A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM DIC ENTERTAINMENT

Cynopsis: Kids!

4/03/07

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, April 3, 2007 and this is your first early morning briefing.

Aardman Features reports that it is close to a inking a three-year first-look movie deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment.  For Sony the deal furthers the studio’s effort to expand animation and family movie business.  Aardman’s feature Crood Awakenings remains with DreamWorks.  You likely recall that in January of this year Aardman Features and DreamWorks, who had an exclusive movie production deal, parted ways.

NEW PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Actresses Jodi Foster and Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) are said to be close to inking deals that would have them starring in Walden Media’s feature Nim’s Island, per Variety.    Based on the book by Wendy Orr and Kerry Millard, Nim’s Island revolves around a young girl who travels with her scientist father to a remote island in the South Pacific.  After her father goes missing at sea, the young girl begins speaking via some electronic equipment with a reclusive author.  Breslin is also set to star as Kit Kittredge in Picturehouse and HBO Films’ movie American Girl, which is based on the American Girl dolls.  The movie will begin shooting this summer and will be distributed by Fox.

Casting for the live-action Speed Racer movie continues, as Susan Sarandon and John Goodman apparently top the list to play Speed’s parents, according to the Hollywood Reporter.  Goodman would play Pops, a racecar owner and builder, while Sarandon will play Mom who, though I don’t remember her from the anime series, is the anchor of the family. Directed by the brother’s Wachowski, Speed Racer is set for release in summer 2008.

MORE KIDS STUFF

MarVista Entertainment has entered into a licensing deal with National Geographic Latin America for the CGI animated series The Zula Patrol.  Targeted to K3-8 the series will air as part of the network’s new preschool-targeted programming block called, Nat Geo and Me.  Launching this month, Nat Geo and Me will air four hours every morning.  MarVista will attend MIPTV with a new season (26×30′) of The Zula Patrol, for a total of 52 episodes available for the series.  Focusing on science and astronomy, The Zula Patrol was created by Dr. Deborah Manchester and the writing team of Cydne Clark and Steve Granat.

Cookie Jar Entertainment has completed a deal Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) that will see its new animated series Busytown Mysteries (Hurray For Huckle!) (26×30′) air as part of the CBC’s the Kids’ CBC preschool programming block.  The show is of course based on the Busytown books by noted kid’s author/illustrator Richard Scarry.  Busytown Mysteries (Hurray For Huckle!) will be launched at MIPTV.  This Scarry TV series is a different from The Busy World of Richard Scarry, a Paramount series from several years ago that ran on Nick Jr. here in the US.

Heading into MIPTV Shaftesbury Sales Company has completed a number of sales and renewals for the Life with Derek (52×30′), the family targeted comedy series. Life with Derek was created by Daphne Ballon, produced by Shaftesbury Films and distributed internationally by Shaftesbury Sales Company.

• Renewing the third season (26×30′) of Life with Derek are several Disney Channels including US, Italy, Germany, Latin America, Spain; Toonami (UK), Daro (Central and Eastern Europe), Noga (Israel), Cuatro (Spain) and France 2 (France).
• Earlier seasons (13×30′ each) of the series have been acquired by Nickelodeon (S.E. Asia, New Zealand), Nickelodeon (Australia), Disney Channel (France), SVT (Sweden) and e-Junior (U.A.E).

Calling all animators!  Nicktoons Network and partner Frederator Studios are looking for entries for the fourth annual Nicktoons Network Animation Festival.  Here is what they are looking for, original short-form films in any animation style that do not exceed 10 minutes.  Entries will be chosen by a pre-selection jury and featured on-air and online on Nicktoons Network with 5×30′ episodes running August 26  30, 2007, followed the next day, on August 31,by a Best of episode.  One winner will be selected from the top ten films.  Projects can be submitted now through Friday, June 1, 2007, and entry forms can be downloaded on www.nicktoonsnetwork.com.

Latino youth-focused Telehit and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society have partnered to present the first annual ¡Curaton!  The concert was produced to raise research and treatment funds to battle blood cancers affecting the Hispanic community. The March 22 event will be televised exclusively by Telehit in a special program that will present Red Carpet interviews, behind the scenes special reports as well as commentary from concertgoers about their experience.

MARKETING/LICENSING

BBC Worldwide’s preschool animated series Charlie and Lola is getting its own apparel line from Children’s Apparel Network, in a deal brokered by The Wildflower Group, the North American licensing agent for the property.  Slated to begin rolling out this spring with Charlie and Lola T-shirts, the full line will include a range of imaginative playwear and activewear for infants, toddlers and girls (sizes 4-16) will be available in time for holiday 2007.  Produced by Tiger Aspect Productions, Charlie and Lola airs weekdays at 10a on Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney programming block and on weekends at 11a.

To celebrate Mother’s Day Classic Media and Genius Products will release a Special DVD set, Lassie: A Mother’s Love on May 1, 2007.  The DVD collection includes three TV episodes of Lassie (The Runt, The Wrong Gift, Lassie’s Wild Baby) in addition to a bonus episode (The Well), all of which have been restored and re-mastered.  The bonus episode appears in color for the first time.  By the way – Mother’s Day this year is Sunday, May 31.

Aardman has joined with HMV for a promotion of kid targeted DVDs at both HMV’s stores and online portal.  During the three month promotion Aardman’s famous dog, Gromit, of Wallace & Gromit fame, will take the place of the iconic dog Nipper in a version of the famous painting “His Master’s Voice,” which shows a dog sitting and listening to a gramophone.  Don’t get all worried; Gromit will just be placed in the picture for this promotion, while Nipper will remain in other uses of the HMV logo.  The kids DVD ‘Kids DVDs From £5’ promotion, which launches this week, coincides with the release of the Aardman/Paramount release of Flushed Away on DVD, and features 150+ other kid’s titles.  Nipper was indeed a real dog, he died in 1895.

STONE SOUP

Scholastic has partnered with Target for Scholastic Summer Reading BUZZ, an initiative to keep kids reading over summer vacation.  Designed to get kids reading and to avoid the “summer slide”, during which many lose reading and other skills, the four-month effort also aims to support that role of parents/teachers/librarians in helping to pick good books.  Target and Scholastic are set to launch a new website, www.scholastic.com/summerreading on May 15.  The site includes interactive book logs, activities, as well as a place where kids can talk about books they have read, and for adults there are downloadable materials including book lists in English and Spanish.  Additionally there is a Summer Reading Buzz! Sweepstakes.  Target and Scholastic are also introducing a summer reading in-school program for grades K-8.  Beginning this May 250,000+ teachers will receive a Summer Reading Buzz classroom guide with information about age appropriate books and various activities; the guide is also available online.

RATINGS

Nickelodeon’s 20th Annual Kids’ Choices Awards, which aired live Saturday, March 31, 8-9:30p, was the most watched KCA ever among kids, tweens and total viewers according to Nielsen Media Research, Cable Fast National Data.  The show drew an average of more than 6.1 million Total Viewers, up by +3% over last year’s record showing.  The 2007 KCA delivered 2.8 million K6-11, an increase of +11% over last year and the highest showing for the demo for the event ever.  K2-11 and Tweens 9-14 also turned out for the KCA delivering 3.4 million and 2.6 million respectively, the largest audiences for the show for both demos.  Viewers brought Nick.com its highest trafficked day ever on Saturday, March 31, with 1.6 million unique visitors and 25.5+ million page views.  The day also saw kids cast 1+ million votes across Nick’s digital platforms for the virtual sliming, featuring actor Vince Vaughn.

Answer to Yesterday’s trivia question: SHIRT TALES.   Kudos to: Only one. Kimberly Keeley-Safety4Kids/Stamford, CT.  Good Job Kimberly!

Today’s Trivia Question:  What is Uncle Fester’s special talent?   ( click here 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!
04.03.07

Cynopsis 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: SUPERVISOR, ONLINE MKTG/iDEMAND/NYC:  Manage and update all product websites.  Contact for vendors, agencies etc.  4 yr degree + 3 yrs web mktg exp in TV/entertainment.  Resume to:  [email protected] (4/10)

JOB OPENING:  SENIOR PRODUCER ONLINE/ Logo/NYC:  6+yrs Digital Producer exp, Strg Visio/wireframing skills, HTML/XML , Strg interpersnl/org skills, Knwldg of Data based Content Mgmt Sys EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (4/10)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/ Logo/NYC: 5+yrs exp (3yrs consult/Invest Bnk/M&A/Biz Dev), Strg financ Model/Excel skils, Strng analyt thinker, MBA & New Media exp A+ EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (4/10)

JOB OPENING: EXEC PRODUCER, LINKED MEDIA GROUP/ VH1 Digital/NYC: 8+yrs online/digital exp, Exp w/tech, prod dev, web prod & proj mgmt, Exp w/vendors, budgets, design, editorial, & Mgmt EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (4/10)

JOB OPENING:  PRODUCER / Nick.com/NYC. 5+yrs exp Web Production, Strg mgmt/org skills, Strng exp w/clients & vendors, Strng Proj Mgmt/multitask/sked exp, Knwldg of kid play patterns&new media EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (4/10)

JOB OPENING:  ON AIR ART DIRECTOR/ CMT/MTV Networks / Nashville, TN: 7or more years broadcast design experience with 2 or more yrs in a supervisory position.Email resume to [email protected]

JOB OPENING:  VP MUSIC & TALENT /CMT – MTV Networks / Nashville, TN – Strong industry relationships. Exp with artist related program development. Strategic thinker. Apply at www.mtvncareers.com or [email protected]  (4/10)

JOB OPENING:  CONSUMER MKTG COORD/ABC Family/LA:Work with VP and MGR to execute ad/promo/event campaigns.Proactive, organized and enthusiastic. 1-3 yrs exp. in entertainment marketing/agency setting.  Visit www.disneycareers.com (4/10)

JOB OPENING:  ACCT MGR AFFILIATE SALES/Oxygen Media/NY: Strong background in sales/mktng; min 3yrs exp in media sales & multi-media mrktng. Travel req’d. Please contact: [email protected]   (4/10)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR PRODUCTION FINANCE/TELEMUNDO/MIAMI: Seeking Finance Director to lead all financial activities re. TLMD’s global production operations. For full job description & to apply: www.nbcunicareers.com, job #585395  (4/10)

JOB OPENING:  TV WRITERS/ NYC: Must have exp/credits writing hosted segments. News, comedy, dialogue, magazine. Send resume/samples to: [email protected] (4/10)

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE PRODUCER NY/METRO AREA: Exp’d Sr. Producer to supervise editorial, develop, produce &supervise teams.  News & documentary exp a plus.  Resumes to: [email protected]    (4/10)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE II/Turner Sports Interactive, NY:  Must have 5+ yrs of digital ad sales exp; AE will be responsible for PGA.com, PGAtour.com, and NASCAR.com.  Apply online www.turnerjobs.com, Req# 69371.  EOE (4/7)
 
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JOB OPENING:  MANAGER, DIST. & FIELD MKTING/LIFETIME NY: Manage account and state territory to drive distribution of Lifetime Networks, HD and various Lifetime VOD services. Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html 4/6)

JOB OPENING:  REGIONAL COORDINATOR/LIFETIME/NY: Support the sales efforts of the Distribution and Field Marketing staff and service our affiliated cable systems.  Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (4/6)

JOB OPENING:  PROMOTIONS PRODUCER/Chicago/Harpo:  Create, Write & Produce promo packages and image pieces for The Oprah Winfrey Show& related franchises. Min. 5 years in Promos w/Major TV or Cable Network. [email protected] (4/6)

JOB OPENING: SALES ADMIN MGR, EMERGING MEDIA/COMCAST/NYC: manage pricing g& plnning, comm ops, sales support for VOD networks. 4+ yrs sales support exp for cable/bdcst; strong organizational skills. Apply [email protected] (4/6)

JOB OPENING:  SALES PLANNER/MUSIC CHOICE/NYC:  Manage proposal process; update sales materials.  Manage small-scale accounts. Identify/research prospects.  2+ yrs exp. at ad agency or network. [email protected] (4/6)

JOB OPENING:  SUPERVISING PRODUCER/Silver Spring, MD:  Health & fitness original productions – research, talent, scripts, cut review. Collaborative envir., min. 3 yrs supv exp. Resume/ltr to [email protected]    (4/13)

JOB OPENING:  LOCAL SALES MANAGER/Comcast Spotlight/Guilford, CT: 5-7 yrs media exp. Oversee promotion dev’t. Manage team, rel’ship w/sales/network/clients. http://careers.comcast.com/choices/searchjobs.asp ref. 45885BR  (4/6)

JOB OPENING:  DESIGN DIRECTOR/RL/Columbia MD: He or she will deliver creative solutions, help direct the creative process and work with all internal departments. Please visit www.rl.tv for full job description  (4/6)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT DIRECTOR (Western)/SCREENVISION: Dev/sell integrated media prgrms to clients/agencies. Plain, coord  sell. BA req’d. 6 + yrs media sales exp. Based in Santa Monica. [email protected] (4/4)

JOB OPENING: MGR OFFICE SVCS /A&E TV, NY:  Mng office svc areas staff/outsourced svcs/projects/equipment/facilities/purchasing/communications.  BA + 5 yrs facility & office svc mgmt.  Res w/salary:  www.aetn.com/careers.html (4/4)

JOB OPENING: DIR, INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT/Scripps Networks NYC: Identify/develop new international licensing clients/grow existing program distribution business, 3yrs international prgm sales exp.Apply: www.scrippsnetworks.com (4/4)

JOB OPENING: BROADCAST SUPERVISOR /NYC: 5-7yrs exp, strategic planning & execution of TV campaigns, extensive client contact, supervise TV dept. See full posting & apply at: www.kdande.com (4/4)

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER/Current TV SF CA: 2-3 yrs. promos exp. in TV promos, w/ shooting exp., FCP, & cpywrtng skills.  To write, direct, produce, & edit original promos. [email protected]    EOE. www.current.tv (4/4)

JOB OPENING: SALES & MARKETING EXECS/NY: Top-Tier Talent desired to take Sales/Marketing Lead for Cable/Broadband/Mobile multi-platform roll-out. Ground-Floor Opportunity. Respond to [email protected]   (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  MANAGER OF DEVELOPMENT/ LA-based production company:  Must have experience in non-scripted, reality & formats.Strong writing ability essential.Fax resumes to: ATTN: HUMAN RESOURCES 818-760-1509 (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  MECH ARTIST/ PROD. ART/LIFETIME NY: Assists design and production teams in graphic production for collateral, packaging, display and advertising projects. Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  STUDIO MGR/ PROJ. MGR/LIFETIME NY: Responsible for the general management of a graphic design studio. Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  VP PRODUCTION /GSN/SM: Oversee physical production on tv shows, analyze & negotiate budgets. 10 yrs exp. in tv or film, 5 yrs in production mgmt- game & reality. Send resume to [email protected] (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  CREATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR/Hallmark Channel LA: Support SVP and dept. 2 yrs. min exp. See full posting & apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (4/4)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT MGM’T DIGITAL/MTV/NYC: 2-3 yrs exp. in mobile media industry; exp. in production & production mgm’t for mobile products. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (4/4)

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: SPRING INTERNSHIPS with Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor for NBC and AOL:  Assist with research for tv/radio/online news segments.  Both LA and New York office. [email protected] (4/4)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  PRODUCTION INTERNS/Red Moxie/NYC: Reality Show. Assist with research, logging, screening, working shoots, etc. Word & Excel. Ability to shoot mini DV a plus. Send resume and cover letter to [email protected] (4/4)

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

SITUATION WANTED AD: BLOGGER/WRITER: Pop-culture expert with existing national audience.  Most recent gig viewed by over 1 million unique users in 8 weeks.  Experienced, snarky, and refreshingly non-creepy.  [email protected] (4/10)

SITUATION WANTED AD:  Exp. NYC PRODUCER Available:  Nat’l shows.  Doc, Reality, Travel, Entertainment.    Mix & post, field pkgs, celebs, wrap copy, format.  Resume, refs and reel.  Contact Laura  (917) 689-8037/ [email protected] (4/10)

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

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