Cynopsis: DIGITAL

12/06/11

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, December 6, 2011, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis editions online, click here .

Xbox will premiere its updated Xbox Live service today, which will now offer a revamped user interface featuring voice-and gesture-based activation capabilities. The console will offer a search function powered by Bing and will also support Xbox Kinect, which will allow users to search for content on the Xbox Live service by voicing or motioning their request. On Demand content will be available initially via Bing and Kinect Search, however, users will soon get the chance to find programming via live TV listings through Verizon FiOS TV and AT&T’s U-verse TV. The service is not meant to be a substitute for standard cable or satellite packages as a subscription to a pay-TV service will be required to watch live TV. Verizon FiOS TV and Comcast Xfinity On Demand are two of the cable providers slated to offer content on the service within the next couple of months.

EPIX is one of the few content partners of the new Xbox Live service who will launch its streaming app as early as this week. Under the agreement, EPIX will offer access to over 3,000 titles on Xbox Live including Rango, Iron Man 2 and True Grit, the Star Trek and James Bond franchises, as well as original music, sports and comedy events. The EPIX streaming app will also take advantage of Xbox Live’s new voice search, gesture and voice command capabilities.

Wainy Days, a web series from writer and director David Wain (The State, Stella, Wet Hot American Summer, Role Models and the upcoming Wanderlust) has premiered its fifth season with two new episodes available on My Damn Channel. The comedy series, which counts Ken Marino, Lizzy Caplan, Steven Weber and Jorma Taccone among its cast, also welcomes FIAT as its first ever official sponsor. Debuted yesterday, a new episode will be released every Monday until the season finale on Tuesday, January 3.

M.E.N. is a new all-video online entertainment network from Metacafe geared towards young men. To that end, it focuses its content around serving movies, games and action sports enthusiasts. Coinciding with the launch of the network was the premiere of two original comedy/news shows; Pause/Play, a weekly show that focuses on top picks in home entertainment; and Pixelated, a weekly show covering the game industry.

Ensequence has announced an update that will bring audio detection capabilities to its interactive, cloud-based iTV Manager platform. The update will help the platform enable content creators to reach consumers across multiple platforms. Ensequence’s automatic content recognition (ACR) software can be used by content providers in their iOS and Android apps so when customers watch a specific piece of TV or advertising content, the app can detect what is being watched and then deliver related content to their smartphones and mobile devices.

SpringBoard Video, a division of Evolve Media Corp., has launched its new ad-supported video player. The player offers integrated social media functionality and related playlists, among other features. The SpringBoard platform currently reaches over 90 million unique visitors every month as it powers over 200 million content streams per month on over 300 websites.

Online talk show series What’s Trending with Shira Lazar airs its first season finale today at 1 pm ET. Averaging 84,000 video views per week, the talk show focuses on current trending stories and airs on Livestream. The season finale will feature host Shira Lazar speaking with celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, Dia Frampton from The Voice, Paul Scheer from FX’s The League and comedian Doug Benson.

HISTORY Channel, Verizon Communications and Delivery Agent are teaming up to launch a t-commerce service via the new History Shop App. Verizon FiOS subscribers will have access to the new app that will allow them to use their remote control to purchase merchandise related to or seen on a show airing on the A+E Networks’ channel, such as Pawn Stars, American Pickers and Ice Road Truckers. To access the app, FiOS viewers watching a show on HISTORY click on the HISTORY icon that will appear on the screen. The app was built by Deliver Agent and was tested in Verizon labs and through in-home trials.

Zynga hopes to raise $1 billion in its initial public offering, which would value the online gaming company at $7 billion. In a regulatory filing, the company said that it plans 115 million shares at $10 each. It would make Zynga the third-largest U.S. gaming company as judged by market cap, slotting up behind Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts. Zynga has 54 million active users in 175 countries.

Paris-based start-up ePawn will unveil ePawn Arena in North America at CES 2012. ePawn Arena is a 26-inch screen with a patented real-time motion-tracking technology that connects with any device or platform in order to integrate real-world game pieces (and moves) with online and mobile games. While players will be able to purchase specifically-designed game pieces, ePawn will also provide them with electronic chips that can be attached onto the game pieces. ePawn’s SDK can be used by game developers to integrate ePawn Arena into both new and existing games.

Titan has launched a trial run of three digital phone kiosks in New York’s Times Square. Constructed of digital panels, the kiosks deliver HD video and images. Each ad rotation lasts for seven seconds and currently contains content from 10 advertisers. Titan holds the largest inventory of phone kiosks in New York City.

According to new NPD In-Stat research, the growth of over-the-top (OTT) video-capable U.S. households will drive the revenue for online VOD and EST (electronic sell-through) to double by 2015. “Even stronger growth of I-VOD and EST video services is possible if device manufacturers and digital retailers can put together a simpler, plug-n-play solution for getting online video to the TV,” said research director Keith Nissen. “The proliferation of tablets is also contributing to OTT growth.” Some of the factors affecting the OTT video market include:

• Streaming video transactions will reach just under one billion in 2010.
• Netflix and other streaming VOD suppliers are shifting to more TV-centric business models that will see them directly compete with pay-TV channels such has HBO, Starz and Showtime.
• Collaborative and competitive models are continually changing as retailers, content providers and operators try to manage the evolving mix of available content delivery methods, including physical and digital channels, pay-TV, EST video, OTT video and subscription VOD.

Merging traditional and digital advertising into one campaign was a challenge for 38% of U.S. ad agencies in the third quarter of 2011, finds data from media buying software provider STRATA, according to a report from eMarketer. The percentage is down from 46.4% of U.S. ad agencies who reported the same in Q2 of this year. The report notes that challenges with effectively measuring online advertising likely play a role in the hesitation to attempt multichannel advertising. In fact, based on findings from a different study from McKinsey and Company, marketing execs worldwide said their top digital challenges were metrics-related items. When considering online metrics, marketing execs were most worried about the inability to financially quantify digital marketing programs; plus, 24% said online metrics are often hard to understand.

Aardman Rights in association with London-based app developers Widebeam Digital have launched the Wallace and Gromit: ‘Chat-O-Matic’ app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The app, available for 1.49 pounds, lets users select their favorite phrases said by Wallace from the critically-acclaimed British film franchise and then place the device in front of their mouths in order to have the character’s voice and mouth utter said phrase. It is available only in the U.K.

Best Boy Entertainment, a film, TV and interactive media company in Canada, has released Yule Tree, an augmented reality app that allows users to decorate a Christmas tree and then display them as 3D objects in almost any environment. Users have the option to select from up to six different trees. The app is available for all Apple mobile devices via the App Store.

Scott Boyd has joined Trailer Park Digital, Social and Mobile, a division of marketing agency Trailer Park, as its new VP of Account Services. He will report to division president Julianne LaMarche and Michael Faulkner, who himself was recently promoted to SVP of Account Services and Business Development at the division. At his new position, Faulkner will focus on growing businesses with existing clients while also attracting new clients. Trailer Park has led campaigns for AMC, CNN, HBO, TNT and Fox Home Entertainment, among others.

Taykey, an online trend buying platform that launched earlier this year, has hired industry veteran John Schneider as its Senior Vice President of Sales. He will be in charge of bringing brands and agencies to the new platform. Taykey’s platform is currently focused on trend-based social media advertising on Facebook but has plans to expand to Twitter and Google Display Network in the future.

CBS Radio has appointed Neil Salvage to be Head of Digital Sales, effective January 2012. Reporting to president of sales Michael Weiss, Salvage will oversee all sales efforts on both national and local levels related to CBS Radio’s digital assets, which include the division’s websites, mobile assets and online streaming initiatives.

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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

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A cool contest for aspiring bands: CBS has launched From Your Garage to Grammy Live on Facebook that gives musicians across the country the chance to be featured during Grammy Live, a three-day online streaming event focusing on Grammy-related events starting on February 10, 2012. Until January 2, 2012, bands can upload a video on the contest’s official Facebook page, which will then be voted on by fans. Submissions will be divided by region, specifically: Pacific, Mountain, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, New England, South Atlantic and South. After the first round of voting between January 3 and 16, a finalist from each region will be picked. The second round of voting between January 17 and 23 will crown the winner. After that, it’s on to the big time.

Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Reporter for Cynopsis Digital
12.06.11

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Mike Farina – VP/Business Development & Sales – 203-218-6480 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-381-9096 / [email protected]

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

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JOB OPENING: MGR CORP OUTREACH/A+E Networks/NY: Prod Mgr for educational, mktg & pgmg projects. Video exp. pref. http://www.aetn.com/careers.html (12/13)

JOB OPENING: EXEC PRODUCER/SCIENCE CHANNEL/MD or NY: Create & Produce groundbreaking tv programs; creative oversight on a variety of prod projects; 10+yrs exp; network exp. www.discovery.com # 4839 (12/13)

JOB OPENING: DIR BRAND & MULTIPLATFORM RESEARCH/CNN/NY: Lead rsch on brand/soc media/ multiplat fast paced news envir. Exp Omniture/comScore/analyt & reporting skills, soc media rsrch pref’d. 8+yrs rsch exp, [email protected] (12/10)

JOB OPENING: MGR CORP OUTREACH/NY: Oversee broad spectrum of marketing, educational, & programming projects for Corporate Outreach. https://secure.sterlingdirect.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=618&JobDetail=115846 (12/10)

JOB OPENING: SR ACCOUNTANT/SCRIPPS NETWORKS/NY: Ease w/operating in Intern’l enviro w/ exp handling multicurrency transactions & equity accounting for non-consolidated entities. 5+yrs exp req’d. Res: www.Scrippsnetworks.com #2736 (12/10)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, FINANCE/NY: Manage the day-to-day financial operations of the Consumer Products Division for A+E Networks. https://secure.sterlingdirect.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=618&JobDetail=115863 (12/10)

JOB OPENING: TRAFFIC COORD/DAS/Cablevision/ Woodbury L.I: 3rd party Ad Serving exp. such as DFP, DFA, DSM helpful. Sales Planning and HTML exp a plus. To see full posting and apply visit www.cablevision.jobs job # 15981BR (12/10)

JOB OPENING: MKT MGR/RLTV/NYC: Execute ad sales, aff. sales, on-air promo and cons mkt strategy, 5+ yr exp w/in cable or tv. Cover letter and resumes: [email protected] (12/10)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/TWC/NY: Motivated, self-starter, exc. comm skills. Strong PC skills; PP word, excel. Media Math skills a+, solid presentation skills & using multi media tools; BA/BS req’d. Res: [email protected] (12/9)

JOB OPENING: SR ACCT DIR/Dom Distro/NY: Responsible for Discovery’s 18 ntwrks distro & mrktg; plan & attend local mrkt events/ensure affiliate contract compliance; 6+yrs cable distro; www.discovery.com # 4823 (12/9)

JOB OPENING: SR DIR- US DIST/OWN-HUB-3NET/LA: Mng all aspects of Discovery’s acct mgmt relationships w/MSOs; dvlp/implmnt strtgy for top affiliates & internal comm; 8+yrs cable TV/business dvlpmnt/mktg/sls; www.discovery.com # 4286 (12/9)

JOB OPENING:  MGR, PARTNERSHIPS/NY: Develop & execute integrated partnership opportunities for potential & existing A&E advertising clients  https://secure.sterlingdirect.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=618&JobDetail=115762 (12/9)

JOB OPENING: DIR, STRATEGIC TV LANDSCAPE RESEARCH/NY: Reporting & analyses covering TV landscape including broadcast, cable & alternate platforms. 7+ years exp. To apply, visit http://www.nbcunicareers.com/search_nbc/ Job#3572BR (12/8)

JOB OPENING:  ADMIN ASST/Hallmark Channel/NY: 3+ yrs Admin Asst exp supporting execs and multiple leaders. Exp w MS Office and database apps. Bachelor’s Degree req. View posting and apply @ www.hallmarkchannel.com (12/8)

JOB OPENING: WEB DESIGNER/BBC America/NY: Oversee design/redesign & prod wide range online mktg graphics. Strong orgnztl/comm skills a must. Sftwr knwlg: MacOSX, Photoshop, illust, flash.Res/cvr: www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (12/7)

JOB OPENING: MGR SALES PLANNING/Galavision/NY: Support Dir. on inventory mgmt/stewardship/revenue rptg. Must be detailed/analytical/able to multi-task. Experience in media/DM/VCI/Spanish a +. Apply- [email protected] (12/7)

JOB OPENING: ON-AIR PROMO PREDITOR/ NY: Write, produce, edit & direct promos, short form, BTS or interstitial segments. Utilize writing skills and present multiple concepts for each assignment. Apply: www.disneycareers.com #9923 (12/7)

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] .

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Internship opportunity within the OWN Research department. TV/Online/VOD/Social Media Quant and Qual research. Must good w/ numbers and proficient w/ Microsoft Office (esp. Excel). For credit only! Re: [email protected] (12/7)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: CBS TV Stations is seeking intern in Strategic Mktg to support biz dev/ad sales efforts. Detail-oriented & thrives in fast-paced environment. Must receive academic credit. Send res/cov. ltr to [email protected] (12/7)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Entertainment marketing firm seeking intern to join creative/fast-paced team. Will prepare presentations, research, onsite activation & organize/work on multiple tasks simultaneously. Contact [email protected] (12/7)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED … There is no charge for placing your Situation Wanted ad … for more information contact Trish Pihonak at [email protected]

SITUATION WANTED: I’M ALL YOURS Seeking to Assist, Currently an E.A. to Chief of Dept. 5 Yrs. work exp. B.A. Mass Comm. Contact, [email protected] (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT/PROMOTER: Looking for work promoting web content (articles, videos, pictures, etc.) All budgets considered. I can get you views on your blog! [email protected] (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT position film/tv (NY) 10 years experience: Interned for a President, Executive Assistant to SVP/VP/film director/celebrity [email protected] (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: Jeanne Intile Burns, VOICE-OVER ARTIST/VOICE COACH, Cell: 845-721-9681, E-Mail: [email protected], Web Links: www.castingnetworks.com/jburns, http://jburns.voices.com, www.allegro-music.com (“American Biographies”) (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: STAND IN FOR KIDS/Los Angeles, 20 + years experience, seeking a Pilot, TV series, Feature Film. Stats: SAG and AFTRA, Height 4’7, Blonde, Blue eyes. Contact Desiree Szabo, [email protected] for pix and resume (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: DIG SALES & MKTG ACCT MGR looking for freelance projects. ~7 yrs of digital ad sales/acct mgmt/mktg exp.. Detail oriented/highly org./able to multi-task. Resume + Ref. available email: [email protected] (12/9)

SITUATION WANTED: SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE/Chicago: 10+ yrs experience in Int’l Business Development, Media Licensing, and Online Advertising Sales. Recent transplant from L.A. – [email protected]  (12/8)

SITUATION WANTED: FIELD PRODUCER 20+ yrs. Covered Cannes, BH Film Fests, Red Carpets, Product Launches. Clients inc Dreamworks, Qantas, Carnival Cruises. [email protected] (12/7)

SITUATION WANTED: SPORTS BROADCASTER: Currently working with CBS Sports, YES Network, and Army Athletics. Broadcasted games for Hudson Valley Renegades. Resume and demo reel upon request. FT/Contract. Contact [email protected] (12/7)

E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203.381.9096 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email [email protected] for specs.

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