action comedy series for Cartoon Netwrk. Looking for staff job with established company in NYC area. [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: Creative COPYWRITER w/extensive exp writing broad array of print promotion for national cable nets. Expertise in clear, concise, compelling messaging. Seeks freelance or FT. Contact: [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: Emmy Winning PRODUCER seeking FT position in CT or NYC, experience with PBS, A&E, pre and post, scriptwriting, webdesign, graphic design, final cut. [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: 360 INTEGRATED MARKETER Strategic/creative ideas + Get-it-done work ethic. Multi-pltfrm mktg prgrms for linear TV/VOD/Web. Adv./Promo./Digtl/Social/ Affil./ Ad Sales Mktg. Freelance/Perm. Contact: [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: FREELANCE MARKETING HELP(Advertising, Promotion, Publicity): Call NY-based former MTV Network VP Mktg for ANY projects, like writing, PR pitching, radio, ad sales, events, maternity fill [email protected] 914-409-5230 (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: SPONSORSHIP MARKETING/NY: Experience in evaluating and negotiating sponsorships and promotions. All media types- broadcast, outdoor, print, digital, mobile, hospitality, etc. Contact: [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: Media/Cable/INTERNET ATTORNEY Broad in-house experience incontent production& distribution, operations, affiliate & ad sales. Available for project/consultant/full-time. Contact [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: EXPERIENCED FIELD AND POST PRODUCER looking for work. Has worked in all aspects of Non-Fiction and live programming. Please e-mail at [email protected] for my resume (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: Seasoned MARKET RESEARCHER available for short-term or contract assignments. Integration of quant and qual for account planning in CPG, fin. svcs. and food/bev. a specialty. E-mail: [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: CREATIVE DIRECTOR, CONSULTANT/NY: Seeking project based or P/T work. 15+Yrs exp in Consumer Products/Off-air Mktg/3rd Party Promotions for TV entertainment brands. Email: [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: ADMIN OR ASST POSITION WANTED/NYC: 3+ yrs admin exp at well-known companies in exec assistance, licensing, prod development, marketing, with specialization in children’s TV. Creative & professional. [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: SUPERVISING CASTING PRODUCER: Reality/Unscripted/Comm Cast over 65 TV shows! NBC, ABC, FOX, BRAVO, MTV, DISC, SCIFI, TLC, LIFETIME, FUSE etc. ALL TYPES www.FSAentertainment.com LA or NYC [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: Exp’d MEDIA BUYER (Temp or Full-time) w/10+ yrs exp. negotiating local R/TV/Cable/Sponsorships/ some online [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: Talented WRITER AND PRODUCER (10 yrs exp) for freelance and staffing. Credits: WB., Nick, Disney, CN & European production companies. Contact: [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: TV PRODUCER (LA) professional w/ exp. field producing, casting, booking, writing and creating online content for HGTV, Fine Living, VegasHD, Fuse. Resume and reel at http://web.mac.com/shanmcmn (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: NEXT GENERATION BRAND CREATIVE SF Former CD w/ 13 yrs exp & current focus on multi-platform branded exp seeks leadership role w/ forward thinking media company, agency, marketer, or prod.co. [email protected] (11/20)
SITUATION WANTED: EIC/LINE PRODUCER/PM: 15+ Ntwrk & cable exp ,Exec in Charge, Coord Prod, Line Prod, Prod Mgr seeking work in synd TV shows, sports, kids series, event prod opps, NY/NJ/CT. E-mail: [email protected] (11/19)
SITUATION WANTED: ONLINE EXEC PRODUCER/NY: 14+Yrs Online Project Mgmt/strategy/creative/Mktg/PR/Viral/Soc Ntwrk/content/copywrtng/adv/mgmt/acct. for entertainment & consumer brands. Email: [email protected] (11/19)
SITUATION WANTED: Freelance MKTG PROFESSIONAL with over 15 yrs of cable television experience developing and managing ad sales, affiliate, consumer promotions & events. Resume & client references available [email protected] (11/19)
SITUATION WANTED: TV DEVELOPMENT EXEC: nonfiction programming, with hits airing now, seeks Manager/Director position at Prod. co. or Network. Most recently was Manager at a Prod. co. (LA based, but would relocate) [email protected] (11/19)
SITUATION WANTED: ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER (NY) Interactive and print ad sales leader avail FT. Versatile, revenue generator, specialization in consumer vehicles (5+ yrs industry experience) [email protected] (11/19)
SITUATION WANTED: Smart, enthusiastic professional seeks EXECUTIVE ASST. or COORD. position at network or media co. [email protected] (11/19)
SITUATION WANTED: Exp’d MEDIA BUYER (Temp or Full-time) w/ 20+ yrs exp. negotiating R/TV/Cable/Sponsorships/outdoor for Blue Chip clients in any US market. [email protected] (11/19)
SITUATION WANTED: Award-winning WRITER/PRODUCER, animation & new media, available for freelance writing work. Experienced with short-form digital content. Reel & CV: www.elliotblake.com or contact [email protected] (11/19)
SITUATION WANTED: EXPERIENCED PROGRAMMING EXEC Acquisitions, Scheduling, Channel Development. US and Int’l experience. Great track record w/all platforms, incl Discovery & Tribune. Contact [email protected] (11/19)
SITUATION WANTED: EXP’D MEDIA RESEARCHER available. Credits incl both advertising sales and ad agency buying rsrch. Work with both primary and secondary resources. Work individually or manage a staff. Please e-mail: [email protected] (11/18)
SITUATION WANTED: PASSIONATE & CREATIVE MKT RESEARCHER (Temp or permanent) w/12 yrs exp. seeks to share skills & knwldg w/ companies to grow in challenging consumer landscape. Recently was VP w/ Top 20 rsrch co. [email protected] (11/18)
SITUATION WANTED: PROD/WRITER Creative & versatile w/over 16 yrs exp. Wanted: Sprvsng, Series, Show prod. or writer role. Credits incl: synd., Discovery, TLC, Style, Hallmark, WE, A&E. Many genres. NY-based. [email protected] (11/18)
SITUATION WANTED: CASTING DIRECTOR/PRODUCER – Freelce or P/T real people& actors! Lots of exp! Reality FUSE-Redemption Song, Discv-CashCab, TLC etc Commercials-Iphone, NY Lottery,V8, Maxwell House etc-NYC/NJ [email protected] resume (11/18)
SITUATION WANTED: Ambitious, energetic COMM./MARKETING professional w/experience in music & film seeks opp. w/ agency/network/prod. company. Skills: Graphics, Web Dev, Event Prod., Sales & Sponsorship. Email: [email protected] (11/18)
SITUATION WANTED: EXPERIENCED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, MARKETING & LICENSING MANAGER with 8+ years seeks position in LA. Worked at Disney with Fisher-Price, Hasbro, MegaBloks on Pooh, Princess, more. Contact [email protected] (11/18)
SITUATION WANTED: TV PRODUCER w/ exp in prod/, writing, rsrchng, booking,new media & licensing/contracts. Past credits incl synd talk, educational, new media and Discovery prgrmng. Seeks FT in NY area. Contact: [email protected] (11/18)
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