A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE/ROGERS MUSICSTORE CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK

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Cynopsis: Kids!

02/19/08

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, February 19, 2008, and this is your first early morning briefing.

Nickelodeon is developing a live-action Dora the Explorer primetime TV movie.  Based, of course, on the Nick Jr. animated series, Dora the Explorer, the live-action TV movie will feature CG special effects.  The network will launch a nationwide search for an actress to play the young Latina in her live-action TV debut.

Imagi studios’ taps Timothy Harris to pen the screenplay for its upcoming CG animated movie AstroBoy.  Harris has written a number of movies including, Space jam, Kindergarten Cop, Twins and Trading Places, among others, as well as serving as producer on Falling Down.  Slated for release in 2009, the AstroBoy movie is being directed by David Bowers.

The Brothers McLeod’s new animated short-form series Pedro and Frankensheep (10×5) begins airing on CBBC (UK) next week, per Jerry Beck’s Cartoon Brew.  Last month the CBBC.com offered a sneak look at the series (sadly, only if you are in the UK) about Pedro, a really smart Bolivian guinea pig, and his robot.  The series is created, produced and co-written by the McLeod’s (Greg and Myles) and Phil Cooper. 

CYNOPSIS KIDS GOES TO THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR 2008 …

Toei Animation Co., Ltd. appoints FUNimation Entertainment as its North American licensing and merchandising agent for its animated adventure series One Piece.  In addition to managing home entertainment and theatrical distribution for the series and its films, FUNimation is at Toy Fair inking partnerships in key licensing categories, including toys and games and collectible figures based on the characters and series.  One Piece continues to air in the US Saturday evenings on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block.  Additionally, today marks FUNimation’s release of the DVD, One Piece Movie 8  the Desert Princess and the Pirates Adventures in Alabasta.

Storm Hawks, the original 3D animated series from Nerd Corps Entertainment that airs on Cartoon Network, has completed several new retail pacts and partnerships:

• Under a deal with WizKids, a Storm Hawks PocketModel trading card game (TCG) will be available in 2009;
• Storm Hawks has signed new North American licensees: In addition to master toy partner Spin Master, which debuted its new line last month in North America, agent MGM Consumer Products has signed licensee for summer/fall 2008 including C-Life (apparel), Elegant Headwear (hats/caps), Hobbico Corporation (3D Puzzles) and Weisner Products (Footwear).
• Internationally, Storm Hawks has signed new licensing agents including: RMP Licensing (France and French speaking territories); Exim Licensing (Mexico, Central and South American, Caribbean); Haven Licensing (Australia, New Zealand); Empire Multimedia (Asia, excluding Japan, Korea, India and China), as well as Kidz Entertainment (Nordic Territories, Eastern Europe and CIS), among others.
• MGM has inked a deal with Brandgenuity, product licensing/merchandising agency, for the US.  In Canada, Segal Licensing will lead the licensing/merchandising effort.
• A promotion for the property is currently running in the US at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants, where storm Hawks premiums are available with purchase of the Cool Kids Combos.

Screenlife, LLC, creator of Scene It? The DVD Game, and Mattel introduce the 2008 lineup of Scene It? editions at Toy Fair.  The new games include: with partner Warner Bros. Consumer Products comes Scene IT? Deluxe Seinfeld Edition; Scene It? Deluxe Disney Channel Edition; and Scene It? Disney and Music Editions To Go!  All four games are scheduled to be available at retail this fall 2008.

Bandai America Inc, showcases a myriad of action figures, electronics, role-play and tech toys this week:

• A new line of Digimon toys (boys 4-8) is set for fall 2008, produced by Toei Animation, the series is currently in its fifth season and airs on Toon Disney’s Jetix block.
• Based on Cartoon Network’s there is a new Ben 10 toy line featuring alien figures (4-inch), DNA Alien Heroes, Alien action figures, Kevin’s action cruiser, Ominitrix Illuminator and Ultimate Ominitrix among other products.
• Power Rangers returns for its 16th year with a toy line based on the new Power Rangers Jungle Fury series, which debuts this week on Toon Disney’s Jetix block and will also air Saturday on ABC Kids.  The new Power Rangers Jungle Fury line begins rolling out fall 2008 and includes, a kid-sized wearable Mission Helmet that connects online to download role-play missions, and other products.
• The new Tamagotchi Connection V5 “Familitchi”
• Dragon Ball Z also returns with products including the Blue Dragon action figures, based on the Japanese role-play video game

Jakks Pacific inks a North American license agreement with Discovery Commerce, the direct-to-consumer division of Discovery Communications, to develop/distribute/market a line of pet products based on the Animal Planet brand.  The line, which hit retail spring 2008, will be marketed through Jakks Pets division.

MORE KIDS STUFF

It’s a bouncing baby ad network… as Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group grows its parent information online footprint with the acquisition of the Babunga, a network of sites for expecting parents, including babynamesworld.com, 3dpregnancy.com and wikiparentings.com, among others.  Babunga.com will live under Nickelodeon’s newly established ad network ParentsConnect, anchored by Nickelodeon’s existing www.parentsconnect.com .  The new ad network offers marketers a one-stop way to reach parents, including those expecting.  ParentsConnect.com currently includes a range of parent-focused sites such as parentpreviews.com, baby-gaga.com, greatschools.net and smartmomma.com.  Each month ParentsConnect features a celebrity guest editor, with Chandra Wilson (Grey’s Anatomy) taking on that role for February.

In other online ad network news, GoFish Corporation launches an entertainment distribution network aimed at kids/young adults, the GoFish Networks, which the company reports will reach 17.4 million online users in the US.  The GoFish ad network is comprised of Miniclip.com, CartoonDollEmporium.com (aimed at Girls 6-16), Cookie Jar Entertainment, GameGecko.com and Hallpass.com, Piczo.com, Whyville.net, Arcadetown.com and Flowgo.com, as well as its own GoFish.com.  GoFish Network’s first advertisers includes Activision, Build A Bear, Cartoon Network, Disney, EA, Hewlett Packard, Kellogg’s, Konami, Lego, Microsoft, Nintendo, Random House, Sony and Verizon Wireless.

Disney’s Southeast Asian subsidiary The Walt Disney Co. Pte. Ltd. plans to increase its investment ($200+ million) in UTV Software Communications Limited (UTV), an Indian TV and software company, to 32.1%.  Disney acquired a smaller percentage of UTV from its founder and Chairman Ronnie Screwvala in 2006, and then UTV’s Hungama kids TV network.  The move is subject to the usual regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Germany’s KI.KA and European Film Partners (EFP) of the Netherlands have signed on to become co-production partners on Chloe’s Closet (52×11), the new animated preschool fantasy/discovery series from Mike Young Productions (MYP).  EFP will also now serve as distribution agent on a range of MYP and MoonScoop-produced shows in Benelux, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.  KI.KA and EFP join MYP and co-producers S4C, Trickompany, Animation Dimension, and Telegael on Chloe’s Closet, which will be created at studios in Wales, Germany, India, and Ireland.

MARKETING/LICENSING

Jetix Europe expands its relationship with Oxbow, a manufacturer of snow and surf apparel, to support Oxbow Kid’s Week Winter Tour 2008, which focuses on kids (16 and under) in extreme winter sports, in France, Germany and Sweden.  Previously, Jetix and Oxbow have teamed on events in France.  Under the new deal Jetix will have branded signage, logos at the Oxbow events and Kids Week material in France, Germany and Sweden.  The participating Jetix channels will also develop microsites and organize an online sweepstakes, as well as supporting it via on-air promos.

New apparel and accessory lines based on Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Underdog and Rocky & Bullwinkle will be available at retailer Steve & Barry’s under a deal between Classic Media and Bullwinkle Studios.  Beginning spring 2008 the line, including products for men and juniors, will launch at select Steve & Barry’s stores in the US, with additional products in a range of categories for men, women, kids and infants set to roll out there after.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Jetix Europe ups Dan Frugtniet to the new position of Regional Licensing Manager/Central and Eastern European (CEE) markets.  Frugtniet will be responsible for licensing the Jetix brand, programs and characters as well as setting up new deals across home entertainment, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), clothing and toys.  Additionally, he will also work with Jetix sales and marketing to offer clients specially created packages. Reporting to Maciej Bral, Managing Director/CEE and ME region, with a dotted line to Richard Woolf, Director/International Licensing, JCP and Tina Lorenzo Director/International Home Entertainment, JCP.

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Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  In the computer-animated film, Madagascar, during the incident at Grand Central Station, Alex, the lion, is tranquilized and enters a psychedelic state. While in that state, what song does he hear?  THE CANDY MAN  Kudos to only one:  Alex Dale-Direct Talent/Studio City, CA

Today’s Trivia Question: In a TV ad from the 70’s who was it that donned a banana suit and promoted Bic Banana Ink Crayons?   ( 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!
02.19.08

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

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JOB OPENING: MGR.ON-AIR PROMO PRODUCTION/LIFETIME TV/LA: Must have solid TV on-air promo exp. and knowledge of post-production technologies and digital file management. Apply to: [email protected]  (2/26)

JOB OPENING:  SR.WRITER PRODUCER/LIFETIME TV/LA: Conceptualize, write and produce on-air and radio promos. Must have demonstrated exp. within cable or broadcast network.   Apply to: [email protected] (2/26)

JOB OPENING:  CREATIVE DIRECTOR/LIFETIME TV/LA: Must have extensive exp. in on-air promos within cable or network and demonstrated editorial expertise. Apply to: [email protected] (2/26)

JOB OPENING:  PR COORDINATOR/FOODNETWORK/NY:  Work w/ PR Mgr to provide market press support for select primetime series; develop support materials & select show releases. 1-3 yrs exp PR/related. Apply at: www.scrippsnetworks.com   (2/26)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR & AE SALES POSITIONS (NY, LA, Chicago)/Arena Media Networks: Exciting opportunity to join quickly growing digital placed based media company in sports & entertainment arenas.Contact: [email protected] (2/23)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF PRODUCTION (ADMIN)/Wash D.C: Dir prod multiple TV series: schedules, budgets, crews, equip, deliverables. Upbeat /detail oriented. Exp w/ 3+ series, 5+ yrs prod mgmt. Ltr/ Res: [email protected] (2/23)

JOB OPENING:  ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/CABLEVISION/WOODBURY NY:  Seeks AE for local ad sales.2+ yrs ad sales exp. pref cable tv, radio, internet adv.  Valid NY DL.  See full posting and apply to www.cablevision.jobs req 4047BR (2/23)

JOB OPENING:  ONLINE REVENUE MGR/Discovery Communications /Miami:  Mgmt of online ad campaign, SEO exp req’d, Lat Am mkt knwldg, ROI Analysis, campaign budgets, media plans, staff mgmt. Resume to: [email protected]  (2/23)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES RSCH ANALYST/Oxygen/NYC: 2+ yrs data analysis exp using Nielsen softwares and other sales tools. Att to detail a must. . www.nbcunicareers.com #803511 (2/23)

JOB OPENING: REGIONAL NAT’L SALES MGR/KSBI-TVDT, OKC: Proven success record & 5+yrs exp working regn’l /nat’l accts. Knwlg of Nielsen ratings & effective/creative pckgng strategies a must. Some travel req’d. Res to: [email protected] (2/22)

JOB OPENING: SR SYSTEM ANALYST: Act as Sales liaison for sys reqments, issues & support, EDI, troubleshoot, train, test, proj mgmt, EDI coord, & wk w Donovan for VAN (Value Added Ntwrk). Apply: www.disneycareers.com Req 135147 EOE (2/22)

JOB OPENING: ACCT MGR-NAT’L SALES/BET/New York,NY: Cable salesperson w/strong presentation skills. Comfortable w/multi-platform & integrated opps.Sales/agencyexp. req’d. Email: [email protected] (2/22)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLAN’R/BET/NY: Prepare Sales Plans, Mng mult Accts, 2 yrs exp in Cable Sales or buying a must.Detailed-oriented, org’d, multitasker, exc comm & math skills, BA req. Email resume: [email protected] (2/22)

JOB OPENING: EXEC DIR PROD/ GSN, The Network for Games/ SANTA MONICA: Report to VP Prog. 10 yrs. exp in Prod incl 5 yrs exp Line Prod. BA/BS degree in related field. Send Res/Cov Letter: [email protected] (2/22)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXEC/ Ovation TV/New York: Immediate opening for 5+yrs exp professional. Heavy client/planning selling; seek new business/create marketing platforms tailored for client’s needs Apply: [email protected] (2/22)

JOB OPENING:  SALES PLANNER/OvationTV/1NYC/1LA:   Prep/update client proposals. Asst establishing TV/media orders. Rsch client spending/brand analysis Process orders, handle fin. credit process. BA/BS resume: [email protected] (2/22)

JOB OPENING: TV PROD MGR/Chi: Produce creative programming for TV & other platforms. Creative problem solving & mgmt ability within fast moving, multi-tasking station group that breaks the mold every day. [email protected] (2/22)

JOB OPENING: AFFIL/BE PROMO PROD/Sundance Ch/NY: 5 yrs exp;manage branded ent prod; supervise affiliate mktg, VOD & multiplatform deliverables. Able to coord multiple projects w/ tight deadlines. Res: [email protected] (2/21)

JOB OPENING: CONTENT MGR, INTL DIGITAL, MTV/NY: 3+ yrs new media exp. Manage Nick/Comedy content & secure for int’l distrib. Strong comms, project mgmt, content mgmt systems. Apply: www.mtvncareers.com . EOE/M/F/D/AAP (2/21)

JOB OPENING: MGR NEW MEDIA RSRCH/E!, Style & G4/LA: BA 3+ yrs exp w/ new media analytics tools Report web, brdband, mobile & VOD usage/trends Exp w NetView, Site Census/Google Analytics & Rentrak pref’d [email protected] (2/21)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, RESEARCH/E!, Style & G4/LA: BA 5+ yrs media research experience w/proficiency in Nielsen systems required. Apply: www.cegjobs.com or [email protected] (2/21)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR-APP DEV. SALES & TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS/CT (Fairfield County): Radio exp. Preferred. PMI cert. a plus. Project planning, rollout planning, support planning.   Resume to:  [email protected]   (2/21)

JOB OPENING: MGR, PLNG & OPS/DIRECTV/NY: Will plan and conduct thorough, accurate analyses in support of company wide pricing and inventory initiatives. For immediate consideration, please send resume to: [email protected]  (2/21)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLNR/DIRECTV/NY: This position supports our AD Sales Group with their sales efforts and manages accounts on a day-to-day basis. For immediate consideration, please send resume to: [email protected]  (2/21)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/The Knot Inc/NY: Presale research, prepare RFP, manage inventory, competitive industry analysis. 2-3 yrs. Interactive media exp. pref. Email Resume/Salary: [email protected] (subject Sales Planner).  (2/21)

JOB OPENING: VP, STRATEGY & RSRCH/HowStuffWorks/IL: Lead team resp for executing initiatives to max website traffic & search engine exposure, creation of content roadmap & optimizing digital bus. opps. See howstuffworks .com/jobs (2/21)

JOB OPENING: VP/AD OPS/HowStuffWorks/ATL: Seeking strong individual for achieving rev objectives mthly, campgn mgmt, sev other duties. See www.howstuffworks.com for more info. (2/21)

JOB OPENING: COORD, PRICING & PLANNING/STYLE-Comcast Nets/NY: 1+ yr industry exp; Resp for tracking inventory, processing MSA posting, oversee EDI & supporting sales staff. Apply: www.comcast.com 60506BR EEO/AA/Drug Free (2/20)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF MARKETING/LA: entertainment research co: Implement marketing/PR to sell full line of prod/serv. Degree+min 5 yrs mrktng mgmt w/PR exp Resume/salary hist to  h ttp://www.epollresearch.com/corp/aboutus/careers.view (2/20)

JOB OPENING: COUNSEL /iN DEMAND/NYC:  Contract management, copyright & trademark, standards & practices. JD plus 3 yrs cable/entertainment.  Reply:  [email protected] (2/20)

JOB OPENING: ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/Cablevision/Wall, NJ: Seeks AE for local ad sales.2+ yrs ad sales exp. pref cable tv, radio, internet adv.  Valid NJ DL.  See full posting and apply to www.cablevision.jobs req 5068BR (2/20)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAMMING MGR/TLC/LA: Provide support on range of projects in dev & prod for primetime incl. reviewing materials, cuts, managing production, etc. 5 yrs exp. broadcast/cable. Apply: www.discovery.com , #7657  (2/20)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAMMING COORD/TLC/LA: Track/maintain cuts, treatments, show materials, in various stages of dev. & prod. Liaise w/outside prod. companies. 2 yrs exp. in broadcast/cable. Apply: www.discovery.com , #7658  (2/20)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCTION  PRODUCTION COORDINATOR(Freelance) AETN, Stamford, CT: Work closely with Production Management to support fast-paced production department. M-F, 9-5 – very administrative. Apply: [email protected] (2/20)

WINTER AND 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: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAIL/News Channel 8/MyTV9-New Haven. CT: Now hiring interns for 5 depts, news, sports, mktg/community, mktg rsch and web prod. Deadline to apply is April 1st. Contact [email protected] (2/26)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RESEARCH INTERNSHIP/Hallmark Channel/LA: Avail immed. Learn about cable television, ratings and programming. Must take for class credit. Available now! Email resume to [email protected] (2/23)

SPRING INTERNSHIP  CREDITS ONLY: PR /NYC: Boutique agency (kids TV, toys, CE, licensing) seeks smart, mature, highly-organized, communications-oriented intern. College JRs or SRs only. Apply to [email protected] (2/21)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN/LA: Opportunity to learn about publicity via our arts and entertainment clients. Write, pitch and brainstorm with our team. Send resume, cover letter and writing sample to [email protected]  (2/20)

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

SITUATION WANTED:  SHOWRUNNER/FIELD PRODUCER/WRITER: 10+ years producing for MTV, VH1, FUSE. Expertise in Celebrity Interview, Lifestyle, Entertainment News, Bio, Clip, and Reality genres. [email protected] / www.markmarraccini.com (2/21) 

SITUATION WANTED:  Emmy Award Winning TV PRODUCER seeking exec/mgmt or producer position with production company or network. Background includes talk, reality and game. [email protected] (2/21) 

SITUATION WANTED:  EXPERIENCED PA: LA based Film/TV/Music PA available for serious work Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun’s. Knowledgeable, Tech-Savvy, Detail-Oriented & Professional. Contact: [email protected] (2/21) 

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.