Cynopsis: Kids!

09/18/08

Good morning. It’s Thursday, September 18, 2008, and this is your first early morning Kids briefing.

Nickelodeon gives the go ahead for the new CG animated series Fanboy and Chum Chum (26×30), a spin-off from the Nicktoons Network’s upcoming anthology series Random! Cartoons, while Nick Jr. begins production on a new original mixed 2D/3D animation and live-action series, Team Umizoomi (20 episodes).

• Fanboy and Chum Chum revolves around Fanboy, a comic book loving 10-year-old with a huge imagination and his BFF Chum Chum.  Created by Eric Robles (Ni Hao, Kai-lan, The X’s, Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy), the Fanboy and Chum Chum cast includes David Hornsby (The Mullets, Jake in Progress) as Fanboy, Nika Futterman (My Gym Partner’s a Monkey) as Chum Chum, as well as Jamie Kennedy as Fanboy’s friend Kyle, Josh Duhamel as his geeky mentor OZ, and Estelle Harris as Oz’s mom.  The series is executive produced by Robles, Steve Tompinks (The Bernie Mac Show, Entourage, The Simpsons) and Fred Seibert (Frederator’s Random! Cartoons). Set to bow later this year, Random! Cartoons is a spin-off of Oh Yeah! Cartoons, produced by Frederator Studios for Nickelodeon.
• Team Umizoomi (f/k/a The Umizumiz) is an interactive series that features mini action heroes helping real preschoolers solve everyday problems using math.  Set to premiere on Nick Jr. in 2009, the series is created by Jennifer Twomey (also executive producer), Soo Kim (producer/design director/writer) and Michael T. Smith (producer/writer), all three were part of the Blue’s Clues production team.

Bejuba! Entertainment partners with Skaramoosh London Ltd. and Creative Visual Media to develop the new animated series Spooky Investigations (52×11).  The series is a spin-off of the Spooky Sisters, a short-form series produced by Skaramoosh for Disney UK.  Slated to be available for broadcast in 2010, Bejuba will serve as both executive producer and distributor of Spooky Investigations, while also seeking co-production partners and financing for the series.

Australia’s Sticky Pictures and Scottish animation studio Red Kite Animation have begun production on the new animated series Dennis & Gnasher (26×24 or 52×12).  Targeted to K6-11, the comedy is based on the comic strip Dennis the Menace published in The Beano comic by DC Thomson.  Expected to deliver in 2009, Dennis & Gnasher is an Australian production for the Nine Network (Australia) and CBBC (UK).  The series is being produced by Donna Andrews (Sticky Pictures), Jan Schneider and Sueanne Smith, and executive produced by Ben Gray (DC Thomson), Ken Anderson (Red Kite Animation), Jo Rooney (Nine Network) and Andrews.

Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus is working towards making a shift tweendom to more adult roles with news that she will star in a Disney movie adaptation of a yet to be completed or titled book by author Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, Nights in Rodanthe), per Variety.  Sparks is tailor-making the book and screenplay for Cyrus, which will be produced by Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot and their Disney-based Offspring Entertainment, with Tish Cyrus (Miley’s mom) serving as executive producer.  Variety points out that Mandy Moore starred in the movie version of Sparks’ A Walk to Remember to help her transition from tween star to more grown-up audiences.  The new Sparks novel will be published in fall 20o9 by Grand Central Publishing.  Cyrus won’t be singing in the movie, just acting.

MORE KIDS STUFF

In other Nickelodeon news, the network picks up a second season of the animated series The Mighty B!   Created by Amy Poehler the second season includes 20×30, with Poehler continuing on as both executive producer and the voice of Bessie Higgenbottom, with Andy Richter returning as the voice of her younger brother.  The Mighty B! airs Saturdays at 10:30a on Nickelodeon in the US.

Disney Channel Spain unveils its fall programming lineup, which kicks off with the Disney Channel original movie Camp Rock on September 20 at 8p.  The new season will also see the debut there of The Cheetah Girls One World, Disney Channel Games 2008 and the locally produced Disney Channel Live: El Concierto, as well as new episodes of Hannah Montana, The Wizards of Waverly Place and Phineas and Ferb.  Disney Channel Spain is an ad-sales supported network that launched in July 2008 on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).  Prior to July, Disney Channel was exclusively available through pay TV services in the region.  In addition to Disney Channel, Disney Channel +1 is available via all pay platforms, and features the same content as the free to air channel, just one hour later.

Foxtel will launch three new TV channels CBeebies, BBC Knowledge, and Channel 111 in Australia on November 1, 2008.  Specifically targeted to preschoolers, CBeebies will air as ad-free in Australia and feature local hosts. CBeebies will be available as part of the My Playtime package, which already includes Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Disney Channel, Disney Playhouse, Nickelodeon, and Nick Jr.  CBeebies programming line-up will include 3rd & Bird, The Fimbles, Jackanory Junior, and Charlie and Lola.  Available as part of The World package, BBC Knowledge is a factual-based network that is comprised of five blocks: The World (explores cultures); Science & Technology; People (human body/mind); The Past; and Business.  Channel 111 is a general entertainment channel produced by Foxtel at its studios in Melbourne.

BabyTV will launch in Africa on DAARSAT in Nigeria on October 7, 2008.  DAARSAT will be the first satellite Pay TV platform to offer service in Nigeria and operating wholly from Nigeria and will launch with 40 channels, including BabyTV.  BabyTV is already available in Africa through MyTV and TrendTV.

marblemedia interactive and 9 Story Entertainment are partnering to create a website for the animated series Best Ed (52×11).  Slated to launch in February 2009, the Best Ed website is targeted to K6-11 and features six game-based environments.  The more kids play on the site, the more nuts they collect, which can be traded into watch additional animated content.  The web effort is financed in part by Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund.  Teletoon (Canada), Cartoon Network EMEA and Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) have licensed the interactive component as well as the animated series.

Galleon Holdings, a producer/distributor of multiplatform properties, inks a strategic partnership with Dragonfruit Studios, a nine-month-old US-based original content studio.  Under the initial agreement Galleon has licensed the US rights of two of its properties, Super Soccer Star and Apollo’s Pad, to Dragonfruit Studios, and which will also provide an interactive media and sponsorship role for Galleon. Dragonfruit will pay an initial fee of US $1million and royalties on future earnings.

Weta Workshop and Chapman Entertainment will unveil their new animated sci-fi adventure series Trooper Tom (working title) at Mipcom Junior.  Targeted to Boys 6-9, Trooper Top (26×22) is a half-robot/half-human boy hero.  Target Entertainment has acquired the TV distribution rights (excluding North America, Japan, Australasia and UK).

Echo Bridge Entertainment will showcase new seasons of two of its series, including the teen-targeted Degrassi: The Next Generation at Mipcom.  The 8th season of Degrassi: The Next Generation includes 26×30 new episodes, currently in production in Canada, and is scheduled to debut in the US on The N on October 10, 2008.  Echo Bridge will also offer the reality series Rich Bride Poor Bride, including the new season of 13 episodes, as well as the new comedy series Jeff Ltd. (26×30).

Program Call: If your company is attending MIPCOM with programming, we will include a cynopsized MIPCOM international and multicultural and MIP Junior program Shopping List in Cynopsis: International and Cynopsis: Kids the week before the market. So send along only the following info for your top 5 shows: title, availability date, number of episodes, length, type (i.e., movie, series, special, etc.), genre and your terms (barter, cash, etc.). If your company is interested in being included, please send the details to [email protected] by Thursday, October 2, 2008.

RATINGS

Disney Channel’s play of a new episode of Wizards of Waverly Place at 8p was the top show in the time period across all TV among K2-11 1.7 million viewers, an increase of +42% versus the prior week’s time period. 

Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON:         K2-11 897; K6-11 401; TWEENS 9-14 272
DISNEY CHANNEL:     K2-11 555; K6-11 368; TWEENS 9-14 326
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 490; K6-11 279; TWEENS 9-14 200
TOON DISNEY:           K2-11 138; K6-11   72; TWEENS 9-14   41
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question: What star of a popular, long-running TV sitcom also had the leading role in the 1976 made for TV movie Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway? EVE PLUMB (a.k.a Jan Brady) Kudos to: Stephanie Petrak- RJ Palmer/NY; Meredith Wayne-TeleRep-NY/NY; Jim Brown-WWE Enterprises/Stamford, CT; Kimberly Keeley-Safety4Kids /Stamford, CT; Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf-Lookout Marketing/Minneapolis; Robert Ramirez-Oddbot Animation/LA; Jeff Berkwits-Upper Deck/Carlsbad, CA; Andy Kirk-TVN /LA; Pam McNeely-Tantara Media Partners/Pasadena, CA; Lee Williams-Boomstone Animation, Inc./Ottawa

Today’s Trivia Question: According to the show’s theme song, what animated character is ‘Bigger than big, taller than tall, quicker than quick, stronger than strong. Ready to fight for right, against wrong’?  (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!
09.18.08

Cynopsis Kids Ad Sales:
Jennifer Franko – 203-583-9796 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]

Cynopsis website – Video Resumes, Extended Classified Ads, Archives, and the Cynopsis Daily Video

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here . 
To unsubscribe , click here or click the button at the end of this email.

CableU – Know Networks Better. Pitch Smarter. Click here

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CYNOPSIS MEDIA: TOP TIER

Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here    .

JOB OPENING: ONLINE AE /Stardoll.com: Min 2 yrs online ad sales; Gen rev by cold calls, marketing, relationships for girls fashion, entertainment, social network in LA. [email protected] (9/25)

JOB OPENING: DIR ONLINE SALES/Stardoll.com: Min 5 yrs online ad sales leader; drive team rev, estab territory, strat partners for girls fashion, entertain social network in NYC. [email protected] (9/25)

JOB OPENING: DIR, ONLINE BRAND/Stardoll.com: Min 3 yrs in brand mktg role in online media; prior kid entertainment exp. Dev, manage consumer mktg efforts for girls fashion, entertain, social network in LA. [email protected] (9/25)

JOB OPENING: DIR., PROGRAMMING ACQUISITION/CABLEVISION/NY: Evaluate/acquire high-value video programming (e.g, HDTV, PPV, VOD/SVOD). Needs analytic, negotiating and bus dev skills. Resume: [email protected] (9/25)

JOB OPENING: VP LAW/ RAINBOW MEDIA/NY: Negotiate agreements between networks (e.g. AMC, IFC) and affiliates  e.g. Cable/Mobile Cos. Needs JD and exp. with affiliate agreements. Resume: [email protected] (9/25)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, PRINT + DIGITAL PRODUCTION/BRAVO TV/NY: Manage dept, work flow, team, budget + planning.Strong comm + org skills. Work well under pressure. Previous Network exp req’d. Fill ASAP. Apply nbcjobs.com #846952 (9/23)

JOB OPENING: AFFILIATE RELATIONS MANAGER/iN DEMAND/NYC: Secure carriage, manage accts & relationships. Marketing bkgnd & min 4 yrs cable exp. 40% travel. Reply: [email protected] (9/23)

JOB OPENING: PROJECT MGR/AND COMPANY/LA: Entertainment adv agency seeks strong candidate to manage client comm, deadlines, creative dev. Industry exp req’d, sports mktg exp a plus. BS/BA+min 3-5 yrs exp. Resume to [email protected] (9/23)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA BUYER / WPB, FL: In-house automotive agency, Degree & min 5yrs exp. Knowledge of NSI, ARB, Scar & SmartPlus. Competitive salary & benefits. Resumes: [email protected] (9/23)

JOB OPENING: DIR. PARTNERSHIPS/LIFETIME TV/NY: resp. for utilizing Lifetime assets to lead the Part. division in the dev. & exec. of customized sponsorship packages Apply at: http://www.mylifetime.com/about/jobs.html (9/20)

JOB OPENING: NATL SLS ASST/UNIVISION COMM/NY: Provide support for AE’s, act as liaison w/ stations/clients. Highly orgnz’d, det oriented & proactive w/ exc comm. skills. All MS & Donovan skills req’d. Res: [email protected] (9/20)

JOB OPENING: MGR PR/AMC tv/NYC: Mng/exec media relations campaigns to support orig prgrmng, ad sales, affil sales & mktg goals.3+ yrs media relations exp. Strong relationship w/press. Res: www.cablevision.jobs ref# 7056BR (9/19)

JOB OPENING: DIR, TALENT/Discovery/SS: Prep offers, handle deal neg. etc. for Discovery’s Nets & internal bus/ creative units. Assume on-going deal mgmt for life of talent bus. relationship w/ DCL. Apply: www.discovery.com Req#8295 (9/19)

JOB OPENING: DEV EXEC/NY PROD CO proven track record in various genres & strong buyer contacts. Sr level prod credits a must. Network exp in a development capacity pref’d. Res/references/sal req’s to: [email protected] (9/19)

SUMMER/FALL 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] .

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: CNBC Research Intern : Provides reporting & strategic insights & supports internal functions, incl. prgrmng, editorial, mktg, & BD. Provide reporting & analysis. Semester-long, unpaid. [email protected] (9/24)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: CNBC Intern: CNBC gives students real world exp & exposure to a world leader in business news. Enrolled in BS/MS w/ sophomore standing or above. Semester-long, unpaid, for-credit internship [email protected] (9/24)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Lightworks/NY: TV dist. co. needs contract admin intern. Focus on rights mgt, prod. agts, sales licensing agts. Know contract law. LAW STUDENTS ONLY! For credit. Send resume to [email protected] (9/24)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING INTERN/NYC: Need hard-working, web-savvy college student for assisting in the execution of online marketing programs for TVGuide.com. Res: [email protected] (9/20)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: EDITORIAL/MARKETING INTERN/NYC: Need hard-working, web-savvy college student for assisting in the execution of online editorial and marketing initiatives for TVGuide.com. Res: [email protected] (9/20)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: DEV/PROD INTERN/LA: Need hard-working, college student for Feature film & TV Distrib. Co. PC/MS Office lit; Script Coverage, admin., prod.-related duties. Attend meetings/pitches w/ exec. Res: [email protected] (9/19)

FALL INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY : CREATIVE NETWORK VIDEO INTERN/NYC: Assist video team in planning & executing of projects. Duties: research, production coordination, set production assistance, admin & creative support. Non-paying internship. To apply visit: www.ketchum.com/careers (9/18)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED … Interested in posting your Video Resume? Contact [email protected] for more information ….

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] (9/23)

SITUATION WANTED: AWARD WINNING NY based WRITER/PRODUCER/EDITOR seeks work in promos, sales tapes, sizzles, short form etc. Own Avid with 13+ years network exp. Email: [email protected]. www.bardsleyproductions.tv (9/19)

E-mail [email protected] 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 [email protected] for specs.

Cynopsis Media LLC
One Corporate Drive, Suite 724
Shelton, CT 06484
203.926.9878