Cynopsis: DIGITAL

10/16/08

Good morning, it’s Thursday, October 16, 2008, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

The Google Content Network has another entrant jockeying for views and dollars on the new platform. Poptub is a video series meant to keep users up to date with what’s cool on YouTube, described by THR as an Entertainment Tonight for the portal. (It’s actually Embassy Row’s resurrection of their show The 9 also hosted by Maria Sansone, which appeared exclusively on Yahoo until it was cancelled in April.) Like Seth McFarland’s long-titled Cartoon Cavalcade of Comedy, Poptub will generate revenue by delivering demo-based impressions for sponsor Pepsi as the videos are syndicated via Google AdSense across the web.
 

 
PBS has also partnered with YouTube to empower American voters to upload their Election Day voting experiences. Some of the best videos will be showcased on PBS television, as part of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer’s Election Day broadcast. Some will also be featured throughout PBS’ election coverage, both on-air and online.
 
AETN International has signed a number of VOD and mobile agreements in Korea, Japan, the Philippines and South East Asia:

• IPTV platform LG in Korea will launch a History-branded VOD service, similar to the deal announced earlier this year with Korea Telecom on Korea Telecom MegaTV. A deal with SK Broadband (formerly Hanaro) was also renewed
• A separate agreement has been reached with TU Media to bring programs from History to its S-DMB mobile TV service, the first mobile deal for History in Korea
• Digital Media Mart will launch a History VOD service in Japan
• Smart mobile TV service in the Philippines, which will mark the first launch of a History mobile service using DVB-H technology.
• AETN has also extended its global portal agreement with MSN to include Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam

 
This seems like a no brainer. MySpace added video to its Karaoke service MySpace Karaoke as part of a nicely conceived redesign. You can now record videos your hammy performances in either standard def or high-def and enter into a series of contests tied to mainstream artists’ works. Other changes include increased sharing options and a new recommendation engine.  The contests kick off with the Jesse McCartney karaoke contest from Oct. 15 – 27, 2008, followed by The Seal karaoke contest, running Nov. 11- 24, 2008.
 
Online video production and distribution outfit For Your Imagination completed a bridge capital round of financing for an undisclosed amount with OmniReliant Holdings, Inc. The two companies first worked together on A Day with the Hiltons, starring Kathy Hilton and her two daughters, Paris and Nicky, developed and produced by FYI for TV Guide Broadband.
 
Online video portal Dailymotion upgraded its video player to accommodate higher video quality (512-by-384-pixels) at up to 30 frames-per-second. Based on the H.264 codec with audio using AAC at 96 kbps, the new player allows viewers to experience enhanced playback for Dailymotion’s entire catalogue.
 
Access 360 Media and P2P voter engagement group About 18 in ’08 launched Shop the Vote, a digital out-of-home public service campaign designed to reach young folks before Nov. 4 in stores, online and on their mobile phones. Concerned citizens can upload opinion pieces on YouTube that will be featured on Access 360 Media’s retail-based screens.
 
Things are getting tough these days for our four legged friends as well, as animal shelters in many cities have exceeded their capacity. NBCU’s Petside.com has organized an event with a group of bloggers and other sites today to advocate a national day of Pet ‘Net Adoption. 
 

 
To promote its Bravia Internet Video Link platform, Sony is releasing the Will Smith flick Hancock exclusively to users of the device a full month before the movie is released on DVD and Blu-ray. It will cost $9.95 to rent the stream, but Sony will send you a free copy of the Blu-ray version when it comes out (only good if you have a Blu-ray player, of course – which still start at about $250.) The Bravia link itself runs for $300, enabling a variety of broadband content to be streamed via Ethernet to a compatible Bravia TV.
 

 
In what is already a big week in the media player space Adobe launched Flash 10 yesterday, the latest incarnation of what has become the standard for viewing online video. In beta since last May, Flash’s new features include support of 3D effects, custom filters and an enhanced drawing API. New to the version shipping today is the ability to add audio files’ binary data to add a greater variety of sound filters to video. Despite Silverlight’s high-profile debut, more than 86% of online videos were viewed in Flash according to comScore’s August numbers.
 
The FCC finally heard back from a group on engineers tasked to study the concern that free “white space” wireless internet services planned for launch on the 25 MHz block of airwaves may interfere with other carriers. The verdict is that interference can be managed if parties work together, according to a report released last Friday. The findings clear the way for the FCC to move forward on issuing licenses for free wireless broadband services, despite concerns from carriers like T-Mobile, which operates on spectrum adjacent to the 25 MHz swath.
 

 
Internet Radio ad network TargetSpot acquired ad firm Ronning Lipset Radio to form the largest online radio advertising network to date. Ronning Lipset reps a number of large Internet radio distributors including Yahoo, Live365 and AOL.
 
Expect ad spending on newer digital platforms such as virtual worlds, social networking, mobile ad networks to taper off as marketers cut the more “experimental” avenues out of their budgets, postulates WSJ. The difficulty of quantifying success will make these avenues harder to justify as belts are tightened.
 
Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc. (TENA) appointed China-based interactive ad agency SinoTech Group to develop and distribute online games on Cartoon Network websites in North Asia. SinoTech will also be the exclusive interactive ad sales representative for the online media inventory around the online games they create specifically for Cartoon Network sites.
 
In its quest to enhance the ad network it launched in June, Technorati acquired LA-based online ad network AdEngage, less than a month after it bought Blogcritics – one of the oldest online communities of bloggers. AdEngage was founded in 2004 and serves more than 12 billion impressions across 4,000 sites each year.

 
More than 9 million households (about 8.4% of U.S. households) are still not ready for the upcoming transition to all-digital broadcasting and would be unable to receive any television programming if the transition occurred today, according to Nielsen. Another 12.6 million households have at least one television set that will no longer work when the digital transition occurs. Hispanic, African American and households earning less than $25,000 all over-index in terms of unpreparedness.
 

 
Debbie Wogan will be joining the staff of NBCU’s BlogHer as SVP/Advertising Sales. She moves over from the iVillage executive team.
 
Matthew Pennington has been hired by Heavy.com as Managing Director of its UK office. Matthew was formerly Sales Director for UK commercial sports station talkSPORT.

 
Online digital music collective AmieSt relaunched with several new features for listeners including real time data on what your friends are buying. A new recommendation engine selects tracks you may like based on your music preferences and past purchases. AmieSt distributes single and album music downloads for artists, setting prices based on how popular the songs are. (Single tracks start out free and move up to 98 cents as more people buy them.) It’s a great concept, really – by recommending songs you like to friends you are literally putting more money into the pockets of the artists who toiled to create the music. (AmieSt shares 70% of the revenue it earns directly with the artist.) And the wisdom of the crowd insures that the cream rises to the top and the best artists are rewarded accordingly. All the music on AmieSt is DRM-free and iPod compatible. The site was founded by Elliott Breece and two college friends in 2006 and just received a second round of funding led by Amazon.com.

Later — Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
10.16.08

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JOB OPENING: STORY PRODUCER (thru March)/N. Hollywood: Extensive clip show exp needed.Locate/bring in clearable clips. Great self motivation a must. Bring new story ideas for wkly pitch meetings. Resume: [email protected] (10/23)

JOB OPENING: ASST MGR BRAND & NEW MEDIA MKTG/Hachette Book Group (Little, Brown Books, Young Readers div) NY: Req’s both creative mktg & new media/web exp.Apply: https://www.ultirecruit.com/hac1000/JobBoard/listjobs.aspx?__VT=IntCan (10/22)

JOB OPENING: ASSOC PROD, FASHION & BEAUTY/Lifetime/NY: Research celebrity photos, prod Web pages, update content. Spot celeb fashion trends to create celebrity content. Industry Cont a +. http://www.mylifetime.com/about-us/jobs (10/22)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AD PRODUCT MGR/AETN/NY:Execute day-to-day objectives of Digital Ad Ops specializing in ad product mgmt. Exp online w/ ad products, tagging & mapping.Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (10/22)

JOB OPENING: HR GENERALIST/LA: Hndle HR functns w/ emphsis on recruitmnt, emp relations, perfrmnce mgmt, HR procss & procedres. Recruiter and/or Generalist exp. Computer prof & HRIS sys. Res to [email protected] (10/21)

JOB OPENING: DIR, BUS STRAT & DEV/LA: Updte/dev fin & biz mods fr affl negt/frecast/bdget/tacts; sup VOD. Exp: mgmt consltng/prduct/strtgy/wrk in media/cble ntwrk/anlytc skls. BS in Fin/Mgmt/Acct. Res to [email protected] (10/21)

JOB OPENING: VP, FIELD SALES/LA: Exc strtgy&prdc demnd to max dist & subscrbr/rev goals/dev relatns w/MSO’s/ovrsee contrct compl & bdgts/5+ yrs lead in sales team/Strg strtgic & anlytl skls. Res to [email protected] (10/21)

JOB OPENING: SPECIAL PROJ F/L POS/LA: Wrk w/ Mrktng on full lfe cyc cncpt/campgns to Pre/Pro/Pst Prd. Exp in prd mgmt & shts (EPK-lrge commrcl campgns). Bsic Pst Prd shoots, vfx comp & grphc pkgs. Apply: [email protected] (10/21)

JOB OPENING: SERIES PRODUCER, WRITER-PRODUCERS, AP’s, COORDINATORS, LINE PRODUCERS/Atlas Media/NY: Seeking all levels for new shows. Strong skills, ability to manage tight deadlines. APPLY: [email protected] (10/21)

JOB OPENING: VP PRODUCTION/Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group/CA: Oversee development & production of SPWAG productions. Identify potential DVD Premiere projects. 5+ yrs exp required. www.sonypicturesjobs.com Req # 700816 (10/18)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL ACCT EXEC/Discovery/NY: Sell national interactive advertising across Discovery’s assets – online/broadband, vod, mobile. 2+ yrs digital sales exp required. Apply: www.discovery.com , Req # 8089 (10/18)

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JOB OPENING: SR WRITER/PRODUCER/LA: Conceive/write/produce compelling on/off air promos for top ent mktg agency. 7 yrs exp in ntwrk/agency req’d. Self-starter w/knowl of prod proc. Incl salry req. Email [email protected] (10/18)

JOB OPENING: SR. SCHEDULER/Discovery/MD: Responsible for sched. daytime/manage acquisitions process. Min 3yrs exp in scheduling, programming, research. Apply: www.discovery.com #8386 (10/18)

JOB OPENING: AE-AS/ NYC PR agency: 3-8 yrs bkgrd kids’ entertainment/products, team mgmt exp, excellent writing, ntl print/TV clips, top organizational skills. Online mktg exp a plus. Resume/cover/salary to [email protected] (10/18)

JOB OPENING: CNBC/ FREELANCE RESEARCH ANALYST: Report & strategic insights for digital media & TV properties. Report & analyze Nielsen ratings.BS.1-2 yrs media rsrch, web analytics, mgmt consulting. Nielsen exp req’d. [email protected] (10/18)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/WTIC/WTXX/Hartford: Seeking AE 3+ years sales/media experience  multi-media experience preferred; excellent negotiation skills; strong work ethic; desire to win. Resume: [email protected] (10/17)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE, SR MGR, INT’L DIGITAL MEDIA/AETN/NY: Manage intl digital distribution deals for broadband, VOD & mobile. Estab program strategies. Mrktg & digital biz dev req’d. Apply: [email protected] (10/17)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL LIFE EDITOR/Common Sense Media/SF: Assign/edit reviews, expert Internet, mobile & videogames. Strong knwldg of dig. mkt trends, exp/tech background. Interest kids/media issues. Apply: [email protected] (10/17)

 JOB OPENING: SVP MEDIA BUYING/Starcom MediaVest Group/ NY: Mng negotiations for GM’s nat. BC & cable sports media investments. 15 yrs ind. exp. incl. at least 5 yrs in mgmt. role at media agency or sales org. www.smvgroup.com (10/17)

JOB OPENING: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST/NY-Based Entertainment Ad Agency: Seasoned biz dev person, experience in film and TV advertising a must. Emphasis on print. Send resume and salary requirements to [email protected] (10/17)

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FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: The Research department at CBS Television Distribution is looking for qualified Interns for Fall 2008. Please send resume to [email protected] (10/23)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: The Media Relations department at CBS Television Distribution is looking for qualified Interns for Fall 2008. Please send resume to [email protected] (10/23)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: PROGRAMMING & DESIGN INTERN: Urtak.com. Collaborative Public Opinion. Assist in design, programming, & development of internet start-up. Ruby on rails experience required. Flexible hours. Contact [email protected] (10/17)

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SITUATION WANTED: Exp. PROD/WRITER/DIR. NBC; Discovery, TLC, CMT, E!, CNN, Disney; Celebrities, Ent., Animals, troubled souls. Reality/Non-fiction. LA based, willing to travel. [email protected] (10/22)

SITUATION WANTED: 2 Time Emmy-Award Winning Producer (LA): Can direct, script, oversee editing of lifestyle, news, reality, doc or entertainment style projects of any length. Highly exp’d in-studio & with demos. [email protected] (10/22)

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SITUATION WANTED: EXEC. IN CHARGE OF PROD/LINE PRODUCER: 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] (10/21)

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] (10/17)

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