Cynopsis: DIGITAL
01.22.13

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, January 22, 2013, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

43% of pay-TV subscribers have used a TV Everywhere service, according to a new study from GfK Media, by way of a report from Multichannel News. What’s holding pay-TV customers back from greater adoption? Well, for one, the entire process of authenticating their TV subscriptions. Among those who have watched TV programming online, 70% said the authentication process would probably deter them from using a TV Everywhere service. Among the other findings from the survey of over 1,000 people, TV networks/programmers are currently doing better than MSOs and other providers when it comes to consumer adoption of their TV Everywhere offerings. The findings show that 37% of those who have ever viewed TV content online, watched it through a network’s app or website. On the other hand, only 30% of those surveyed indicated watching TV programming through a cable operator or TV distributor’s online portal. How important is TV Everywhere in regards to customer retention? Among those who use TV Everywhere services, 65% of respondents said the services were inconsequential in determining whether to keep their current provider, while 25% said it made them more likely to keep their current provider.

Content Television, a division of Content Media Corporation, is set to open up Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn to international buyers at NATPE 2013 later this month. The live-action drama, which is based on Microsoft’s popular Halo video game franchise, originally aired on Machinima in the US. This was in advance of the Halo 4 launch for the Xbox 360 in November 2012. Produced by Microsoft Studios and 343 Industries, Halo 4: Forward Unto Down is available as one 90-minute feature or a five-episode series for broadcast and online platforms. Content Television owns worldwide distribution rights across broadcast, online, VOD, and home entertainment platforms. The only exception to this is North America, in which Content only holds broadcast rights.

Spike TV has tapped Evolve Media Corp.’s male lifestyle digital property, CraveOnline, for a 12-week campaign to promote the network’s MMA product, Bellator. The partnership centers on a custom-built web destination under the CraveOnline umbrella. This branded section is home to the latest MMA articles, videos, and a weekly interactive fighter bracket that lets fans pick a winner in each weight class.

Digital film distributor SnagFilms has raised $6 million from existing backers like Ted Leonsis (who also happens to be the start-up’s Founder and Chairman), New Enterprise Associates, Comcast, and Terry Semel. New investor CNF Investments, an affiliate of Clark Enterprises, also participated in the round. SnagFilms operates a free, ad-supported digital video service that offers access to over 4,000 independent films to watch on smartphones, tablets, and connected TVs. It also distributes content to other video services like Hulu and Comcast’s Xfinity TV. The start-up hopes to use the new cash toward expanding its library to 5,000 titles by mid-2013, as well as growing its reach by developing support for new devices and platforms.

Social video networking start-up Keek has raised $18 million in new funding led by AGF Investments, Pinetree Capital, and Plazacorp Ventures, with additional participation from Cranson Capital. Keek is a video-based social network that allows users to quickly shoot, edit, and share short video clips. Keek says its experiencing “explosive growth” in Europe, the Middle East, and South America (“200,000 new users joining daily”), on top of its existing presence in the US, UK, and Australia. In fact, Keek says it’s registered 6 million new users in the past 30 days alone. The start-up says it will use the new funds to accelerate new feature releases, develop support for more platforms, and expand infrastructure to meet growing international demand. The service has also received the support of a number of recognized names in pop culture, including members of the Kardashian family, singer Adam Lambert, rapper 2 Chainz, and actress Victoria Justice. Very much in the vein of an Instagram, it’ll be interesting to see how Keek eventually monetizes its video offering. Which, if it’s anything like Facebook or Twitter, will come by way of sponsored ads embedded into a user’s content stream.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM NATPE

Social curation platform Mass Relevance has launched The Mosaic. Designed for retailers and brands, the new platform mixes curated content from multiple social media sources, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and YouTube, with editorial brand content. It then displays it all via an interactive grid, which can be embedded on any site, page, or other “digital endpoint” of the brand’s choice. All of the content in The Mosaic is also, of course, socially shareable from directly within the grid. Mass Relevance says The Recording Academy and Pepsi are among the first brands to sign up to use the new platform. The platform is available to all advertisers.

Smart TV app publisher Flingo and video technology provider Innovid are offering new interactive pre-roll video ad solutions for Smart TVs. To make this possible, Innovid integrated its iRoll video ad formats into Flingo’s interactive TV platform, Samba. The iRoll ad formats allow marketers to insert interactive elements such as games, contest entries, social apps, and coupons, as well as direct response capabilities, into video ads. Samba is built on top of Flingo’s content recognition software, which can identify an ad and then push additional, related content to apps running on the TV or other connected devices in the room. Samba features all of the usual interactive/second-screen TV features, including additional cast and crew info, polls, quizzes, check-ins, and an array of social functions.

In its assessment of the major trends coming out of this year’s CES, StoryTech — a partnership between World of Schwartz and The Opportunity Management Company that’s focused on “informed collaboration between storytellers and technology companies” — designated 2013 as “The Year of Lifestyle Tech.”  In other words, “today’s consumer lives and breathes new digital tools, with cloud-based technologies, smartphones, and ubiquitous screen-based content helping to guide them,” says the StoryTech team. This “lifestyle tech” is then influencing consumers’ daily lives via multiple social channels and digital touch-points, which keep people connected with each other. “Today’s storytelling, whether by content creators, brands, or consumers, is enabled by technology as never before,” the StoryTech team continues in its CES trends report. It’s this interdependent relationship — between storytellers and tech companies — that is and will be the driving force behind how consumers experience content. With that mind, here are some video-relevant CES trends that demonstrate this notion of lifestyle tech:

• Discovery: “It’s no longer about how you’re going to find content but how it’s going to find you. The reality is, the content most consumers find and interact with is shifting to what surfaces in their social space, not specific destinations or site. This means content is being distributed ‘node-to-node.'” StoryTech highlighted several developments that are emblematic of this shift to prioritizing content discovery, including Nielsen’s Twitter TV Ratings product and Apple’s hints at an upcoming Siri-powered Apple TV product.
• Mobile: “What have traditionally been off-line experiences are now two-way engagements with a mobile layer pivotal to delivering a direct response. Content providers have begun to incorporate mobile executions into on-air programming and events to create real-time viewing demand.” Looking ahead, as mobile connectivity issues are straightened out at major venues and stadiums, the StoryTech team forecasts that mobile will begin to deliver an “essential and expected second-screen service that materially enhances the content experience itself.”
• Fluid Content: Viewers are becoming their own programmers, according to StoryTech. They’re choosing the device, time, and place they want to watch content. Due to this “fluid content” behavior, “the screen no longer has walls and the cloud-based content becomes ‘smart,’ adapting to its device and user,” says StoryTech. The viewer will then look to program from multiple trusted content providers, shifting from screen to screen “based on need and context.”
• Independent Content Creation: This trend is “creating new development pipelines along with new business models for production, distribution, and media sales. Web series are now high value content whose budgets now include the costs of media buying.”

2012 was a great year for CNN Digital. The division is highlighting the latest comScore Media Metrix numbers that show CNN Digital leading most other digital newsgathering and reporting operations in terms of unique visitors per month. Ranking second behind the ABC/Yahoo news partnership, CNN’s digital properties averaged 62 million unique visitors per month in 2012. That doubles the reach of Fox News Digital (31 million per month) and The New York Times (29 million per month), while also staying ahead of the Huffington Post Media Group (60 million per month), NBC News Digital (57 million per month), and CBS News (40 million per month). On the video front, CNN Digital says it served up more than 92 million average monthly global video starts in 2012. And live events led the charge as pretty much every video in CNN Digital’s top 10 videos of 2012 (in terms of video starts) was related to a live event or a breaking news story.

Don’t forget to join Cynopsis Digital and a terrific group of experts on January 24 for our Webinar, Capitalizing on Mobile Video: Strategies & Tactics to Drive Revenue. For more information and to register, click here.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Coogan Auto is a new web series from comedian and actor Rob Riggle and Principato-Young Entertainment airing on Electus’ pop culture YouTube channel, Loud. Starring Riggle and fellow comedian and actor JB Smoove, the scripted comedy focuses on a car dealership that’s owned by a womanizing, alcoholic man-child named Jerry Coogan (Riggle). The show follows the antics of Coogan, his best friend (Smoove), and the employees at the dealership as they make one bad decision after another. Riggle and Smoove also serve as the show’s Executive Producers.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Editor for Cynopsis Digital
01.22.13

Denise O’Connor: Group Publisher, Media Entertainment
Diane K Schwartz: Senior Vice President, Media Communications Group

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JOB OPENING: MGR, PRICING & PLANNING/Fox Sports Media Group/NY: 3-5 yrs Media Ad Sales, planning or research req. Reporting & forecasting. Must have exp w/Ad Sales Systems, Excel, analytical & math skills req. http://bit.ly/W7CgFD (1/29)

JOB OPENING: MGR, AFFILIATE RELATIONS & PROMOTION/NBCUniversal/Stamford, CT: Relations & promo contact for 4 NBC produced shows. Exp.w/TV syndication req; affiliate relations desired. www.nbcunicareers.com Job#8455BR (1/29)

JOB OPENING: ADV (ONLINE TRAFFIC) ACCT MGR (86025BR) & DIGITAL PLANNER (86025BR)/ABC Owned/NY: For more info & to apply: www.disneycareers.com or forward resume to: [email protected] (1/29)

JOB OPENING: WRITER PRODUCER/THE WEATHER CHANNEL/ATL: 5+ years industry related exp. Resp for concept development, writing, production & proj mngt of creative on-air promo & campaigns for network. Resume to: [email protected] (1/29)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, AD SLS RESEARCH/Vh1/NY: 5+yrs rsch exp, proficient in Nielsen systems, MRI, Lake 5, Support P&I needs, Develop unique rsch metrics & methods of measurement, EOE/M/F/D/AAP. www.viacomcareers.com (1/29)

JOB OPENING: DIR, RSCH/Turner/ATL: 8+ yrs media rsch &/or plan’g exp. Media agency exp pref’d & Strong knwldg of rsrch systems such as NPower, IMS, Adviews, MEMRI. Resume: http://bit.ly/WbRgCu (1/29)

JOB OPENING: TV MARKETING MGR/THE WEATHER CHANNEL/ATL: 3-5 yrs marketing, implement & execute TV mrktng strategy & increase audience reach & engagement. Strategic creation to mrktng plan execution.Resume to: [email protected] (1/26)

JOB OPENING: MGR, RESEARCH/TV: San Fran/Marin: Manage teams of rsrchrs/APs thru fast paced envir, strong pre-pro exp, work close w/supervising producers, multi-shows, BA deg, 5 + yrs TV exp. CV to: [email protected] (1/26)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCT MANAGER, SHOW/Fox Broadcasting/LA: Create, manage & deliver engaging web, social & mobile experiences. BA, 5-7 yrs exp . Creative & technically adept. Scrum/network TV exp a plus. http://bit.ly/XF18GQ (1/26)

JOB OPENING: DIR, POST PROD/Leftfield Pictures/NY: Oversee all NY-based Post Ops.Overseeing mult shows, dvlpng workflows, hiring/mngng a lrg staff. Must be profic in Avid. Min 3-5 yrs as Post Sup. Apply: [email protected] (1/26)

JOB OPENING: NEW BIZ ACCT EXEC DIRECT RESPONSE/DISH Media Sales/NY: Join fast-growing Nat’l sales team. Dvlp NEW DR business. 5+ yrs cable ad sales exp w/relationships & history of new biz dvlpmnt. Resumes: [email protected] (1/26)

JOB OPENING: INTERACTIVE CLIENT SERVICES SPECIALIST/DISH Network NY: Produce interactive broadcast ad campaigns. Detail oriented, strong communication skills. 2-4 yrs creative PM experience. Resumes to: [email protected] (1/26)

JOB OPENING: RSRCH ANALYST/Discovery/NY: Monitors US Hispanic Ntwrks’ ratings & demographic prfrm utilizing Nielsen Media Rsrch systms & syndicated rprts; 4+yrs Media/Ad Sls Rsrch/cable ntwrk or similar; http://careers.discovery.com/#7176 (1/26)

JOB OPENING:  DR SALES ASST/Univision/NY Based: Entry level position. Looking for fast paced, detail oriented individual looking to grow within a newly created division in Ad Sales. Ad Sales experience a plus but not required. [email protected] (1/26)

JOB OPENING: TEMP SCHEDULING ASST/NY: Entry Level: 6 mos proj. Detail/Organiz. Respn incld schedule graphics,data entry, operate On-Air database, create #s for TV bugs, Operational/strategic plan’g. Exp. Req. Resume [email protected] (1/26)

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JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, ANIMATION DEV/MARVEL/LA: Lead develop. & current series superv incl post-prod. Exp in scripting process critical. 5+ yrs anim production or development exp required. Apply: [email protected] (1/25)

JOB OPENING: MGR, ANIMATION DEV/MARVEL/LA: Manage develop. & current series superv – dom & intl co-pros. Exp in scripting process critical. 5+ yrs animation exp required. Must read & speak Japanese. Apply: [email protected] (1/25)

JOB OPENING: COORDINATOR, ANIMATION/MARVEL/LA: Supports develop & prod w/distro and compiling of assets/scheds/scripts. 1 yr animation exp required.Apply: [email protected] (1/25)

JOB OPENING: TEMP ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/Studio City: Support dept. with content updates and production for company’s consumer web initiatives. More info & apply: http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/jobs (1/25)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR/Discovery – Ad Sales/NY: Temp Sr Mgr assgnmt for DCI to conduct research & to develop strategies to manage ad sales research. Visit: www.facebook.com/discoverfsg (1/24)

JOB OPENING: MKTG DIR STRGY/DISCOVERY CHANNEL/MD: Drives brand strgy; mngs off-air media plans/partnerships/consumer events; 10+ yrs exp mktg/ad wrkin brdcst/cable ntwrkmktg/ad agency/brand mgmt; http://careers.discovery.com/#6100 (1/24)

JOB OPENING: MGR, AD SALES MKTG/IFC/NYC: execute integrated marketing partnerships, events, promos, and online extensions. Develop sales packages and partner proposals. Digital knowledge a must. 5+ yrs exp. Submit res @ http://tinyurl.com/aowgwt4 (1/24)

JOB OPENING: NETWORK ACCOUNT MANAGER: Manage large cable network client for growing VC backed co. 3+ yrs exp in cable network, pref in sales or pricing. Able to spend signif. time in NY. To Apply: http://www.wideorbit.com/careers/ (1/24)

JOB OPENING: IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST: Travel to clients to implemnt softwre and train usrs. 2+ yrs exp in cable network, pref in sales dept. Able to travel signif. & spend time in NY. To Apply: http://www.wideorbit.com/careers/ (1/24)

JOB OPENING: SR MKTG MGR/Discovery Communications/LA: Dvlp & execute TLC-centric multiplatform, integrated partnership deals for Ad Sls clients; 5+ yrs of relevant integrated mktg exp.http://careers.discovery.com/ #7174 (1/23)

JOB OPENING: AD SLS MKTG MGR/Discovery/NY: Dvlp & execute multi-platform ad sls sponsorships; 5+ yrs ad agency, media sls/mktg, client mktg exp; prod exp preferred; http://careers.discovery.com/#6742 (1/23)

JOB OPENING: MGR FASHION DESIGN/Viacom-Orlando: BA Fashion Design; exp in retail/apparel/consumer prod. Fluent understanding of global fashion/retail landscape. Must have 5-7 yrs of exp; Apply www.viacomcareers.com EOE/M/F/D/AAP (1/23)

JOB OPENING: MGR, INTEGRATED MKTG ENT/NYC: Work with Sales, Prgrmng, Promos, Online & brand creative groups to conceive, write and present multi-platform client integrated mktng prgrms. 4+yrs exp mktg at TV co. Apply: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH05/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=MTVNETWORKS&cws=1&rid=5102 (1/23)

JOB OPENING: MGR, INTEGRATED MKTG/SPIKE/NYC: Work with the dig integrated mktg team to create multi-platform sponsorship packages for assigned Spike properties. Min 4yrs Ad Sales &/or mktg exp. Apply: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH05/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=MTVNETWORKS&cws=1&rid=5103 (1/23)

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER/iNDEMAND/NYC: Conceptualize, write, rough edit and produce through the post production process. BA deg. 2+yrs TV industry. Resumes: to [email protected] (1/23)

JOB OPENING: SR GRAPHIC DESIGNER/iNDEMAND/NYC: Lead dvlpng concepts/layouts for ads in the online and print spaces, collateral pieces, sales kits, posters etc. BFA in Graphic Design. Resumes: to [email protected] (1/23)

JOB OPENING: VP BUS AFFAIRS/ION/NYC: Manage high vol of Content Agrmts, includ Prog Acquisitions, Scripted/NonScripted Develop & Mrktng/Creative Services. 7+ yrs exp w/ent law firm or studio/ntwrk.EEO Apply at [email protected] (1/23)

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].

WINTER INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY: Susan Blond, Inc has Internship opportunities for students & graduates interested in lifestyle, consumer & entertainment PR. MINIMUM of 3 full days per week. Send resume, cover letter to [email protected] (1/25)

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: VP/CREATIVE: Over 15 yrs. of experience. Looking to work with a network, studio, cable group or outside agency. Team building, photo shoots w/talent, entertainment marketing from concept to completion. Contact: [email protected] (1/25)

SITUATION WANTED: DEVELOPMENT PRO/LA BASED: Reality/Docs long/short formats A&E; Bravo; Dis; E!; Fox21; Hist; Logo; MTV; Spike; TLC; VH1; Travel; solid showrunner/prodco/agency/network relationships, runs on batteries! [email protected] (1/23)

SITUATION WANTED: CASTING DIRECTOR with major credits (English & Spanish language). Based in NYC, with locations in LA & Miami. Contact [email protected] www.delvalleproductions.com (1/23)

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