A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM THE WEATHER CHANNEL

Cynopsis: DIGITAL

11/15/07

Good morning, it’s Thursday, November 15, 2007 and this is your first early morning digital briefing. 

A California (web) surfer filed suit in state court against Comcast on Tuesday for limiting access to peer-to-peer video sites, arguing such blocking violates federal law and the company’s ads touting “crazy fast speeds” are misleading. In court documents Jon Hart writes he specifically upgraded to Comcast’s Performance Plus service to use such services, and nothing in Comcast’s terms of agreement mentioned limiting traffic. Comcast has denied that it targets P2P users when limiting bandwidth, but independent tests have found otherwise. Wired.com has posted a faxed copy of the suit here.
 

MTV Networks launched a new mobile social network with Intercasting Corp. targeting bi-cultural Hispanics. Con3xion, positioned as an extension to MTV’s Tr3s network, will utilize Intercasting’s Anthem platform to allow users to view and post photos, messages, comments and profiles integrated with Tr3s programming.
 
Bravo launched a mobile fan club for Project Runway fans offering exclusive video and interaction with designers and partnered with Socialight.com to highlight actual locations featured on the show. Bravo also unveiled an online component to its Make Me A Supermodel competition series, enabling viewers to cast votes for this season’s 6 finalists. 
 
The NHL Network secured distribution with additional 18 MSOs, making the new cable network accessible to 80 million homes. The NHL Network also extended rights for 20 AHL Game of the Week Match Ups for an additional year with coverage beginning today.
 
MTV Networks’ Logo produced its first scripted online comedy, Big Straight Sketch Show available now only on Logoonline.com. It’s a mockumentary-style show within a show parodying the straight life of a Logo programming exec. Eight 4 1/2 minute episodes will appear in all, timed with the DVD release of season one of the linear Big Gay Sketch Show this week.
 
Heads up!  Today’s Cynopsis Weekender is the College Edition featuring four very different editorials written by college students on how their view the television industry.  You don’t want to miss this one!  If you are not a subscriber to Weekender, you can either go to www.cynopsis.com and subscribe, or you can go there and read the edition online.  But read it you should – these four were chosen of all the essays submitted from student around the country and abroad, and they did a great job!

 
Fox and Microsoft have come up with a new way to permit copying of DVDs to PCs. The upcoming release of Live Free or Die Hard on Nov. 20 will allow consumers who buy the DVD to make a digital copy to their PC or other USB-attached device running Microsoft’s PlaysforSure DRM technology. Users must simply enter in the serial code printed on the package and they’re good to go. Unfortunately PlayforSure is not currently compatible with the Apple iPod, Sony PSP or even the newly revamped Microsoft Zune, but the concept is promising.
 
Fluid announced the launch of Audiobox.tv, a new music/video mashup tool that allows users to upload video online then select and mix tracks from Fluid’s extensive original music catalog.
 
Custom 3D avatar creator Meez has partnered with AboveTheLine.TV’s “Antics Animated Music Video Contest” to enable users to create animated music videos using Meez’s animation technology. Emmy winning animator Phil Roman will judge the contest.

 
Perhaps positioning himself as the Digital President, Barack Obama released his official platform on new technologies. Barack’s Principles call for:

• Net Neutrality
• Improved Piracy Protections
• Funding for the digitization of health records
• Utilizing technology to make government more transparent
• Patent and Trademark reform
• The creation of the nation’s first Chief Technology Officer

 
AT&T made an investment in VideoDNA creator Vobile, Inc., an online tool that tracks video content in order to identify and filter out unauthorized content. Walt Disney Co. affiliate Steamboat Ventures is also an investor.
 
Sony is putting significant resources into CES this year, hoping to interest new media distributors in both its technology and content. Jerry Seinfeld and Tony Bennett are scheduled to perform at Sony’s 100,000 square ft. booth on Jan. 7 on behalf of SPT. Grammy winner Joshua Bell will perform in part to promote the VIAO Wireless Digital Streamer. And executives from partners AOL, Yahoo! and Grouper will be on hand to demonstrate Sony’s Xross Media Bar that enables users to watch HD internet video on a Bravia flat panel TV through a remote control interface.
 
thePlatform has been selected by HIT Entertainment to manage the back-end video publishing for HIT Entertainment’s web channels for shows like Barney and Bob the Builder, along with the syndication of these videos to other destination web sites around the world. thePlatform has also been tapped by PBS KIDS Sprout as the backend video platform for its 24-hour preschool network’s website (SproutOnline.com).
 

 
Lifetime and mobile entertainment site Limbo.com are launching an interactive mobile ad campaign with Big Lots this weekend, featuring on-air spots, SMS messaging, online and WAP ads and email components. The spots will drive consumers to the Limbo Unique game for the chance to win prize money and Big Lots gift cards.
 
Wizzard Media signed the U.S. Navy to its first ever podcast advertising campaign, encompassing 20 different shows and more than 3,000 ad placements.
 
IFC.com selected Winstar Interactive Media to handle exclusive national online advertising and sponsorship sales.
 

M:Metrics launched its first mobile advertising tracking service collecting usage data on mobile display ad campaigns. It provides details on which mobile web sites ads are running on and which products are being advertised.
 
eMarketer is projecting spending on recorded music worldwide will drop from $31.8 billion in 2006 to $26.6 billion in 2010, predicting that digital downloads, ringtones and subscription services will fail to keep up with the losses in CD sales.
 
Higher broadband penetration among African Americans, Hispanics and inner-city youth are spurring hip hop entrepreneurs to launch media-rich social web sites targeting the urban youth demo, reports Business Week. Sites include Russell Simmons and Accel Ventures’ Global Grind, MC Hammer’s DanceJam and Damon Dash’s BlockSavvy.com.
 
Top Visited US Broadcast Network TV Show Websites (Week ending November 10, 2007)
Rank     Network     Website                           Market Share of Visits
  1           ABC         Dancing With The Stars                 15.8%
  2           CBS         NCIS                                            15.1%
  3           NBC         Deal or No Deal                             7.2%        
  4           NBC         Heroes                                          5.1%
  5           ABC         The Bachelor                                 3.8%
  6           FOX         America’s Most Wanted                  3.1%
  7           NBC         The Office                                     2.5%          
  8           ABC         Grey’s Anatomy                             2.4%        
  9           NBC         The Biggest Loser                          1.9%
 10          CBS         CSI                                               1.8%
Source: Custom report from Hitwise
 

 
GotCast is a new social networking site offering exposure to people who want to break into show biz. Simply create a profile or video audition of yourself and gain exposure by attracting votes. The site is also rounding up online casting calls to pair talent agents with potential cast members. This could prove to be a handy tool as networks gear up to cast all the reality shows set to replace the scripted ones about to run out of scripts.

Later — Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
11.15.07

Cynopsis Digital 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 RIGHTS & CLEARANCES/WE tv/NYC: Exp’d rights & clear to support all original dom/intl prod. TV/Music/Photo exp in tv prod, rights mgmt, clearance & new tech a must. Res to www.cablevision.jobs ref #4832BR (11/22)

JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIRECTOR/Voom HD Networks/NY: Seeking on-air promotions and branding visionary with 10 plus years experience at a broadcast/cable network. Send reels & resumes to [email protected] (11/22)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING DIRECTOR/Lightworks (NYC): Manage company brand as well as pr, program catalogue and conventions. Strong writing skills. Int’l experience a plus. Email resume to [email protected] (11/22)

JOB OPENING: SALES EXEC/CableU/CT: Immed opening for outgoing aggressive self-starter w/ solid knwldg of US cable ntwrks, ind organizations & ad agencies, to prospect & close new accts. Online sales exp pref’d. [email protected] (11/28)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/Comcast Ntwrks/NY: Generate upf & scatter plans; deal maint & stwrdship; support to sales team. Liason btwn AEs & agencies. 2yrs exp sales/planning pref’d. Contact [email protected] (11/21)

JOB OPENING: SR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/Nielsen/Dallas: Immediate opening for exp media sales professional.   Knowledge of Nielsen data/media background preferred. Apply:  www.nielsen.com , Careers, Req #5992  (11/21)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL SALES/GRB Entertainment/LA: 5+yrs exp w/ demonstrated success and strong understanding of contracts and TV rights for int’l distribution. Email resumes: [email protected] (11/21)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/TV10s/NYC: For Closed Captioning & 10-second commercial sales: Create proposals, mkgds, manage adu, detail oriented. Power Point a +. Resume: [email protected] (11/21)

JOB OPENING: ACCT MGR/HBO/NYC: Manage sales & mktg activities w/ key TELCO accts, develop acct strategies, manage budget, subscriber analysis. Req: Mgmt exp, 5-7 yrs cable sales & mktg industry exp. Res: [email protected] (11/21)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA SALES ASST/BROADCAST MEDIA CO./NYC MIDTOWN EAST:  Provides admin support to busy Sales Dept. MS Office, attn to detail, multitasking, great comm. Email:  [email protected] for complete job description (11/21)

JOB OPENING: CLIENT SERVICES EXEC/Nielsen Media Research/Dallas: Media-focused sales and client services profess’l. 3+ yrs exp w/strong analytical skills.Interested candidates can apply on line at www.nielsen.com position #5898. (11/21)

JOB OPENING:  AP needed ASAP. PBS Jewish History doc. Extensive internat’l film/photo research (from non-archive houses) experience absolutely required. Rights, clearance, research, scanning, prod. bibles. [email protected] (11/21)

JOB OPENING: SR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/Nielsen/Los Angeles: Immediate opening for exp media sales professional. Knowledge of Nielsen data/media background preferred. Apply: www.nielsen.com , Careers, Req #6055. (11/21)

JOB OPENING: FULL PROD STAFFS/ALL POSITIONS/Atlas Media Corp, NYC: Looking for skilled series producers, writers, prod, assoc producers, researchers and production assistants for several dif series. Apply [email protected]. (11/21)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL PLANNER/History/A&E Chicago: Create digital sales proposals, steward accts, service orders&client needs, acct maintenance, assist in presentations. 2yrs digital plnng exp. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (11/21)

JOB OPENING: DIR DIGITAL AD SALES MKTG/History/A&E NY: Strategize & create new pkgs & ad opps for AETN digital. Create decks & upfront pkg. Dev mktg strategy for AETN digital. 5+yr digital mktg exp Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (11/21)

JOB OPENING:  CREATIVE, OFF-AIR DIRECTOR/Discovery Communications/LA: Requires Creative Off-Air Director for the TLC network to oversee all on-air graphics, print design & show packaging. Apply: discovery.com/careers Req# 5930. (11/20)

JOB OPENING:  MARKETING LINE PRODUCER/Discovery Communications/LA: Requires Marketing Line Producer to handle all physical aspects of film, HD and print shoots for TLC marketing. Apply: discovery.com/careers Req# 5982. (11/20)

JOB OPENING:  ASSOC. DIR Research dept /PBS/Arlington VA: Provide customer support with research consultation and management of strategic research studies for the PBS Programming dept. To apply visit www.pbs.org/jobs (11/20)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR, CONSUMER MKTG/VERSUS/Philly: Direct development/execution of consumer & affiliate/ad trade mktg campaigns for network programming and trade efforts. 10+ yrs  exper. EEO/AA/Drug Free.  Apply www.versus.com (11/20)

JOB OPENING:  MEDIA PLANNER/Orange County, CA: minimum 3-5 years experience at large agency. Broadcast, Online, Print and OOH experience with knowledge of Strata Software and strong excel skills. www.disneycareers.com (11/17)

JOB OPENING:  SALES EXEC/NeuLion/LI: (www.neulion.com) new media sales experience preferred. Must be able to prospect, qualify and close new opportunities. Content Delivery Network (CDN) exp a plus. Email Res to [email protected]  (11/17)

JOB OPENING:  GENERAL SALES MANAGER/KSBI TV/DT-OKC: Must be a highly skilled leader/proven record of revenue success & sales strategies. 10+ yrs exp req’d. BA preferred. Tremendous opportunities. Send resume to: [email protected] (11/17)

JOB OPENING:  POST PRODUCER/STORY EDITOR: Successful cable competition reality show. Excellent story skills required. Will also liaison with field team, produce dailies during shoot. NYC only. Jan to June. [email protected]   (11/17)

JOB OPENING:  SR RESEARCH ANALYST & ANALYST/Discovery Nets/NY: Min 2yrs research exp. Proficiency in Nielsen systems required. Strong analytical/communication/computer and presentation skills. Apply: [email protected] (11/17)

JOB OPENING:  MGR, COMMUNICATIONS/COMEDY CENTRAL/CENTURY CITY: Degree in Communications, PR or related area or equivalent exp required.  Min of  2 -5 years PR exp at management level.  Job description at www.mtvncareers.com (11/17)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH DIRECTOR/COMCAST NETWORKS/NY: 8+ yrs Exp w/Nielsen Systems, Ratings Estimates, StarTrak, MRI, Simmons, etc.: Contact: [email protected] (11/17)

JOB OPENING: LICENSING MGR/ SR.MGR /Classic Media/NYC: 3-5 yrs brand, character, ent lic exp; Manage licensee relationships; Solicit new biz & negotiate deals; dynamic, self starters apply to: [email protected]  (11/16)

JOB OPENING: LICENSING COOR/Classic Media/NYC: Min 2 yrs exp; Familiar with lic process; Correspond w licensees; Gen admin support + projects; Excellent org & comm skills req’d; MS Office; apply: [email protected] (11/16)

JOB OPENING: COMM SUPERVISOR/NATGEO CH-DC: Press outreach; generate PR matrls, mng press website, events, photos & fulfillmnt of press matrls; sprvs vendors; BA/strg written skills req; 3+yrs exp PR/cable a +. www.FoxCareers.com (11/16)

JOB OPENING: SPRVSR CLIENT SVC/ESPN/NYC: Mng CSRs day-to-day traffic issues & inventory issues & problem solve to ensure resolutions. 2- to 3-yrs of related administrative or sales support exp.  Res to: [email protected]   (11/16)

JOB OPENING: BROADCAST & CABLE TV BUSINESS ANALYST NYC: Multiple- Ad Sales and/or traffic system exp. Use case development, gap analysis, software vendor assessment, requirement gathering. [email protected] 860 632 3707.  (11/16)

JOB OPENING: EXP’D PRODUCERS, POST PRODUCERS & AP’S/Top-Rated Syndicated daytime Court show: Daytime Talk or Court experience a must. Production begins in LA mid-Jan. Please email: [email protected] (11/16)

JOB OPENING:  MARKETING MANAGER/Collective Media/NY: 3+ yrs experience in Online Advertising a plus; Write, re-write and/or edit marketing materials; detail oriented. Apply at: www.collective-media.com (11/16)

JOB OPENING:  EP for MythBusters-type show/San Fran: Travel req’d.  EP credits, strong story skills, proven ability to run lg prod team & hands-on post abilities a must. Fascination w/mech & science pref. Apply: [email protected] (11/16)

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 INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Montel Williams Office. NY, NY:  Seeking interns for Spring’08. Must be able to receive college credit and commit 2 days p/w. Duties include answering phones, writing, research, etc. Email [email protected]   (11/16)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED …

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]   (11/21)

SITUATION WANTED:  WRITER/WRITER’S ASST: College senior with experience as weekly contributor to the Onion and three years of comedy-oriented internship experience. Contact:
[email protected] (Available May) (11/21)

SITUATION WANTED:  PhD student in PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSFORMATIONAL TELEVISION looking for work. www.tvproducer101.actorsite.com, www.vanillafire.actorsite.com   (11/21)

SITUATION WANTED:  Graduating Sr. degree in TELECOM MANG’T-enthusiastic, hardworking individual looking for exciting employment opportunity in NYC-completed multiple industry related internships-Contact: Stefanie [email protected]    (11/21)

SITUATION WANTED: EXP PROD./PUBLICITY/HOST GRAD: Interned Summ 2007 in NYC at SONY BMG/Columbia Publicity & MTV Networks in Prod. CREATIVE, PASSIONATE. Performer. Brdcst Major/Air Personality & T.V. Host.   LA/NYC. [email protected]    (11/21)

SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA MARKETING PRO, 25+ years net/local broadcast, cable, studio, agency experience seeks position or consultancy. Contact: [email protected] (11/20)

SITUATION WANTED: We will produce broadcast-quality short videos to elevate your business’s profile in the online community, particularly among consumers of edgy comedic content. http://acutepsychosis.wordpress.com (11/20)

SITUATION WANTED: PROGRAMMING EXECUTIVE, 20 plus years cable, broadcast, distribution and sales experience seeks position or consultancy. Contact: [email protected] (11/17)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/DIRECTOR/LA: broadband/video producer looking for contract base/freelance projects. Current clients include MTV Networks. See reel at  www.greytv.com/samples.php Contact: [email protected] for resume (11/17)

SITUATION WANTED: SEASONED PROD/SHOW RUNNER: Network & Cable exp. in Docusoap, Lifestyle, Makeover, Competition shows.Creative, resonant leader. Hawkish eye on budget. Los Angeles/NYC. [email protected] (11/16)

SITUATION WANTED: PROGRAMMING EXECUTIVE: 20 plus years cable, broadcast, distribution and sales experience seeks position or consultancy. Contact: [email protected] (11/16)

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

Interested in posting your Video Resume?  Contact [email protected] for more information ….

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