Cynopsis: Kids!

04/07/09

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, April 7, 2009, and this is your first early morning Kids briefing.

Brilliant Films teams with Mike Newell (Prince of Persia, Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire) to direct its new feature film The Box of Delights.  The movie is based on John Masefield’s 1935 kid’s novel of the same name.  Frank Cottrell Boyce (Millions, Hilary and Jackie) joins the team to adapt the screenplay from the original book.  Brilliant Films’ great Joe Abrams and Rory Gilmartin will executive produce along with Newell.  The story revolves around an old man who asks Kay (12) to protect The Box of Delights, a device that allows him to change size and travel through time.  However, Kay is in danger, but when he asks for help  no one believes him.  The BBC produced a mixed live-action/animated six-part series based on the book in 1984.

NEW PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

London-based indie production studio Rival Media won a pair of Factual Entertainment commissions from Ireland’s RTE to develop two new kids formats. The Shrinks takes a child’s-eye view of grown-up social and practical problems, as four pint-sized problem solvers aged 9 to 14 tackle personal adult issues. Band From School takes four popular Irish bands back to their childhood and to the primary schools they attended.
 
MORE KIDS STUFF

MTV Networks (MTVN) and Netflix expand their relationship to include a range of MTVN’s programming, including Nickelodeon series, available to Netflix subscribers for instant viewing.  Nickelodeon programming that is streaming on Netflix include Blues Clues (season 1 and 2), Dora the Explorer (seasons 1 and 2), iCarly (seasons 1 and 2), True Jackson, VP (season 1) and SpongeBob SquarePants (season 3).  Additionally, shows from other Nick networks are included in the deal such as The N’s Degrassi.  Also featured under the deal is the Comedy Central animated series South Park (139 episodes).

Call for Content: Ion’s multiplatform kids destination Qubo is calling for a second round of user-generated shorts, the best of which will be featured on the network’s digital multiplex channel as well as on qubo’s broadcast blocks on NBC, ION Television and Telemundo. Kids can use the mash-up tool found on www.qubo.com to create their own cartoons exploring classic kid themes including science, animals, magic and adventure. Fifteen mini animated films generated by zinc Roe design’s “Zimmer Twins” application will be selected for air. Deadline for entry is April 30.

MARKETING/LICENSING

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) appoints Target Entertainment Group as the consumer product licensing agent for PlayStation software IPs.  According to the deal, Target Entertainment Group will operate across Europe & Australasia on all consumer products (excluding PlayStation peripherals and PlayStation specific accessories).  Target will develop PlayStation apparel and accessories, toys and plush, stationery and gifts, housewares and food, and promotions.

Mattel races into deals with Churchill Downs and the Indy Racing League:

• Mattel is teaming up with Churchill Downs to create the Kentucky Derby Barbie doll, to commemorate the 135th Run for the Roses.  And what would you suspect Kentucky Derby Barbie?  Well, she’ll don a floral sundress, faux pearl necklace and spring sandals and, yes you guessed it, an oversized white hat with floral accents.  For those Barbie collectors/aficionados … milliner Christine A. Moore is creating 135 life-sized (human size) Kentucky Derby Barbie replica hats, the first of which will be auctioned off via Clothes Off our back Foundation and the remaining 134 hats available via

www.thederbystore.com .

• Mattel’s Hot Wheels is revving up a new deal with the Indy Racing League.  Under the exclusive four-year licensing partnership, Hot Wheels will create a line of cars featuring IndyCar Series drivers and teams and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500.  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway celebrates it 100the anniversary this year, followed by the 100the anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 in 2011.

Bulldog Licensing signs new licensing deals the preschool series Super Why in the UK, where the series airs on Nick Jr channel.  Newly signed licensing partners include Cesar (hanging and boxed dress-up) and Melbry Events (mall tours).  Melbry has already set an Easter appearance coming up at the Meadowhall complex in Sheffield, where kids will get the chance to meet characters and watch content on a big screen in the food hall.  As previously announced RC2 is the master toy licensee.

Scholastic Media and WordGirl are teaming up with Wendy’s restaurants to feature WordGirl in the Wendy’s Kids’ Meals.  The promotion will run April 27 throughout May, 2009 in the US and Canada and feature one of five different WordGirl premiums, including Scholastic Media’s first WordGirl audiobook, and WordGirl themed Wendy’s Kids’ Meals bags.

Corus Entertainment Inc.’s Nelvana Enterprises has reached an agreement with Chorion to become the Canadian licensing agent for its Mr. Men and Little Miss brand, based on the classic 1970s book series by British author Roger Hargreaves. The deal include rights for apparel and accessories, toys and novelty items, live stage shows and character appearances.

STONE SOUP

Casting Call: YTV (Canada) is searching for kids 15-years-old and younger who can sign to audition for the second season of the series The Next Star.  The network is setting out across Canada on a six-city search beginning Saturday, May 2 in Halifax, and then heading to Montreal (May 5), Toronto (May 9 and 10), Winnipeg (May 16), Edmonton (May 19) and Vancouver (May 23).  Full audition information can be found at YTV.com ( www.ytv.com ). Hosted again by Adamo Ruggiero (Degrassi: The Next Generation), the new season of The Next Star launches Friday, July 17 at 6p.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

PorchLight Entertainment appoints Courtney Colman as CFO and Don Mirisch as SVP.  Prior to joining PorchLight, Colman was EVP/Finance, First Look Studios.  Mirisch, who will oversee the company’s business and legal affairs, comes to PorchLight from MGM Animation, which he founded and served as its EVP and GM.

Brandissimo! EVP and General Manager Andy Babb was upped to President of the kid targeted online casual gaming company. VP Josh Fisher was also promoted to Executive Producer and SVP/Content.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  Who provided the singing voice of Melody Valentine on the original Josie and the Pussycats?  CHERYL LADD  Kudos to: Jim Brown-WWE Enterprises/Stamford; Joe Swaney-Turner/NY; Michael Ratliffe-TV One/Silver Spring; Rich Thomas-Disney Book Group/NYC; Tom Boyd-WGN/Chicago; Squirrel Rippley-Dark Horse Media/Tucson; Richard Quan-Imaginary Time/San Francisco; Steve Waterman-Movieplus US/LA; Al Ovadia-Al Ovadia & Assoc/Hidden Hills; Dara Monahan/Studio City

Today’s Trivia Question:  This show premiered at 8:00 AM on October 3, 1955, and was described as a program that “recreates the private wonderland of childhood …” The program aired for 29 years.  What was it?  (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!
04.07.09

Cynopsis Kids Ad Sales:
Chuck Bolkcom, Pres/COO – 646-468-6180 / [email protected]
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JOB OPENING: EXP’D SHOWRUNNER with strong writing credits to oversee all creative aspects for a multi-episode doc series. Must be able to relocate for 6-8 month assignment. [email protected] (4/11)

JOB OPENING: TV VIDEO PRODUCER/WRITER/Good Housekeeping Magazine/NY: 5+ yrs exp. Will be producer & head writer in charge of scripting & creative development. Send reel, writing samples & salary req to: [email protected] (4/11)

JOB OPENING: GRAPHIC ARTIST/BRDCST DESIGNER/NY1 News/NYC: Design/animate on-air graphics pckgs. Create logos, build graphics Photoshop; animate After Effects. Tight deadlines. Demo reel. www.timewarnercable.com/careers 111821BR (4/10)

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SITUATION WANTED: SR RSCH ANALYST who worked w/ Natl Cable Comm forlast5 years and Telerep for3 years.Critical role on corporate research and industry driven projects, specialist for all LPM Analyses. Contact: [email protected] (4/10)

SITUATION WANTED: DOCUMENTARY. PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER in L.A. Credits: National Geo, PBS, Discovery, History CH, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (4/10)

SITUATION WANTED: FILM & VIDEO EDITOR & PROD. (PREDITOR)/ NY looking for work. I have been working in Film and Video for approx. 15 yrs. Own equipment/office & a website with my reel & work exp listed at: www.giantedit.com [email protected] (4/10)

SITUATION WANTED: FILM & TV EDITOR (LA)  Major TV network editor would like to fill her hiatus by working on your pilot or small film/tv project. For pay only. Avid & Final Cut. Available. April 20  June 26. email: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING ANALYST (Dallas): 8+ years experience in marketing & research. Have worked with Nielsen, Scarborough, TNS and other systems, analyzing & interpreting data. For resume & more information: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: SALES MANAGER/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (Chicago). 24 yrs experience w/broadcast & cable seeks digital, OOH, emerging opportunities. Great communicator, solid relationships. Innovative & creative! [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: MUSIC LICENSING (LA) 10+ Experience in Music Licensing. Clearance, Song Selection, Contracts. Resume on IMDb. Email Sean Fernald at: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING/PROMOTIONS/Boston: Marketing/promotions professional seeks television, web marketing, social networking focused position. Experienced in international markets. Creative + will travel. [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: Fun, energetic, and media-savvy, licensed wellness/lifestyle coach looking for recurring expert spot or hosting job. View bio, reel, photos at www.jennifertumayoung.com Contact Jennifer: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: PROMOTIONS/COORDINATOR/ASST: Music & Ent. Industry exp. in radio & video promo at major labels. Searching for asst. position in ent.Ind.. Contact: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: FREELANCE VJ: Video journalist, Creative Dir., & Preditor. New Show Development, Editing (FCP), Online Multimedia Promotions, Segment Prod, Host, Brand Mktg, Videographer. 5+ Yrs. Contact: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: FILM & TV EDITOR (LA): Major TV network editor would like to fill her hiatus by working on your pilot or small film/tv project. For pay only. Avid & Final Cut. Available. April 20  June 26. email: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING ANALYST (Dallas) 8+ years experience in marketing & research. Have worked with Nielsen, Scarborough, TNS and other systems, analyzing & interpreting data. For resume & more information: [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: Save my relationship! Writer with lots of TV & ad experience. But my girlfriend is acting in a Paul Rudd movie. I’m not as cute as he is. Need lit rep to take career to next level, thwart Rudd. [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: STORY/FIELD PRODUCER: non-fiction magician. Reality, Docusoap, Unscripted; Docs.; Ent., Talk; 3 Emmy Noms; 12+years; LA based; will travel. [email protected] (4/9)

SITUATION WANTED: EXPERIENCED ASSOCIATE PRODUCER most recently with PBS seeks work at production company or network. Full-time or Freelance. [email protected] (4/7)

SITUATION WANTED: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR: 10 yrs exp.looking to work out of home office, or locally in Rochester, NY. Contact e-mail: [email protected] (4/7)

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