Cynopsis: DIGITAL

12/09/08

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, December 9, 2008, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Billionaire real estate investor Sam Zell was unable to keep the wolves from the door as The Tribune Company filed for bankruptcy protection in federal court in Delaware on Monday. The company will restructure debt obligations and says it has the cash to continue to operate its media businesses during the process. It also reassured advertisers its broadcasting affiliations and pre-paid ad contracts are still in place. Zell described the move as a reaction to a “perfect storm” of factors including a rapid decline in revenue and severe tightening of credit markets. Tribune owns 23 TV stations and 8 major daily newspapers and newspaper websites including the LA Times, Chicago Tribune and Baltimore Sun.
 

Hearst Magazines Digital Media and MTV Networks Program Enterprises Group launched the first-ever virtual issue of Seventeen magazine, tying together Seventeen’s print edition and Seventeen.com with an interactive program within MTV’s virtual world. Readers who pick up the print edition will be invited into a closed-beta, sneak peek of MTV’s new web-based 2D virtual environment (no client download required.) The full Virtual MTV is required for goodies such as digital hand-held version of the magazine along with Seventeen-branded virtual T-shirts, bags and other accessories.
 
The Fox Entertainment Group has launched the FOX Green Guide, a web-based tool designed to make green solutions cost-effective for producers. The site enables television, film, sports, news and event producers and crew members to efficiently find climate- and environment-conscious guidance. It also provides info on vendors who offer low-carbon and eco-friendly products and services, indexing more than 1,300 companies.
 
VOD service Havoc TV will launch its indie music-favored Havoc Music and extreme sports-focused Havoc Sports services entirely in HD across Comcast’s VOD platform later this month.
 
Sundance Channel announced that award winning documentary Crazy Love, directed by Dan Klores (The Boys of Second Street Park) will debut on the network’s YouTube channel on Jan. 5, five days prior to its premiere on The Sundance Channel. Crazy Love won Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary in 2008.
 

Attention bloggers: The Pulitzer Prize board at Columbia University, which hands out the most venerated awards for American journalism, has loosened up its submission guidelines to include online-only outlets for the first time. Entered material must come from news outlets that publish at least weekly and are “dedicated to original news reporting and coverage of ongoing stories and that “adhere to the highest journalistic principles.” The Board has accepted online content from newspaper sites since 2006.
 
Kids licensed character development company Brand Performance launched a new social network/online video portal Thwoop.com to build active communities around its characters. Kids can view full-length videos of NCircle Entertainment shows such as Hopla and Animal Atlas, purchase merchandise or upload their own reviews of their favorite products. Magnify.net is powering the site’s video platform.
 

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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM NATPE ’09

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WPP’s GroupM unit cut its U.S. online ad forecast in half for 2009 at the UBS MediaWeek conference, now projecting an increase of 5% in overall online ad spending – down from an expectation of 16% growth in 2008. Global online ad spending is expected to grow by 10% but overall ad spending is projected to contract slightly.
 
NBCU CEO Jeff Zucker also warned not to expect too much from the digital space in an interview with CNBC, saying that legacy media companies are now trading “analog dollars for digital dimes.”
 
Google announced a new mobile marketing initiative allowing advertisers who buy AdWords automatically include a mobile component. The search terms will show up on smartphones that provide full-powered internet browsers such as the iPhone and T-Mobile’s Android-powered G1. (These browsers support HTML so the ads don’t need to be re-formatted.)
 
Out-of-home television service Gas Station TV announced it is has now installed screens in 1,000 gas stations across the U.S. covering more than 100 DMAs including 22 of the top 25 television markets.
 

 
Video services company Brightcove announced the launch of a new global partnership ecosystem pulling together a wide range of advertising, technology, distribution and solution companies coordinated around its latest platform release. Brightcove Alliance’s goal is to provide pre-integrated technologies and services to support the far-reaching distribution of video on the web and on multiple platforms. More than 80 companies are participating at launch including ScanScout and Platform-A on the ad side, Metacafe, TubeMogul and Veoh in distribution, Azuki Systems and Transpera in the mobile space and Gigya, Slide and Six Apart in social media. Comcast’s competitive thePlatform announced a similar program with many of the same partners back in Feb. of this year.
 

 
Online video measurement firm Quantcast added video portals Hulu and Broadband Enterprises (BBE) as clients. BBE says it has integrated Quantcast directly into its Vindico ad platform, which provides campaign-level audience data for brand advertisers and content partners.
 
Provider of site search, analytics and monetization platforms Quintura announced a new suite of features designed to boost click-through rates for web publishers. Customizable features include the incorporation of icons and banners into the search cloud and the addition of three new ‘morphology’ dictionaries, offering an enhanced user experience for web surfers.
 

 
Music Choice announces a milestone of one million text and photo shout outs received to date for ShowOff, the network’s new interactive feature that allows viewers to post shout outs on the screen. An average of 100,000 ShowOff submissions are received each week via mobile phone, e-mail, AOL Instant Messenger, or Music Choice’s designated ShowOff web page. Over 400,000 Music Choice viewers have participated in the feature so far.
 
This could be useful during the next wave of rolling blackouts. Voltaic Systems announces the release of its new solar bag dubbed the Generator that produces enough solar power to fully charge a laptop from less than a day in the sun.
 

 
Christie Hefner announces plans to step down as Chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises, Inc. She will remain as CEO through January and continue to serve on the company’s board of directors. Longtime director Jerome Kern was appointed Interim Chairman.
 
Former Autobytel and Autoweb CEO Jeffrey Schwartz has joined online performance marketing and publishing holding company Asianada as its Chairman and CEO. Asianada also announced a name change to Lateral Media, Inc. and that certain assets have been acquired from Grupo Grandioso, LLC. 
 
Former President of Newsweek Greg Osberg was named CEO of Denver-based mobile video start-up Buzzwire. Greg oversaw the relaunch of Newsweek.com and managed distribution agreements with MSN and MSNBC.com.
 

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Popular social network TV and sports fan widget maker Watercooler launches its first standalone destination site today. TVloop is a social networking hub for anyone who wants to hang out with like-minded fans of shows they are passionate about. Post comments, test your knowledge with trivia games or view clips and full-length episodes from select shows. The experience is very community-oriented; before watching a video TVloop asks if you’d like to share it with friends, along with personal comments or ratings. It may seem late to launch another TV fan site but Watercooler has been busy for the past 18 months amassing a sizeable community on Facebook, MySpace, Hi5, Bebo and Friendster around 250 shows. More than 16 million users have registered to use its widgets with 90% providing valid email addresses and 80% providing age and gender info., according to Watercooler CEO Kevin Chou. Launching a community site provides the company with amazing tool with which to gather invaluable market research data from audiences in a way far more organic than forced assemble-in-a-room studies. “Were working on tool tools to mine that data, although of course we’re extremely protective of users’ privacy and identities,” says Mr. Chou. Producers have been availing themselves of the results in a micro way thus far, finding that fans are less than shy about expressing their concerns. “What communities of fans are most interested in is being heard,” according to Chou.
 
Later — Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
12.09.08

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JOB OPENING: STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGER/SciFi/NBCU/NY: Develop and execute cross-platform marketing solutions to drive revenue to SCI FI and SCIFI.com. BA & 5 yrs industry exp. www.nbcjobs.com , job#853374 (12/12)

JOB OPENING: ANALYST, RESEARCH/Music Choice-Support sales, mktg& prgmg across multiple platforms w/ accurate & actionable research. BA/BS 2-4 yrs media research exp. req. jobs@musicchoice.com (12/12)

JOB OPENING: VP/PROD/ Leading CDN non-fiction Prod Co: Oversee variety of Factual & Fact Ent prgrms. Successful candidate must possess strong budget dvpmnt/mgmnt skills. Prior exp w/ est. brdcstr pref’d. Res to: pbmediaco04@gmail.com (12/12)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA INDUSTRY BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYSTS. Multiple-NYC: Exp. w/ad sales, traffic, programming, production, rights mgmt. and requirements gathering. Use case development a plus. Apply to: thammack@edgets.com (12/12)

JOB OPENING: AFFILIATE MKTG MGR/NY: Spanish-fluent mgr to dvlp affil materials incl. cross-channel, web, VOD, etc. Direct agencies, support sales staff, mng budget, US Hispanic mktg experience req. EOE nyc_jobs@univision.net (12/11)

JOB OPENING: SR SCHED./Discovery/MD:Resp for sched daytime/manage acquisitions process. Min 3yrs exp in scheduling, programming, research. Apply: www.discovery.com #8386. No relo. (12/10)

JOB OPENING: SR DIRECTOR of SALES/Vancouver, Canada: Bus development & key account mngmnt; knwldg of LA Film business & North American post production communities. 10 yrs exp in sales/mktg. Apply to: info@mediaintelligence.ca (12/10)

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WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RLR Associates Ltd. seeks intern w/interest in Sports & Ent with strong creative & writing skills. Rsch./writng/broadcast reels/website updates/mkting. 2-3 days/wk Resume to Bella: bbelsky@rlrassociates.net (12/10)

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 trish@cynopsis.com

SITUATION WANTED: WRITER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR guts+passion+excellence! tons o’ experience connecting w/all kinds of audiences, all media. FREE COPY @ https://freebeaaron.wordpress.com contact: baaron001@nyc.rr.com (12/16)
 
SITUATION WANTED: SHOWRUNNER + DIRECTOR: Exceptional Emmy-winning visual storyteller, multihyphenate. From concept to delivery, expert in story, production, post. Reality/nonfic, docudrama, docs. georgetz@adelphia.net 310.450.8272 (12/16)

SITUATION WANTED: Experienced, MEDIA SALES MARKETING RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL, well-versed & superior in all analytic, presentation, oral & written communications areas with Ad Agency, Rep & Consulting background. jmaffia@rcn.com (12/16)

SITUATION WANTED: EXP. PRODUCER/WRITER/FIELD DIRECTOR:  Non-Scripted. NBC, Discovery, VH1, CMT, TLC, E!, CNN; Field and Post; Excellent Story Teller; Compelling interviewer; 3 Emmy Noms. LA based, will travel. ophelial@earthlink.net (12/16)

SITUATION WANTED: INNOVATIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR:Award winning and highly creative. Major network experience, across all genres: Childrens, Youth, Reality, Lifestyle. In NY but will travel. View reel & CV: www.kirstynordal.com (12/16)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR (NY) Ultra creative, vast experience, all genres, all networks, reality, major cable, award winning and fun! andyandagatha@gmail.com (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: INTERNAT’L TV DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION VP available for immediate offshore placement. VP US studio experience in format sales, sit-com, drama, telenovela series development/production. Contact: info@tnypco.com (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: Over 200 industry awards.creative director/director advertising, digital content & broadcast. Available for freelance or perm. Reel & resume: www.jillsalvino.com or contact jillsalvino@aol.com (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA PLANNER/BUYER/SUP with 15 years exp(Broadcast/Print/Online)available for permanent/temporary assignments. Tampa/ATL/LA based. Call 941-224-9302or email me at Christopher.Neer@yahoo.com (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: FREELANCE AP/COORDINATING PRODUCER/RESEARCHER. Possess solid project mgmt, R & D, production, licensing skills.13 yrs exp. Credits incl.films that won DuPont, Sundance, Emmy awards.email: fglawns@gmail.com (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/SHOOTER w/ exp. in casting, field & post production seeks employment as an associate, field or segment producer. Past credits include MTV, ESPN, CBS & ABC.  Email at alissa.horowitz@gmail.com (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: Shooting in NY? Need a great PRODUCTION ASSISTANT? For trained, experienced and motivated PA’s who are certified by the NYC Mayor’s Office call the MINY hotline 24/7 at 718-757-5816. Our service is FREE. (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: MKTG/ADV/PROMOTIONS/NYC prof w/exp in ent & TV seeks opp. w/ agency/network/prod. company. Skills: Web Analytics,SEM, Event Prod., Premiums,Re-branding.Email: nycmarketingpro211@yahoo.com (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: EXCEPTIONAL MARKETING PRO adept at strategy, project management & implementation, whatever needed. Good thinking! Smart, savvy, hands-on, good humor. Freelance, part- or full-time. powerful.marketing@gmail.com (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: Creative and professional AVID AND FCP EDITOR with 9+ years experience in broadcast, promos, and documentaries looking to add to his NYC-area client base. Reel at www.chrisguido.net . Contact chris@chrisguido.net (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: DOCUMENTARY PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER in L.A. Five prime time Emmy Awards. National Geographic on NBC and PBS. Discovery, History Channel and MSNBC. Contact email: Nyehouse@sbcglobal.net (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: TV DEVELOPMENT EXEC: nonfiction programming, with hits airing now, seeks Manager/Director position at Prod. co. or Network. Most recently was Manager at a Prod. co. (LA based, but would relocate) tvdevexec@gmail.com (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIRECTOR-20+ yrs media, Nielsen, Hisp, & sales experience. Let me be your “Remote RD” for competitive, one-sheets, breakouts, Nielsen probs, etc. Avail – contract basis. Email: ericadlerresearch@gmail.com (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: MKTG CONSULTANT/FREELANCE/NY professional w/ 15+ yrs exp sales/ mktg/sponsorship/product placement in entertainment industry & family/kid oriented universe seeks FT/PT or proj based. kellyfederny@yahoo.com (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: TONY NOM. B’WAY PROD/THEATRE CONSULT/ACQUIS. & DEV./NYC 30+ yrs exp. in theatre. Superb theatre/film/TV contacts seeks FT or Consulting Position w/Studio/Prod Co. looking for properties. Contact: sugolden@earthlink.net (12/11)

SITUATION WANTED: ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/NY: With extensive experience in advertising, film, , and web. Proficient with Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, MS office. Will Travel. www.jlr-media.com (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: ORIGINATIVE KIDS TV PRODUCER/DIRECTOR/EDITOR w/ 18+ yrs hands-on exp. Seeks agent & TV/new media projects. Credits: PBS Kids (Buster, Fetch!, Zoom), History, CBS, BBC. Screen reels & CV: http://www.alangrazioso.com (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: FIELD PRODUCER/ DIRECTOR: Docusoap, Makeover, Lifestyle Infotainment,Feature Doc formats. Resonant leader, excellent director/ writer, strong storyteller and showrunner. 8+ yrs. Will travel. Johanna@JoVanders.com (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: MKTG/ADVERTISING/PROMOTIONS/NYC professional w/exp in entertainment & TV seeks opp. w/ agency/network/prod. company. Skills: Web Analytics, SEM, Event Prod., Premiums, Re-branding. Email: nycmarketingpro211@yahoo.com (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: UPFRONT FREELANCER/PROJ MGR with 15+ cable TV mktg experience. Can also help with ad sales, consumer and affil mktg related projects inc. promotions, sweeps, events, proposals, trade shows. peapod@nyc.rr.com (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIRECTOR, network experience (ad sales/prog/mktg), sales estimate expert, all Nielsen software, MRI, MS suite, supervisory exp., references. Full-time or consulting. tombumbera@comcast.net (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: ASSOC MEDIA DIRECTOR 15+ years exp. with most media. Strong overall background particularly b-2-b and retail. Agency or client side, also consider vendor-side mktg position. ditmars1929@aim.com (12/10)

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